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« Friday Night Lights
Episode Recap: "Pantherama"
Is Smash ready for prime time? Gaius Charles by Mitchell Haaseth/NBC
"He's got a great heart and I want him to have a chance."
Move over man-slut Matt Saracen. You've been replaced in my heart by Santiago. How sad, how ridiculously heartbreakingly sad was that look on his face in the very last shot? It just hurt to watch. I'm still shocked at the never-ending evolution of Buddy Garrity this season, and taking in Santiago for reasons beyond helping out the Panthers — in fact, because as trite as it sounds, he needs a son as much as Santiago needs a father — was so sweet and unselfish, that it would have shocked me a year ago. But this season's a whole 'nother thing, and Buddy's redemption has made even this most cynical of Northeasterners want to just start blubbering like I’m watching Lifetime or something. Sure, he has a ways to go, as evidenced by Tami's "You've got a lot of steak and you've got a lot of sausage; get some vegetables in here," but it's a wonderful start, and for Santiago's sake more than Buddy's, I really hope it works out.
And then there's Matt, who, as I've already pointed out, seems to be taking his time making up his mind about who he wants to date. Should he date his girlfriend or his nurse? Or should he date his girlfriend and just kiss his nurse? Well, I'm still no fan of the cheerleader (too perky and obnoxious for my taste, even if she does know her cars), but imagine if things go south with a girl living in your house. It can only end badly for our good friend QB1. Make me eat my words, please, Matt.
Meanwhile, Matt's decidedly ex-girlfriend Julie is over-the-moon for her newspaper advisor, Mr. Noah Barnett (Austin Nichols), graduate of Columbia Journalism and former employee of the "Milwaukee Journal." Barnett is a rather ambiguous character, isn't he? Tami obviously thinks something fishy is up in his relationship with her daughter, but I'm not so sure. I'm hoping that LanTyra is going to be the only "ripped from the headlines"-type drama this season, and that we'll be spared the teacher/student thing. I don't think it's heading in that direction, because I think that this is just about Julie needing to have a crush on someone. It's just creepy that it's her teacher. Barnett seems smart enough not to make a decision that could ruin his career, the way that dating the daughter of two of his colleagues could.
I think maybe everyone in Dillon needs to just sit down with Smash's mom for five minutes in order to be told right from wrong. Smash may disagree, but she only has his best interests at heart in wanting more than just a football career for him. He may think, "College isn't a goal, it's a means to an end," but she knows what any former teammate of Jason Street should realize, namely that an athletic career is somewhat less than a secure future. Even if he does make it on to a top college team, there's no guarantee he'll go pro. And the sad thing is that it's not just about ego with him, because he obviously wants to give back to his mother and sister. But what do I know? He's very talented and maybe there's a very great possibility that he could, in fact, go pro. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on this situation — especially anyone with a high-school or college football background.
Worth mentioning are Tim's self-imposed homelessness, and Tyra and Lyla's choreography. In Tim's case, I won't have much to say until I see how living with the man with the ferret works out, and the Tyra and Lyla thing was a cute diversion. Nothing more, nothing less.
No new episode next week, and I'll be on vacation anyway, so let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. See you all in two weeks for what will hopefully be the beginning of the end for the whole murder debacle.
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Nov 16, 2007 10:44 PM
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First...LOVED this episode.
Ok, now regarding homeless Tim Riggins, I think that our beloved Buddy Garetty is going to take him in also. After all he is "homeless" and there was a bunkbed in Santiago's bedroom!! Any takers?
My heart did break for Santiago. I just wanted someone to hug him!! I really hope him and Buddy bond. They need each other. I just hope Lyla doesn't get jealous.
I was shocked to see poor Landry talking to Tyra. My heart broke for him too! But by the looks of the previews, it is all going to come to a head. Lets just hope his dad doesn't get into trouble.
I don't know if I am loving the Julie and teacher story line as its "icky". Noah seems to have his head on straight, so here is to hoping its a harmless crush!
Again, loved the ep and loved the Smash. I am glad Coach talked to him at the restaraunt. He needed that.
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Nov 16, 2007 11:16 PM
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Absolutely great episode -- once again, FNL has rediscovered its dramatic mix. I can only blabber with praise. Humor (Tyra, Lyla, and the players' dance), drama (Smash & Mrs. Williams), sadness (Santiago), everything.
Wondering if they'll handle the Noah-Julie thing with the same nuance they handled the racial issue last year with Mack and Smash.
This cast is simply incredible. Best dramatic television ensemble ever.
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Nov 16, 2007 11:53 PM
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What is up with Julie this season? Not another inappropriate older guy... Did I hear her tell the teacher that she had been dumped? If so, I remember it quite differently. I may have heard it incorrectly though.
I wonder what age the live-in nurse is supposed to be. They seem to be "going there" quite a bit with this high school / older love interest thing; Julie & the Swede, Julie & the teacher, Matt & the nurse, Riggins and the neighbor.
I have to say, this actually was not my favorite FNL episode; though a FNL episode I am lukewarm about is still far better than most drama out there.
The storyline that did get me was Buddy and Santiago. I did not see that one coming, but it is just perfect. They are both kind of broken and I think the future dynamic could be interesting. Buddy dug his own grave with his antics last season, but it amazes me that I actually have empathy for him anyway; especially when he apologized for his place being small saying he did not think he would still be living there. I also agree that the kid who plays Santiago is very expressive. I cannot believe the talent in this young cast.
To be realistic on the subject of Smash, this is the exact way I would expect it to go down. He really is just a kid and knows his potential and prospects. He knows he stands to make millions for himself and his family. The TV lover in me wants him to make the right choice for his education; the realist in me sees a kid picking the shortest route to money and what he sees as security. Who knows, maybe there is a happy medium out there.
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Nov 17, 2007 5:22 AM
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Jayhawk-I think the age of the nurse is about 18. I remember she said she was saving up money for nursing school, so she could have just graduated high school last June. Just a guess. I can't believe I used to hate Buddy but now I enjoy his character.Great episode, except lose the Julie/Teacher icky crush FAST!
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Nov 17, 2007 9:25 AM
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Thanks Irish59. I must have missed that. If that is the case, the age difference is certainly not that bad (speaking of Matt & the nurse of course.) Julie and the teacher on the other hand, I agree...ick.
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Nov 17, 2007 9:36 AM
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...for a moment there I thought the new teacher was Shane West and I was happy that they had given him the same last name as his ER character...I want to be friends with Buddy Garrity; I didn't like him much last season but now I do; the actor that portrays him, and the actress that plays Matt's grandma don't get mentioned much but I think they are great...most heartbreaking of all, I think, was the last shot of Santiago, sitting on his bunker bed...
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Nov 17, 2007 10:19 AM
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Anyone who doesn't think that writers deserve a fair shake on royalties needs to watch this show. Week after week they present us with a realistic yet entertaining and engaging look at life as it happens with every character having to deal with multiple "gray areas" in their relationships. I probably spend too much time in front of the tube for my own good but this show validates that to a huge extent. This defines quality.
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Nov 17, 2007 10:24 AM
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Fantastic episode.
Please add the actor who plays Santiago to the list of actors who deserve an emmy nomination from this show. That last shot deserves to make the emmy reel.
As for Smash, it's possible that he'll will find a happy medium, as far as what college or university he chooses to play for, and his reasons for making that choice. It's obvious he wants to elevate his mom and sisters' living situation and secure his future. Smash was the go-to-guy for the minority kids and he handled the racial situation from last season very well. I think he'll make the right decisions. After all, he does have a very wise mom. By the way, where is Waverly?
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Nov 17, 2007 11:22 AM
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Instead of LanTyra...how about Landra?
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Nov 17, 2007 12:01 PM
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I really don't see what's so icky about Julie & Mr. Barnett. Show me a high-school girl who's never had a crush on a teacher, and I'll show you a girl without a pulse. If anything, I'm surprised she doesn't have to share his classroom chat-time with about six other girls. It only gets icky if he reciprocates.
Not at all happy about Matt & Carlotta. Too predictable & too soapy. His allegedly car-savvy girlfriend is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Dump 'em both.
Santiago is definitely a heartbreaker. It'll be interesting to see where that story ends up going.
As a mom & a former teacher who firmly believes in the importance of education, it's hard to listen to Smash making his big plans, but he does have a point. He wants so badly to take care of his family the way Mama's taken care of him, and let's face it: most jobs don't pay enough for a person to be able to do that. Football can. (And the comment "that white girl" made about her brother making better contacts on the field than he will with an MBA, is totally true. But the MBA will enable him to be able to talk to those contacts.)
If Smash is one of Coach Taylor's best & brightest, then he may have a better shot at making the pros than most high-school players do. Yes, the chance of injury is there. The chance of not being drafted is too. But so is the chance of layoffs in white-collar land. So, I say, "Go for it." Just be careful.
Re: Tim and Ferretman, I can't begin to guess. But it's sure to be entertaining. I love Tim's self-deprecating sense of humor. It's the main thing that keeps him from being just another pretty face.
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Nov 17, 2007 1:03 PM
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It only gets icky if he reciprocates.
That's pretty much what I was saying. I think we all realize nothing has happened yet. His glances towards her were just a little long for my taste, but I am hoping they were doing that for dramatic effect & that it is only a one-way crush.
And for anyone into spoilers, here is a link to a TVGuide Q & A that addresses this exact issue.
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Edited by Jayhawk at 11/17/2007 10:36 AM
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Nov 17, 2007 1:26 PM
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I totally agree with wjmtv. Every high school kid on planet earth has had a doe-eyed crush on a teacher - male or female. Why would anyone think it's "icky?" It's completely realistic in the way that make FNL such a fine show. The teacher has in no way done anything inappropriate or misleading. The only thing that will come out of it is a tiny little heartbreak for her - which is what usually happens in real life. I have lots of friends who teach - and often those little "crushes" actually wind up being good things - because they pass and the kids wind up bonding with the teacher and applying that passion into developing their skill/talent. That's what I'm already seeing from Mr. Newspaper: He knows she has a crush, and he's hoping to mentor her into being a better journalist.
I was guessing Matt's nurse-girl is probably in her early 20s. Not too bad for an 18 year old HS Senior. If I had to choose between her and the new cheerleader - I'd hope he'd go for the more mature girl. She seems a better fit for mature-for-his-age Matt than the whiny baby Julie, or the other cheerleader.
Santiago has been a pleasant surprise for sure. A few weeks ago someone mentioned there should be an Emmy for "Best Ensemble Cast." I totally agree and FNL would OWN that award for sure. Nothing else is even close.
Kyle Chandler should submit an Emmy reel without a single spoken word. You could gather a collection of just his silent expressions and he's a better actor than 90% of the other guys on TV.
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Nov 17, 2007 1:31 PM
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Thanks Jayhawk for the online interview with Noah. Why I thought it was so icky is because:
Any teacher should know better, be able to recognize a crush and not encourage it.He should have discouraged being called Noah by a student, kept his classroom door open, not cozily shared 1/2 a sandwich, and distanced himself while she sat on his desk!
True, nothing has happened yet, so I probably shouldn't have thought the worst. But like somebody else said earlier, another "ripped from the headlines" storyline. As a Mom I would have have been just as suspicious as Tami! I work in a school and I know any behavior like that is unacceptable already. Teachers have to be cautious, it can also work against them by being falsely accused of misbehavior, even if he remains entirely innocent.
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Nov 17, 2007 2:20 PM
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I usually agree with Smash's mother but I think she was totally off the mark on this one even if Smash was a little rude to the recruiter, and doing a few dumb things.
Think about it, Smash wants to play football, thats what he wants to do with his life, if he wanted to be a doctor and had the option to go to the school with the best programs why would he go to a different one where the medical programs weren't as great, but the programs for his fallback plan were great. No one would do that would they? Thats what he'd be doing if he went to this other school, thinking wow this football thing probably isn't going to workout, I should go to a school where football is a minimal aspect just so I can have an emergency plan, nevermind that I'm really not interested in what the emergency plan has to offer.
Now if he was thinking of going to a school that was only known for football and nothing else that would be stupid. He just needs to find a school with a great Football program as well as an educational one, the two aren't mutually exclusive.
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Nov 17, 2007 2:46 PM
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