Friday Night Lights 2.02

[bop_radar]

Well, after last week's shock premiere episode I was pretty wary going into this one. To say I was worried about the Landry-Tyra plot was an understatement. But I figured if I'm going to keep watching this season I just need to accept it and see where they take it. I think this episode they handled it with as much sincerity as they could, having taken this direction. And Adrianne Palicki still makes me care about Tyra even though I find what she did abominable. But I could really feel for her when she said she wished it had been her that had killed the man--that would have been more direct, more honest, and I believe her that she doesn't want Landry caught up in this. I'm so glad he called her out on her behaviour and pulled out into the open his feelings for her, because that silence arguably faciliated their conspiracy in the first place. I'm not sure I'm happy about them developing a relationship--it seems destined to crumble when the truth comes out--but I did feel it was emotionally truthful that they would turn to one another.

Tami Taylor broke my heart in this episode. I'm finding her solitary motherhood really tough to watch from a personal perspective, mainly because I think if I'm ever a mother I'll be alone like that. I'm already used to my partner not being here most of the time and can relate to Tami's determination to make that work regardless, but the emotional toll it's taking on her is heartbreaking. I know next to nothing about looking after a baby but the show definitely seems to be pushing the idea that women can't do it alone (but haven't they done so fror years?). Tami had so much of my sympathy that I didn't really have a lot for the science-teacher-turned-counsellor. I know he came to the rescue in the end but I did find his comments and questions invasive. Especially given that he came to her in the first place because of his inability to relate to other people (the kids he was counselling). Grr!

I don't like what Julie's doing but it's (again) emotionally truthful. The break-up scene with Matt was so painfully awkward and so true of teenage communication. She tried to tell the truth when he asked but Matt's going to struggle with this regardless. The plot with the nurse has some potential to be interesting. While it was easy to hate her interfering, bossy ways, I sense that she's going to be a good thing for them at least at some level--she will bring the structure that's been missing from the house in Matt's father's absence.

Loved the Lyla/Riggins stuff, and Jason's tragic dream (it's almost like his optimism is a curse!).

Finally, I was glad there was some actual football (practice at least!) in this ep, and the first glimpse of Coach's new work. I liked that plot and I hope we get to see more of the way he fits (or doesn't fit) into the structure with the new team.

So FNL, I'm still on board, if a little bruised.

Comments

[feliz581.livejournal.com]

Like you, I was nervous about it after last week, with the whole Tyra/Landry deal. Because it just seemed out of the blue for me, when they are usually so "real", I guess? Anyway, at least the aftermath made sense and they didn't just move on with little to no mention of it.

The Tami thing is breaking my heart too, because she is just getting beat down from all sides!

And poor little Matt!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

*nods* The murder is a sharp break from the realism of the show, imo. But the aftermath is working ok for me.

And yes, I want to give Tami and Matt cuddles.