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« Friday Night Lights
Episode Recap: "Let's Get It On"
You mean Landry? Jesse Plemons, Kyle Chandler by Bill Records/NBC
Guest blogger Casey Marsella (Heroes) here! Leah couldn't make it tonight, but I'll do my best to recap this amazing show!
Landry! Landry! Landry!
Jesse Plemons made Dillon (and FNL fans) stand up and cheer tonight. His performance is what I love about this show. I’ve always noticed that the people who seem "out of place" are usually the ones most comfortable in their own skin. Landry used to be the goofy, one-liner sidekick, but he was always sure of himself. Tonight he proved that. His halftime speech was the highlight of the episode: "We can win together or lose alone." It was the perfect lead-in to: Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose!
So, who’s together and who’s alone?
Let’s start with the Taylors. Tami is thrilled to have her husband back, but not enough to give him the "green light." Coach was gently shot down and forced to sleep on the couch so Tami could finally get a good night’s sleep. The next day, the bags under his eyes initiated an unwanted sex talk between him and Mac. "Not now or ever again do I want to hear about you and Susan ridin’ in the saddle."
Julie also tried to take the high road and patch things up with Matt. She offered him a "How are you" and concert tickets. It pained me to watch Matt say yes. Landry stepped in with a repetitive "No" as Julie walked away. Did she really think she could come back and everything would be fine?
Then we have the Three Amigos hanging out in Mexico. Jason wasn’t too happy to see Lyla, all dressed in white and ready to preach. I have to say, I like the born-again storyline for Lyla. Minka Kelly's talent is so much more than a star-crossed, loving cheerleader. Her scene presence always brings out the best in Scott Porter and Taylor Kitsch. This episode proved it. Riggins pleading for Lyla to stay, as he declared himself more of a Christian than her, was priceless. After a conflicted conversation with Jason, he seemed to give up. I freaked when he first jumped into the water, but I knew he’d be OK. How Riggins and Lyla got to land, found a car and drove to him in a matter of minutes is beyond me… but it’s always nice to see them together (even if they did look like they were about to have a drunken threesome in the end). All is well. For now.
Matt Saracen was a pleasant surprise tonight. Zach Gilford is so good in this role. His character finally grew a backbone. It started last week when Matt tackled Smash, but tonight took the chili. His reaction at the coach’s dinner table was unbelievable. Good for him! Matt has so much on his plate and is always underappreciated. I’m glad he finally said what he was thinking. Especially when Julie tried to turn their "not a date" into a date. When she asked why he suddenly couldn’t go, his answer was perfect: "Because I’m still pissed at you." Her apology was too little, too late. He also never gave in to Smash. They agreed they were both wrong, but Smash ultimately apologized for his arrogant behavior. I’m disappointed we didn’t see much of Gaius Charles in this episode. I hope we get more of him and Smash's family next Friday.
The end was full of joy and sadness. Just when Landry‘s heart was full of love and pride, Tyra ripped it out, threw it to the ground and did a Mexican hat dance on it. At first she congratulated him and told him how much he deserved the credit and approval of the town. Did you see their faces? They are both so full of young love; tainted love, but still love. Tyra knew her words had to be harsh. "Do you actually think that in a million years… take a look in the mirror. I don’t know what I was thinking with you. This is over." I cried for Landry. It broke my heart to watch him stare at Tyra in disbelief. I love Andrianne Palicki. She nails every scene. She kept her composure when she broke it off with Landry, but her words tore both their hearts. She really loves him.
I adore this show. It is the best family drama on television. I also think the entire cast, especially Connie Britton, should be nominated this year (last year was insulting).
Keeping with Leah's fashion. I'll leave you with some of the best quotes from tonight's episode — bear with me — this episode was full of great lines!
Matt: "Susan likes the tulips."
Matt: "…I turned the TV on as soon as I heard the word stork."
Tami: "I gotta go pump and dump."
Coach Taylor: "I didn’t have you over here just to eat my chili."
Mindy: "Why's there a cop in my living room?"
Riggins: "I love you and I will knock you out and bring your ass back to Dillon if I have to."
Coach Taylor: "Lance!"
Matt: "You just want to tell him that we kissed and made up and now we’re good?"
Lyla (after kissing both Jason and Tim): "I gotta go pray."
Thanks for letting me sub in! I’ll be back on Monday night for Heroes, and Leah will return next Friday! Hopefully by then, Coach Taylor will have learned Landry’s real name! What do you all think? Comments are always appreciated 
Check out our Online Video Guide for clips, previews and full episodes of Friday Night Lights!
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Nov 2, 2007 11:51 PM
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I love this show even if the plot lines aren't quite as true as last year's incredible rookie season.
The Landry-as-gridiron-hero segment was way too contrived. Take it from me as a one-time high school football benchwarmer: That was the stuff of Hollywood. To go from sweet geek buddy of Matt Saracen last year to surprise off-the-bench football hero the next...eh, doesn't work for me.
But give credit to Jesse Plemons and the highly underrated Adrianne Palicki. Landry's football heroics set up the heartbreak to follow, and it was a masterfully done scene.
I'm glad our guest blogger tossed kudos to Minka Kelly. Her character, and her acting, have grown by leaps and bounds. And she remains one of the most incredibly beautiful young women on television -- it's hard to keep your eyes off her.
As for Coach and Tami, he's back where he should be and she's the character that should win the brilliant and lovely Connie Britton an Emmy.
Hurray for Matt, standing up for himself and teaching Julie a needed lesson.
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Nov 3, 2007 12:23 AM
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Sigh. What a great show. I cried at the end with Tyra, if the writers strike I think this (and Dexter) will be the only thing I will miss.
I don't think Landry's heroics on the football field were contrived-he missed the ball, just made one key tackle. I think the reason I love this show is so much rings true-Julie's diversion to the Swede, the sex after the baby problems etc. The cop/father of Landry was also realistic-not over reacting in a cartoonish way, but just protective and worried.
I love this show-every minute of it.
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Nov 3, 2007 8:24 AM
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Thanks Casey for blogging for Leah. Great blog btw. I love this show. I am so glad Matt told Julie he was still pissed. I love Riggins telling Street he loved him and would knock his ass out and take him back to Dillon.
My heart broke for Landry and Tyra. I really hope this show get nominated for an Emmy, Golden Globe something for gosh sakes!!
Can't get enough!!
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Nov 3, 2007 8:47 AM
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I really want to have chili with coach taylor.... he was really on in this episode... loved seeing the sexually frustrated side haha.
I also was glad to see Landry be the hero, and watch Matts response to it. I loved Landry the first episode, and always wanted him to get more time, glad he is. But now that he has glory, things can only go down hill.
Also glad to see Matt grow some balls in relationship to Julie.
Another great episode!
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Nov 3, 2007 10:28 AM
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Wow...Hi Casey! Excellent blog. You hit all the high (and low) points.
What didn't this episode have? It was uplifting, sad, real, funny. That sex talk between Mac and Eric was just downright uncomfortable and humorous at the same time.
Man, they really are building up Landry to knock him down; and you know he has quite a bit further to get knocked down. I do hope it all comes out in the wash that it was Landry's father that put some of those ideas in Tyra's head (though you have to wonder if she had ever thought that on her own.)
Landry was the high point of this episode for me also. I loved both scenes where Eric kept yelling for "Lance" as well. The poor guy deserves to have his name remembered after what he did for the team last night!
I kind of miss Jason and Tim being around the whole team. I wish that could change, but I think Riggins is going to get further separated from the team before he gets closer (if he does.)
I could go on and on. I usually do not gush about this show (though I am thinking it,) but it really is one of the best dramas I have seen on television. I think it pretty much sucks that they just cannot seem to get the ratings it very much deserves.
Oops, almost forgot. I was almost yelling at the TV because the Dillon coaches were not up in arms about that VERY blatant pass interference at the end of the game. I (being mostly a pro-football fan) started to wonder if they just don't have that call in high school. I was relieved when I saw the yellow flag.
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Edited by jayhawk at 11/03/2007 7:40 AM
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Nov 3, 2007 10:40 AM
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I loved Riggins' response to Lyla's asking if a booze cruise was really what Street needed: "kinda...sorta...yeah...what??"
So what is Lyla doing now besides going to church? Maybe I missed it, but it doesn't seem like she has a job or is going to school or anything post-graduation.
The Taylors are a great couple. It's nice to see them back together full-time again. Everyone raves about Connie Britton (whom I do like), but I think Kyle Chandler does an amazing job of balancing his tough, sullen side with a sort of vulnerable sweetness.
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Nov 3, 2007 10:45 AM
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I would say that this has been my favorite episode so far this season. I know a lot of you seem to be a little disappointed so far, but tonight did remind me of last season. My favorite scene had to be when Tami came in from book club and was laughing about how everyone had a 6 week story.
I loved that at practice Coach saw something in Landry to put him in the team. Is that why he was on the Top 10 list of best High School Football Coaches last year?
I also love every scene that Landry and Tyra are in together. When she basically dumped him, you knew she was heart broken but does anyone honestly expect Landry to just take it. Also does anyone actually realize how much they've been seeing one another?
Yeah for Matt. Glad he stuck it to Julie and to Smash. Didn't like him having a go at coach but I bet he felt better getting it off his chest.
So looking forward to next week.
Great recap Casey.
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Nov 3, 2007 10:59 AM
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One of the best things about this episode is that even with the tensions and heartbreaks, FNL recovered some of its great sense of humor. The Coach/Mrs. Coach scenes, and the calls for "Lance!!!" (now THAT'S a classic high football coach thing)were very funny. Even dour Julie seemed in a better mood -- I think it's cuz her dad is back!
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Nov 3, 2007 12:08 PM
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GREAT recap! Great episode, too, and I do think it's the best of the season thus far. I can't really expound anymore on what has already been said, and I hate to end things on a negative note, but I still find Minka Kelly to be the (very) weak link in this amazing cast. She has hardly improved acting wise and still talks like a baby. She is jarring in an otherwise terrific group of actors.
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Nov 3, 2007 1:42 PM
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Landry, aka Jesse Plemens, gave one of the most memorable and believable performances, to date, on TV, when Tyra, aka A. Palicki, broke up with him. His almost words and the look were so spot on that only someone without a heart would not shed a tear.
If this show and/or members of this cast do not get nominated for Emmys then there is no justice in this award system and no point in even watching the Emmys.
Maybe it's time for the Emmy organization to consider an Emmy for 'cast' separate from the best show Emmy which emcompasses the entire program but is aimed primarily at the producers. There are any number of programs on TV that could certainly benefit from such an award. Besides FNL, there is Lost, certainly an emsemble program and Desperate Housewives (all characters are considered equal on this show) and others I cannot think of right now. At least that way, there wouldn't be any gravitating between who to nominate and who to leave out since an emsemble cast is all inclusive.
Just my humble meanderings. Thanks for reading.
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Nov 3, 2007 1:52 PM
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I really enjoyed this episode but I cannot buy Landry being on the football team. He's a terrific character but he's the comic relief. He's the guy who didn't care about football and was seperate from it. Now all of a sudden he's the star of the team? FNL has always done a great job bringing realism but they have thrown that away with this Disney wish fulfillment storyline. This is as bad as the murder storyline. The only thing making it work are the fantastic performances of Jesse Plemons and Adrianne Palicki. Also, Glenn Morshower is terrific as Landry's father and has been a great new addition to the cast.
Thought everything else was really good, from the trip to Mexico to Mac's conversation with Eric. At its best, it is still the best show on TV.
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Nov 3, 2007 6:55 PM
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Great recap!! I felt the love.
I just want add how much I enjoy the football scenes and seeing the faces of people who weren't even in the episode but having them at the game makes Dillon seem so real me.
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Nov 3, 2007 9:27 PM
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bonniew88- totally agree. One of my favorite parts was when Saracen and Smash finally got put in and Saracen's grandmother says, "Oh look, he's putting in Matthew"...or something to that effect. It was totally realistic.
I felt bad for Landry when Tyra dumped him, but honestly, my heart absolutely broke for Tyra. To have to say things like that to the guy you care about...it just seemed heartbreaking and the way she played it was perfect.
As someone who lives in Texas and sees high school football at its finest this show is so true to reality. It reminds me of my own high school years.
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Nov 3, 2007 11:33 PM
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Great show, as usual. My only bump in the road was the immediate hero worship of Landry. It didn't seem to me that he did that much in the actual game. His speech in the locker room was fantastic, but the radio announcer started giving him kudos with very little actual heroism seen on the field, it seemed to me.
I cannot imagine how anyone wouldn't love Minka Kelly and I think her performance is masterful, not to mention her gentle beauty. Last season her character was badly written, if you ask me, and some people confused the actress with the character. This season her performance as a "baby" Christian is perfect.
The previews showed Saracen lip locked with someone. Can't wait to see who!
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Nov 4, 2007 1:04 AM
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