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« Friday Night Lights
Episode Recap: "May the Best Man Win"
A big "Thank You" to the incredible, wonderful, unbelievably talented writers of this show for writing an episode such as this. It didn't have the sense of finality that we got with last year's "State", but it did give us closure. With the exception of Jason's baby (something that I have to admit doesn't exactly have me jumping out of my chair, screaming that life just won't be fair if I don't have the chance to hear Erin the waitress's decision), we weren't left angry and unfulfilled, should the show not come back. It was a classy way to potentially go out, and other shows should take note of it. Plus, for once, the Panthers managed to win a game by a landslide, with Coach Taylor even gifting the other team a touchdown. 45-6, baby, and he still came out the bigger man.
The smaller man turned out to be Peter Berg's hilarious Morris McArnold (what a name), who, after accusing Eric of stealing both Tami and football plays, picked a fight with him at a swanky Italian restaurant. I love the man as the show creator, but I was gnashing my teeth along with Eric when Moe was holding Gracie Bell at the game. Who'd have guessed that the most obnoxious man on the show would be the one who gave Dillon Memorial Hospital a much-needed helicopter? He was a bit like an angrier, bitterer version of season 1 Buddy Garrity. In fact, the only way this episode could have been better would have been if Buddy had thrown down with Moe.
Now that Tyra and Landry — of the final touchdown we may ever see the Panthers score — finally, and effortlessly together, we have a new non-couple to deal with: Tim and Lyla. I'm pretty sure that during her experience at the ranch, she realized she wasn't over Tim, no matter what she keeps telling herself and her boyfriend, and she loves that Tim is never going to give up. I loved the scene around the dinner table at the ranch ("Like that Russian Lit degree is doing her a lot of good while she's shopping for shoes at Neimans!") as the embodiment of the anti-Tim existence, but in the end the overall experience left her wanting, ahem, more. (On an unrelated note, since when does Lyla want to go to Princeton? That was kind of out of the blue.)
Despite the epic Taylor banter, the sublime sight of Landry scoring a touchdown, and what I'm guessing was supposed to be the heart of this episode (Jason's dilemma), Smash is what this week was all about. We have to add Gaius Charles' lately stunning performance as Smash to the increasingly long list of un(der)appreciated talent on this hidden gem of a show. His final realization that his future isn't what it was supposed to be, and his mother's attempt to cheer him up ("I got your favorite dessert. I knew that would put a smile on your face.") just radiated honesty — something I've come to expect from this show, but by which I am consistently blown away. He gave up on the promise of immediate money and possible fame with the Arena League, for what will ultimately be the more fulfilling option: Whitmore College. We should all be so lucky as to end up like Smash.
Were you listening tonight, Ben Silverman? I certainly hope so, because the kindhearted coach of Whitmore summed up Friday Night Lights in a nutshell: "We don't have the size — we have the heart." It wasn't a loud or particularly showy moment, but it was honest and it was real, and it would be a damn shame to lose that kind of television.
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Feb 8, 2008 10:52 PM
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OK, I'm ready for the writers' strike to be over NOW. As pathetic as it sounds, I don't know what I'm going to do without more episodes of this show! Peter Berg was priceless. Riggins, the radio personality, was fabulous. (Speaking of which, why are no colleges recruiting him? Obviously academics are not his strong point, but that hasn't stopped anyone before.)
Please come back Panthers!
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Feb 8, 2008 11:24 PM
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DOWN WITH SILVERMAN!!!
CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN'T CANCEL!
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Feb 9, 2008 12:02 AM
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Great episode tonight. I enjoyed all the storylines and Landry and Matt's interaction was pretty damn funny. Despite some rocky points, I think this season turned out just fine.
I sincerely hope this isn't the last season for FNL. It has a quality very rare in today's shows.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!
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Feb 9, 2008 12:10 AM
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Decent way to end the season if not the series. Hopefully this isn't the end though. I always like when Smash's mom is in the eps. She's great. Always says the right things. Not the end of the world for Smash. He can easily transfer to a bigger school in a couple of years if he stays out of trouble. Or even get drafted out of Whitmore.
This ep wasn't nearly as good as last week. Not even close. It still had some nice little moments. Like the Taylor women pestering Coach after his brawling and boozing. I also liked the scenes with Lyla and her new boyfriend. I thought it was nice that he didn't follow through so to speak. I wonder what you were talking about Leah regarding Lyla wanting more? Hmmm. Wanting more of what? I am going to have to think all weekend about that one.
The Jason story was all right. We don't really know much about the waitress, so we don't have a vested interest in her. It may have resonated more if she was featured more than that one ep.
I do have a major bone to pick with the football scenes this week. I am sure most people saw this. When Landry scored, the scoreboard had 10 seconds left in the 4th, 3rd and 3 at the 3 with the Panthers up 30-0. How many things did they do wrong with that? Landry obviously ran more than 3 yards. It would have ran out the 10 secs remaining, but it didn't. The Panthers scored another TD and rubbed it in with a 2 point conversion! And I think I would be a little annoyed if I was on the Panthers and my coach told me to give up the shutout. I realize it was nice thing to do, but still. If they are going to carry on with the show, please for the love of all that is holy get the damn football scenes right. Or come a little close. Jeez.
Let's get a third season for this great show. I think 3 seasons could wrap many things quite nicely. Get to see Matt and Landry go through their senior year. We would see the progression of Santiago under the watchful eye of Buddy Garrity. I am sure we would check in on the progress of Smash at Whtimore. It would also be interesting to see what happens with the triangle of Lyla, Riggins and religious guy. I would also like to know if Riggins would be coming back for a third senior year. And of course I am always interested in the whole Taylor family. They are the backbone of the show.
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Feb 9, 2008 12:13 AM
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Friday Night Lights is without a doubt the best show NBC has right now...if not on all of television. The head guy at NBC, some guy named Ben Silverman doesnt like the show and wants it cancelled. He needs to hear from us, he needs to be convinced of exactly what kind of quality television he has right here. This writers strike has deprived us of a full season, and probably any more seasons.... Tonight was the season finale, and if Ben Silverman has his way, we'll never get another episode. The 2nd season was cut off with 8 episodes left. We'll never know if the Panthers repeated at State, never know if Jason Street is about to become a father, never know how Smash does at college, if Riggins finally convinces Lyla of his sincere intentions, never see Julie and Saracen get back together..... that's all going to be gone. Shows have been saved by the fans before... Look at what the fans of Jericho did to CBS last year. They saved the show and bought a second year. We may have to do the same thing, and we all know NBC needs it. Must see TV is over....there's no more Cheers, Seinfeld or Cosby Show for them to rely on. This is a quality show. It may not be as popular as the Office, or be a show that is actually about NBC like 30 Rock but its a show that represents what America is all about. It is America's show. Silverman only wants to talk about 30 Rock and I agree with him that its a good smart show....but please dont think they can put all thier eggs in one basket. We need to show them how much they need to keep FNL on the air. It wont last forever, I know that...its a high school show, it probably only has a shelf life of a few more years anyway, but it DESERVES to have a quality ending. Lets make sure it gets one.
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Feb 9, 2008 12:31 AM
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Yes, this was a good episode on par with any other mid-season episode of FNL. But this so isn't a great episode to possibly see the last of the folks of Dillon.
My biggest problem: I just don't want the last image we see of Coach Taylor is his black eye.
It's hard to judge an FNL episode because of so much that goes on, but I find it easier to step back and take a look of what this season has produced.
Landry and Tyra's murder dilema caused critical uproar, but FNL dealt with it in the most perfect way, drawing from the performance of the two actors to keep the story believable and not overly melodramatic.
Such is the case for Smash's confrontation in the theatre. Gauis Charles's really dug deep to explore his character in the situation. And his story of course gives more screentime to Smash's mother, who always has a lovable and yet strong presence on screen.
That visit to Whitmore is among the most beautiful, heartwarming scenes in this series ever. It's moments like that that will make FNL stay in my heart for a very long time.
Please, please, please, bring back FNL after the strike!
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Feb 9, 2008 12:38 AM
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I totally agree with Speedy. Three seasons would be perfect. We would get to see the conclusion of the dream team with Matt going off to college or something wonderful like that.
I love, love, love, the thought of Buddy kicking Mo's butt. That would have just rocked my world. But then I truly love Tami's loud a** voice when Coach was trying to work over the hangover. I've been both the person who makes the noise and the person who hates the noise. Loved that she encouraged the girls to be as loud as they could. In addition, I love how subtle they are with her relationship with Mama Smash. They don't have to show them together in many scenes but I always enjoy it when they do.
I really hope it doesn't end because there seems like so much they could do with Tyra and Landry now that the story-line-that-shall-not-be-named is over.
I have sent out emails to so many to support this show and I'm sad to say they have not been well received. Either it's people who still live with the misconception this show is only about football or folks who are NEVER home on a Friday. Please let the TV Gods hear our words and let this one roll for just one more season.
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Feb 9, 2008 12:41 AM
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How can the rest of the country not see the utter brilliance of this program? Even those who claim to love "quality TV" are ignoring it in droves. How else to explain that one of the best one-hour dramas ever to air is once again on the brink?
Sadly, Peter Berg's guest appearance signals that they, too, understood this might be it. If this is the case, then slowly, gradually, folks are going to discover the DVDs and reruns and ask how they could've passed up this rare gem of a show.
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Feb 9, 2008 1:17 AM
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Hey Mr. Silverman,
Dump that boring show "Lipstick Jungle" please and sell it to "avon calling". I just do not see what's so great about "the office" but like "30 rock". They should put FNL on a different night since the ratings perhaps show that many people are out that night but not as many as on a saturday night when there is nothing new on anymore. what a tragedy to cancel such a wonderful series that plays out like real people in a Texas town. Kyle Chandler looked great in a suit without his cap. Peter Berg looked just as unappealing as he did in "Chicago Hope" but now he's a bigshot. Please give the people their show back.
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Feb 9, 2008 1:26 AM
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This show deserves more episodes to finish the season--how can we be left hanging, not knowing whether the Panthers made the playoffs? Or how Tami's VB team ended up for the season? Or seeing Tyra and Landry as a real couple, not just one thrown together by circumstance and fear? Not to mention what Mr. Clarke will say, considering that he warned Tyra away from his "baby boy".
I don't want Ben Silverman to cancel the show, but if he's going to, it deserves to have a true end. Not necessarily "happily ever after" for everyone, but something that feels as though it's capping the season, and the series.
I hope that Ausiello is right, and that there are bigwigs at NBC who love and stand behind the show, and that they're able to win a reprieve for it. It would be nice if there was a chance to script a final season, instead of throwing something together willy-nilly.
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Feb 9, 2008 1:48 AM
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FNL's beauty is the thing that TV execs don't understand. They don't see the value of straight, simple sweetness.
This show has great story lines from Landry's geeky pursuit of Tyra, Riggins and his whole life situation, Matt and his grandma, and Smash and racism. AND the best by far is the wonderful, realistic portrayal of married life by Coach and Mrs. Coach. Problem is that these stories are not sexy enough to create buzz or high ratings, so the suits don't care. I guess the suits wanted to see Tammy get a lesbian lover instead of getting pregnant.
I would love for the show to return, but I want the people in charge from season 1 back and not the idiots who did season 2.
Hope the show returns.
Specifically regarding tonight's episode:
How ironic that because of a black-white incident, Smash ends up going to a black college instead of mighty TMU? Mrs Williams is just the best - well, 2nd best to Tammi - mom on TV.
I don't think Lyla was thinking of Riggins when she was making out with her new boyfriend. I think she realized how much she still wanted to have sex even though she was a born again Christian. I don't see that she has any romantic feelings towards Tim anymore.
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Feb 9, 2008 4:27 AM
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Great episode!!! I am upset at NBC's decision not to allow for more shows this year after this ridiculous writers' strike was settled. Yeah, I am excited Season 2 will be on dvd this April, but the lack of faith to give this show a few more episodes is a huge mistake on their part.
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Feb 9, 2008 7:32 AM
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I agreed what most of you have said. We need to end this show with a 3rd season. Last night cannot be the series finale. It barely made a great season finale, although I did love the Taylor and the Williams scenes, plus Tim was great on the radio would loved to have heard more of his show.
I am sick of bigwigs canceling smart, clever shows that I love. e.g. Firefly (the biggest mistake ever made by Fox), Veronica Mars, remember Wonderfalls...just watched the DVD thanks to the writers strike and that show was brilliant. I could go on and on. TV networks just keep subjecting us to reality tv and fluff like Lipstick Jungle. FNL has maybe had a few rough episodes this year but for the most part I've throughly enjoyed the 15 episodes we were given. If FNL is canceled now I will be sorry but put it down to the fact that TV execs. have not idea what a good show really is.
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Feb 9, 2008 10:02 AM
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One thing that bugged me about this episode was that last week's episode ended with everyone running out on the field before a game and Smash crying since he couldn't play with his team...and then this episode picks up in the middle of the week...aren't the Panthers in a playoff race...I know the show is about more than football and a game can't be played in every episode since there are over 20 episodes in a season and about 10 games in a high school season so why can't they just show us what happens in they few games the team does have especially when they have the storyline of the team trying to make it to state without Smash
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Feb 9, 2008 11:18 AM
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