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« Friday Night Lights
Episode Recap: "Humble Pie"
First, I need to say that I loved this episode overall. Second, I need to give a big fat TV GUIDE Jeer to FNL, Chevrolet and NBC for pouring that commercial disguised as drama down our throats and then making us watch it again 3 minutes later in an effort to promote a truck. We often say that whatever this show needs to do to stay alive should be done, but I have to wonder about that when I see things like this.
With that unpleasantness out of the way, let's get right to the good stuff, namely, Tami becoming a great coach in her own right, to the delight of all but Julie. OK, so a team now being 1-7 instead of 0-7 isn't exactly a turnaround, it's wonderful to watch the Panthers win something outright for the first time in what seems like forever. Plus, we got some great Taylor banter with, "I'd love to butter you some toast." It's dialogue so ordinary that it always just works.
Another beneficiary of the volleyball situation is Tyra, who obviously desperately needed a way to vent. Lucky for her that she's tall, and a pretty powerful player. Tim was great as the ball wrangler in the background who didn't think girl's volleyball was much worth his time. I probably would have beaned him too.
Not that Tim didn't have enough problems of his own, between being rejected, yet again, by Lyla, and having to find a way to repay Meth Man or risk getting his knees shot off. What was going on there though between MM and Billy? Did I miss something, or is Billy a former customer? And it seems that Lyla, despite her protestations, does still care for Tim if she's willing to just give him $3000 (which begs the question of where she got that kind of cash). I have to say that more so than any other part of this show — certainly more than the murder plot — the scenes at Meth Man's house creep me out beyond words. Maybe it's the way that he and his friends are made to look so realistically strung out and dingy, and not in a drug-chic way, but I get the honest-to-god willies when they come on the screen. Whoever does the set and costume design really deserves a huge congratulations
As for Smash… what is there to say? I can't fault him for losing his temper — what these guys are doing to him is really vile — but if he wants to be the star he believes he already is, he needs to learn how to present himself in a better light to the media, even when provoked, or he's not going to get very far. Let's not forget that he hasn't signed any papers with TMU, and that this could all disappear faster than a judge can say, "plea agreement denied." Is it fair? Not really. But it is what it is, as they say, and he should be hoping that a three game suspension — as devastating as this is for the team, his own season and his college prospects — is all he gets, because a jail sentence is going to be much harder to explain away.
And aside from the unpleasantness mentioned above, I have to admit that I quite liked Jason at Buddy's dealership. I thought Buddy's "You ever thought about selling cars?" was a lovely callback to Eric's "You ever think about coaching?" from last season's "Mud Bowl" episode. It's a given that the team was going to resent him, but it looks like he's going to make a decent car salesman. I'm not sure what the depression upon returning to his home was about (any theories?), but Herc is a good friend to him, even with the dilapidated truck issues, and it's nice to see someone look out for Jason's emotional interests, as opposed to his financial or physical ones.
Until next week, let's mix it up a bit and say let's go lady Panthers!
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Jan 25, 2008 10:50 PM
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Yeah, good show. It was nice to see Jason & Herc again. I missed them!
I have a miscellaneous topic to bring up: music. I began to think about this at the very start of the show when they played "I Will Dare" by the Replacements, a great song. And I always love the opening credits song. (How dorky is that?!) It's very reminiscent of the movie soundtrack. I also noticed nice background music in a few other scenes, including the volleyball game. So I guess my point is that for some reason I was more aware of the soundtrack in this episode and I enjoyed it. Thanks music editors, consultants, etc. whoever you are!
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Jan 25, 2008 11:42 PM
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I think Jason was depressed because he never thought his life would come down to being a car salesmen.
LOL at Riggins calling Jean Landry's soulmate.
Jealous Tyra was pretty dang funny/amusing.
I feel bad for Smash, but he just doesn't get it. His poor little sister.
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Jan 26, 2008 1:38 AM
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Agree with other posters, that Jason was a bit depressed because of the Willy Loman crack and that he may end up being a salesmen all of his life, but thankfully Herc turned it around, threw him some perspective, and cheered him up.
The tail end of Smash's retort was pretty brutal, "I shoulda given him worse than what he got." I understand Smash is still immature and was angered about the situation, but if anyone should know the importance of image, it's the Smash, baby.
Liked the episode overall, though I think the music called TOO much attention to itself at the end. Loved how they primed up Billy as having only a 9th grade education, and then he goes lashing out with a meth dealer with a gun. Stay in school, kids. Stay in school......
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Jan 26, 2008 2:17 AM
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I am probably in the minority but I didn't mind the car plug or ad. Maybe I am too used to it in other shows but it didn't really bug me.
Onto the episode, I loved how Mrs Coach lived up to her coined name! You could see why as she was coaching her girls why Eric is so taken with her. Also that look of pride on his face after their win? *melts.* Mr and Mrs Coach are just wonderful together.
It was nice to see Tyra hanging out with the Taylors again - we really haven't seen too much of Julie and Tyra together so it is nice to see that they are still friends. I laughed when Tami was trying to convince Tyra to join the team over dinner and Coach hastily got up from the table with his beer, and was like "I am goin' watch the game, alright?"
It was wonderful to have Jason back and Herc. Herc never fails to crack me up and I just love their friendship between those two. Also I thought it was a nice touch to see a hint of the old relationship and kinship Buddy and Jason had once before his accident.
Ooh Smash. After the incident at the movies, I have to say Noelle has grown on me. For a while all I thought she cared about was Smash the superstar but the actress and writers have shown us how much this incident has torn her up and the guilt she has to feel too. Gaius did a fabulous job with his material last night.
One thing I love about this show is the camera work: how as Smash opens the door, the camera immediately pans to the couch where his Momma and Coach are sitting. I thought it was also a fitting image too - the mother and the father figure/mentor.
.. Poor Tim.
Also I love this new girl, Jean. It is wonderful to see someone really interested in Landry. A jealous Tyra was amusing but I have to say that she deserves it. Landry doesn't deserve someone who only wants him half the time and the other half will push him away, ignoring him.
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Jan 26, 2008 10:44 AM
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Agree with all the above, although I need to watch the ep again, tried to watch it at a friends house but kept getting interupted  Don't bother me when FNL is on! Didn't notice the car commercial ....no Smash for three games?Uh oh. Hope those stupid theatre kids get what they deserve...Tim needs to wear the football gear at all times, poor guy is a punching bag. abbeyroad, you didn't miss anything about Billy, I think he just is making up for treating Tim badly (with the former girlfriend and all) but he went way overboard and now they are in deeper trouble  And Lyla, you can't fool us, you do like Tim, so tell him already. Only two more ep's to go? Depressing, to say the least.
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Jan 26, 2008 11:37 AM
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I thought this was a fantastic episode. I'll skip all the regular comments about how great the Taylors are, etc., just wanted to say I love the work that even the ancillary actors do on this show. Smash's mom and sister have been fantastic the last few weeks, in particular.
I also loved the music this episode. I couldn't track down my favorite song, though... the one that played at the end of the episode. Anyone know what it is?
The whole volleyball situation - Coach Tami, Tyra getting to do something other than mope - was fantastic. Great to have some humor, and an episode completely free of Connie Britton crying. She's been having a rough year; this might be the first episode that Tami and Eric didn't get in a fight this season.
I didn't mind the car commercial. I thought Jason's scenes were great - I hope he gets a chance for some happiness soon.
I'm going to be very upset if we only have two more episodes EVER of this amazing show.
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Jan 26, 2008 12:09 PM
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I can relate to what Smash is feeling. I am African-American and some of my family members are of mixed race. You can't believe some of the mean things people say to you or the dirty looks you get. Two of my nieces have light blue eyes. They are so tired of people making comments about the color of their eyes that one of them said that they wished that she could cut her eyes out. I told her that she was perfect in God's eyes and to ignore what other people said about her.
When I was in high school, I dated a boy who was of mixed race. I can't tell you how many times that someone would say to me, "So, a black man isn't good enough for you?" Although we went our separate ways, it amazed me that most of the animosity that I suffered during that relationship were from people of my own race.
If you date someone who is of a different race than what you are, you have to anticipate those who do not agree or understand that we are all God's creations. Times have change, but some people's attitudes will always be that of you should only date or marry someone who is of the same race, creed, color or religion that you are.
In real life, you have to be tough, because you can't stop people from looking at you or making nasty comments to you. A trace can be put on the phone to stop folks from calling your house.
Smash needs to focus on being a success at TMU and making it into the NFL. Success is always the best revenge.
Another great FNL episode.
Lady Bug
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Jan 26, 2008 12:47 PM
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I really liked this week's episode. Wow! I really did not miss Jason, Tyra, or Landry the last couple of weeks but it was sooo refreshing seeing them all back. I tend to forget what a great character Jason Street is. Like Coach he has many layers to him...not just a cliche. Anyway, great job FNL!! Next week episode looks amazing!!! BTW....I have dvr so I skip all the commercials. Doesn't everyone??
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Jan 26, 2008 12:53 PM
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Oh my gosh- how is there so little mention of Landry and his new girl. The Applebee's scene made my episode. I loved seeing Tyra get a little jealous. I thought the new girl (Jean ?) was a cutey in that weird, quirky, highschool way. It was fun to see someone smitten with Landry. Plus, it took some B***s to come up to him when he's surrounded by all the jocks. She didn't exactly seem like the kind of girl who spends a lot of time with footballers.
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Jan 26, 2008 2:55 PM
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I start with expressing my dismay.. the last couple of episode have lacked that FNL finesse I know they are capable of! There are a few glimmers that are worth noting though...
First, Jason. Ill admit I haven't missed him these last few weeks but he shined in this episode. And agree with a previous poster that he is a lot like Taylor in that he has many layers to him. I like how he and Buddy seemed to have come full circle given their past issues over Lyla. He and Herc play off from each other nicely. I liked how last week the only line we heard from Street was criticizing Tim for calling in on Lyla's show saying that "Is that your way of telling her you like her?"
hmmmm... I didnt know it was an open thing, never mind Jason supporting it, but I guess it suites the situation.
I like how they have portrayed the race issue. Both that Smash is being portrayed as a "aggressive thug" and that he has full support from football fans not to mention Coach T. He should have kept his mouth shut though.. its not right, its not fair, but the best thing for his family, his career and the worst thing for that Adam (movie theater) a-hole would have been for Smash to rise above it and maybe get him in trouble for harassing Noni. How old is she anyway.. poor kid, why is she getting all the crap? All of this has made Noelle grow on me too.. her attitude at first bugged me, but she truly seems empathetic and willing to stay involved even though things could go badly for her as well.
On to number 33.. he was lucky he only got smashed in the face and lost his case of beer! It was interesting how Billy (and jackie) seemed connected to meth man?? Hmmm.. something he failed to mention? Tim's pursuit of Lyla is pathetic.. I mean its sincere but he obviously doesnt know how to prove himself especially well. He always fumbles along and somehow comes out on top, but in this situation he is not the prime choice for Lyla. This Chris dude seems like he knows exactly which buttons to press to make Lyla feel like the good Christian girl she wants to be. She obviously cares for Tim.. she rolled her eyes when chris glanced away after she claimed she felt nothing for Riggy And why would she just give over cash like that if she didnt care. Maybe its guilt, but I dont think so. She fell for Riggins last time in a moment of weakness, so I think it'll take a push to make her realize she wants him as much as he wants her.
Now.. moving on to Miss Collette.. lol I love the actress Adreinne! Her facial expressions crack me up. Using Tim for target practice was hilarious.. esp. how in to it Tami got!! The way she was with little miss physics experiment was to be expected and I think Landry knows what he is doin' also. It seemed awkward when Jean approached him at Applebees and dont tell me Landry doesnt know EXACTLY when Tyra works, come on!!
I like the lady panthers aspect.. certainly a step up from powder puff footbal.. really! Julie's jealousy is to be expected. What little attention Tami has left after baby, work, house, and Coach T is going to Tyra.
From the previews it looks like our innocent and special Saracen is long gone. He has been jerked around quite a bit lately and his life isnt exactly a walk in the wildflowers. Maybe this is a good time for Jules to step up and see if she can help him get back on track.. or maybe it'll be one of Eric's infamous booster chats, who knows, but I hate to see him so lost.
I didnt comment last week but I thought I mention that the story between Santiago and buddy was awesome. They put their trust in each other and became even closer for it. Santaigo is a rough kid but Buddy is rough around the edges and they have a great influence on each other. And the episode before that when Buddy tried to get Pam back...broke my heart. His character grows more on me every week!
I am so depressed that we are approaching the tentative end to our beloved FNL I hope NBC realizes what is has and what it has to lose if they dont settle this darn strike!!
Oh btw.. where did the somebody's pregnant rumor come from?? Did i miss a spoiler? I think the most likely candidate would be Tyra.. just a thought!
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Jan 26, 2008 3:04 PM
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As always the Taylors were fantastic!
If pregnancy spoiler is true my money is on Carlotta. I believe Matt's world is about to be rocked in a big way (as if he doesn't already have enough problems). Would love to see Tim and Lyla together.
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Jan 26, 2008 4:39 PM
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There was a lot going on in this episode and I really enjoyed all of it.
Poor Smash. He's really getting screwed with this one. No way would Buddy let Smash get suspended without a fight but they've seemed to have ignored that. I know Smash's mother wants her son to avoid the legal and academic repercussions of his actions but I think she did her son a disservice tonight. Smash should have told the truth about what happened during his statement and then apologized. He already has two witnesses that can back him up.
Very glad that Jason's back and I didn't even notice the product placement during the actual episode. Realistically, that gun probably would have gone off during that confrontation with Ferret Guy but I'm glad that storyline is behind us. Like Landry's new love interest too.
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Jan 26, 2008 6:14 PM
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There was a lot going on in this episode and I really enjoyed all of it.
Poor Smash. He's really getting screwed with this one. No way would Buddy let Smash get suspended without a fight but they've seemed to have ignored that. I know Smash's mother wants her son to avoid the legal and academic repercussions of his actions but I think she did her son a disservice tonight. Smash should have told the truth about what happened during his statement and then apologized. He already has two witnesses that can back him up.
Very glad that Jason's back and I didn't even notice the product placement during the actual episode. Realistically, that gun probably would have gone off during that confrontation with Ferret Guy but I'm glad that storyline is behind us. Like Landry's new love interest too.
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Jan 26, 2008 6:14 PM
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re: Jason's seeming depression while at home after selling the truck...
Maybe it was what Buddy said about "figure out what the customer needs to hear and then say it" that got to Jason. It was never stated explicitly, but it seems like if someone is doing that sort of window shopping, their hesitance may be due to an inability to afford what they have their eye on. Maybe Jason feels like he manipulated the guy into buying the truck.
Or maybe Jason felt a little down because he knows how real what he said to sell the truck is in his own life. Life is short. You never know what's going to happen. He went from king of the hill with a shot at playing Saturday for a major college and maybe eventually Sunday in the NFL to low man on the totem pole at a car dealership in Dylan, Texas which means he can look forward to what? Being Buddy in 25-30 years? I'd be depressed too.
At this point, even Jason's best moments have a hint of what might have been attached to them. How does a person get over that?
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Jan 26, 2008 8:45 PM
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