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« Friday Night Lights
He's Back, Baby!
MacGregor is out and Taylor is in. Chris Mulkey by Bill Records/NBC
Episode Recap: "Backfire"
Who didn't have a little flutter in his (or her) heart when Coach Taylor, back in his Dillon Panther blues, stood up in front of that room like nothing had changed and said, "Let's go. Let's have some fun today"? What a way to end an episode that already just seemed to fly by.
Aside from that weird, Mafia-like threat from Coach MacGregor ("I have a family, too, and you just remember that. I'll be seeing you again"), Eric's homecoming was nothing less than joyous. Julie and Tami are well on their way to patching things up, especially now that it looks like the grungy Swede might be out of the picture. Matt Saracen has someone back on his side again, and Buddy should probably be considered the town hero.
Ah, Buddy. We may have just been witness to the only game in Panther history that Buddy honestly wanted his beloved team to lose. It was quite a sight to watch him hold back a grin as Smash got blocked again and again, leaving Dillon with a humiliating loss on their own field. When he wasn't successfully defending the board against MacGregor's lawsuit, he was offering a job to Lyla's new ex-convict love interest — the only one in Dillon who doesn't want to go back to "Statem" har har har — and showing all of us that Lyla's obnoxious tendencies come straight from her mother. I nominate Buddy to be the team's rallying mascot now that Jason seems to have turned his back on his team and town.
It was always obvious that Jason was desperate for some kind of miracle cure. And while I shouldn't be allowed to judge him, considering I have no idea what it must be like to a paraplegic, it's still hard to believe someone would put himself at even more of a risk. His drunken rendition of "I'm Gonna Walk-a" to the tune of "La Cucaracha" showed him to be simultaneously bitter, a lousy drunk and a kind of hopeless idealist. When Tim Riggins is the voice of sane decisions, you're in bad shape.
And yet Tyra and Landry may be in even worse shape. Sure, they're off the hook for now — the stalker's body has been found, and the police have closed Tyra's attempted rape case thanks to her identification, but Landry is starting to seriously crack, and seems about ready to throw in the towel and confess. I'm not sure how much longer Tyra can keep him contained, especially with anxiety-inducing events like what went down in the coffee shop. When those cops stood there, eyeing Landry (and Matt too, but poor Matt was completely oblivious), I almost had a heart attack. I can only imagine what that moment was like for the former frontman of Crucifictorious.
Finally, making a triumphant comeback (like Coach Taylor, woo!), is my compilation of the best lines of the episode (woo! again):
• "He does like me."
"Well, he doesn't love you, and that's the difference."
• "You go out and get loaded tonight. Catch syphilis."
• "He just got home, Buddy."
• "You, being from [another town], wouldn't understand. Here in Dillon we win seasons, we don't win games."
I'm pumped for the big Panther turn-around. Taylor better not screw it up! What did you think of his homecoming? Leave your comments here!
To catch clips and watch previous episodes of Friday Night Lights, check out our Online Video Guide.
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Oct 26, 2007 10:41 PM
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Definetly the best episode of the season.
Great to see the coach back, and JUlie reuniting with her mom.
And I know people hated the Tyra/Landry story but I think they have done an amazing job handling the story.
I love the little moments in the football games when you get to witness the crowds reactions. Saracens grandma was priceless tonight.
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Oct 26, 2007 11:09 PM
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The stuff in Mexico was very realistic, Leah. People stuck in a position like Jason are always desperate for some small hope for normalcy. It doesn't surprise me at all that Jason would even risk his life to "be normal again."
I agree with the previous poster, best episode of the season.
The only complaint I have is that while Jesse Plemons is doing great dramatically, I do really miss his funny moments. The light-hearted moments have been seriously lacking over the last few episodes. There were a couple great ones in the first episode, but nothing since. At least let one person on the show be in a happy, funny place. Let Julie and Matt have some funny moments as she tries to make ammends or something.
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Oct 27, 2007 12:06 AM
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This show continues to amaze me.
I remember how much I loathed Buddy at this point last season, and now I am loving him for bringing Coach Taylor back. I just wonder what the former coach can do--I really hope that doesn't get drawn out ad nauseum.
Loved Riggins in this episode. He is kind of starting to grow up a little. There needs to be a good Smash storyline though. I miss Smash and Mama Smash.
The Tyra/Landry thing is kind of coming fully circle-and it's all starting to make a little more sense. I am really impressed with how the actors are portraying it, I am sure that is making all the difference.
Is there any way we can band together and petition for FNL to get the Super Bowl Episode? *lol* I am on a mission...
Can't wait until next week.
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Oct 27, 2007 12:07 AM
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Who'd have thought we'd ever love Buddy Garrity? His line to the attorney... "you bet your *ss, I am" just caused me to swell with pride for him, for sticking to his guns. This show gets better and better.. We have to get more people watching!
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Oct 27, 2007 3:08 AM
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I do enjoy this show. I did have misgivings about the murder subplot to begin with. But they have handled that story quite well so far. The anxiety and the guilt involved with taking of a life. I think Landry is going to turn himself in. And I also believe the court system will take it easy on him considering the circumstances. The guy was never going to stop menacing Tyra. Now we find out that he has raped several women in other states. I think Landry's father is starting to suspect something. The look he gave to Tyra near the end seem to indicate that.
I actually did not have problems with the actions of Lyla's mother tonight. I personally wouldn't want a con working around my house if I had kids. I also didn't really see any romantic sparks between the con and Lyla. I think she wanted to practice what she preached, so she helped this guy she barely knew. I was bugged by Lyla when it seemed she didn't want to help out Riggins with Street. She can help out a guy she hardly knows, but won't come to an aid of a guy she almost married?! Ok then.
Nice speech by Buddy at the meeting. I am actually kinda glad they drag this out over several eps. I didn't take McGregor's family comment as Mafia like threat. I took it as a realistic comment that he has a family too and this is a hardship for him now. And that people in the coaching fraternity don't screw each other over. The seeing you again comment probably means on the football field and not some guy named Guido breaking Coach Taylor's knee caps.
Hopefully Lyla gets to Riggins and Street in time before he goes through with the operation. Seems like Street and Lyla are the most naive people on this show. Street with this operation adn Lyla with her "friend". I am hoping her new friend turns out well, but I have my doubts.
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Oct 27, 2007 4:25 AM
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This was probably my favorite episode so far this season as well. Of course, how could it not be now that Coach Taylor is back where he belongs.
I actually did not have problems with the actions of Lyla's mother tonight. I personally wouldn't want a con working around my house if I had kids.
I hate to admit it, but I really had no problem with it either. I am all for rehabilitation and second chances, but when children are involved, that changes things. Just watch any news program these days.
I know they are doing a good job with it, but I really cannot wait for this homicide (no matter how justified) storyline to end. I really do not know how Landry could ever be the same jokester he was before when all is said and done, but I guess this is TV; anything can happen.
Also, I guess I am a bit naïve having not been a Sopranos (ha) watcher. I took the other coaches "threat" as more of a either on-the-field threat or in a future coaching position type threat. I really hope he does not start seeking some sort of revenge. That would be a huge turnoff for me.
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Oct 27, 2007 9:05 AM
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...episode that just seemed to fly by.
I'm right there with ya, Leah. When Amy T. did the psa and then they rolled the credits I was taken aback a bit.
ITA with you, speedy. The threat was hopefully referencing the football field and not the courtroom. Wouldn't look forward to a "Judging Amy" arc at all. And while I'm happy the new coach is out, the realism of this show brought it home how his family is now suffering because of Coach Taylor's and Buddy's subterfuge. I felt bad for him, quite unexpectedly, probably because we were only treated to the one-dimensionality of his character up to that point.
Great ep, as usual. Love, love, love this show. I'll never get how it's getting it's arse kicked by a J.A.P.(just another procedural)
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Oct 27, 2007 3:45 PM
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I don't know what the former coach is complaining about -- I heard Buddy saying they would pay him for the entire season. In that case, he's basically getting free money, and that should take care of his family long enough for him to find another job somewhere else. I'm sure Dillon pays their coaches handsomly. As for what he can do, I wouldn't be surprised if he got a job coaching a Dillon rival and the Panthers had to play against his team at some point later this season. Sort of like Voodoo popping up again at state last year.
As far as Jason: JUST MOVE ON, KID! Your life will be much happier once you do. Honestly, I'm surprised to see him go this route. Earlier in his rehab, yes, but with the coaching, I thought he was turning a corner. Guess not. It should be interesting to see where this one goes, and Lyla entering the picture next week will definately take things up a notch. Hopefully he doesn't go through with this. Wonder if her prison boy will stick or if she'll end up with one of the two of them again before the trip's over. Not too sure why she was so quick to take to prison boy (forget his name.) I agree with her that he should be given a second chance, but they did just meet. Why is she fighting so hard for this one kid in particular?
Tyra/Landry -- This storyline continues to be exicuted in such a fantastic manner, I don't even mind its inclusion. I hope nothing too severe happens to him, but he's going to crack sooner rather than later.
So good to see Julie and Tami playing nice, and Eric's return couldn't have come at a better time for everybody. Gotta love Buddy for bringing the whole thing together.
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Oct 27, 2007 9:01 PM
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Another great episode!
It was so sweet and so sad to watch Jason sing karaoke about walking and running again. While I agree with the last poster about once he "gets over it", he'll be a much happier person, however I cannot imagine what it must feel like to loose the ability to walk, but I know it would take me a long time to "get over it". I also agree with another poster that commented that Lyla was able to jump on board with helping a stranger, but was strangely opposed to helping Jason in Mexico. I know things ended badly between the two, but she obviously still cares ("His parents are worried sick")...but I guess taking time off to drive down to Mexico may be more of an inconvience than asking her parents for help...who knows?
I have such faith in the writers that I'm not even too upset with the Tyra/Landry situation. Since it's being handled really well, I'm able to sort of just go with the flow on it and see where it brings me. I knew the cops in the diner were just going to fool around with Landry and Matt, but my heart was in my throat anyway. Same with when they called Trya into the station- I knew it would only be to ask questions about her attack, but that look Landry's father gave her at the end scared the crap out of me...what does he know? that reminds me- I really loved the scene in the beginning of the episode between Trya, Landry, and his folks...he was able to joke around a little bit and have a somewhat normal conversation again.
I also feel that some of the lightheartness was back, which made me happy. I'm also really glad that Julie finally, finally dropped the thing she had for the Swede...and get back to where she belongs- home, getting along with her parents...
Yay, Coach Taylor is officially back! I could understand Coach MacGregor being upset that another coach usurped him, it's like being stabbed in the back. Yet, I also thought that he could being searching for a job and not have to worry too much because he was paid in full for the year. However, he may have moved his entire family to Dillion, only to have to move again while he searches for a new job- which may take a while, I'm certain MacGregor did not think this job was only for a year...
Sorry about the long post! In closing, love it and can't wait for next Friday!
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Oct 28, 2007 12:16 AM
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Wasn't prepared for the end here where Coach Taylor just got right back to working his job without much fanfare.
I agree with others that this episode flew by, I think partially because it felt like the first-part of a two-part episode. Julie's story with the Swede, the body in the river, and J's surgery are all up the in air without a payoff.
It's rare to have three storylines unresolved. However, a B-subplot, Lyla's story with the ex-convict was resolved. So three A-storylines left hanging is what makes it feel like a first-part of a two-parter. Anyone else agree?
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Oct 28, 2007 5:58 AM
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My prediction. Landrys dad already found the watch. The look he gave Tyra said it all. He knows Landry did it, can imagine the circumstances and will keep in under his roof, knowing that Landry actually did a good thing in the end. I envision Landry "finding" the watch under his pillow or somesuch, and the plotline will wrap up nicely.
This has a real possibility and would be the perfect conclusion to the murder.
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Oct 28, 2007 10:47 AM
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I agree with most of the others. I foresee the coach coming back at a rival school and setting up an end -of-the -season game episode.
Did Riggins just quit the team and I missed it? He missed a game and I don't think a real team would just let him back on.
Back in the day I would have hated this show on Fridays cuz I myself was the party hardy type. Now, I am just so excited for it to end my week. I love having a new show to watch on Friday night and it just gets me more and more excited for college football on Saturday and NFL on Sunday.
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Oct 28, 2007 11:10 AM
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I was just hoping for a "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose" from the Coach at the end of the epi. Other than that, all happy.
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Oct 28, 2007 6:48 PM
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Not since the "Dallas" era have I anticipated a show on Friday evenings. I think this episode was great. I agree that we need to see more of Smash and his mom. Also, what happened to his love interest of last season? She brought a great dimension to the show and allowed Smash to show some real tender moments. I think the actress playing Mrs. Taylor is depicting the true reality of what it's like being a new mom who also has to deal with a teenage child. She looks like hell, but we have all been there. I love this show and hope it stays around for a while. Will Jason go back to coaching? It will be interesting to see what direction his life will take the next few weeks. Riggins is maturing and I would like to see him mentor some of the up and coming players who may be the new characters to come. Coach Taylor is home where he belongs, but something tells me it is not going to be all roses.
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Oct 28, 2007 8:08 PM
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