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« Friday Night Lights
A Plague of Consequences Strikes Dillon
Matt tries to figure out how to deal with the women in his life. Zach Gilford by Bill Records/NBC
Episode Recap: "Bad Things"
Regular readers of this blog know that this show make me cry on a pretty regular basis. Tonight's episode was no exception, though I'm not sure what part was most affecting. You'd think it would be Jason still coming to terms with his paralysis after recovering some muscle function, but that's really just par for the course on this show. As usual, Connie Britton's flawless portrayal of a new mother with a crumbling psyche was wrenching to watch. Was there any scene in which she wasn't desperately trying to swallow her sobs? And the thing is, it all seemed so completely organic — there was no screaming or a melodramatic "Why me?" moment. It's hard not to love a show that allows its characters to fully comprehend the ridiculousness of their choices, and when Glenn (the guidance counselor in need of guidance) asked Tami why exactly she and Eric were living apart, her acknowledgement of, "I don't know, that was just my idea, it was just a stupid idea," was just the kind of simple truth that would actually be said in real life.
Buddy started coming to terms with the effects of his idiotic choices tonight as well. Having the Panther pep rally taken away from his car dealership by the new, "hillbilly mouth-breather" of a coach just killed him. I'm not sure if he's totally gotten that the reason this is all happening is because of his seriously unstable family life, though. For him, football and family were always totally separate, but as he drunkenly mumbled tonight, he's lost them both.
As for the much-maligned Landry and Tyra situation… well, if you're not OK with it, my guess is that you hated their scenes tonight, and if you are OK with it — and I still count myself in that latter group — they gave us some wonderful moments. Landry can't stop beating himself up for killing someone, and while Tyra's glad the guy's dead, she wishes that she had been the one to do it. I wasn't a huge fan of Adrianne Palicki last season, but she showed some real subtlety tonight. As I saw it, she seems equally divided on wishing it had been her doing out of pure fear and revenge, and wishing it had been her doing because yes, she knew Landry had a thing for her, and she feels guilty that he — a guy that she really didn't have a more than platonic interest in prior to the incident — would do this for her. Say what you will, but I think that Palicki and Jesse Plemons are doing an amazing job with the material they've been given.
In other parts of the episode, we witnessed the possible reconciliation of Lyla and Riggins, the improvement of Jason's muscular control, and the not-really-that-sad breakup of sweet Matt and sour Julie. Matt certainly has enough on his plate between the new live-in nurse for his grandmother with the exacting standards and being virtually ignored by Coach McGregor, so it's probably better for him that he and Julie are going to be taking some time apart. That, and she totally kissed the Swede before breaking up with him. Julie, don't worry. You will never be your mother because Tami has way too much class to do something like that.
Finally, can I just mention how great Eric Taylor was tonight? I'm sure a couple million heads nodded in agreement when his boss said, "I bet you were one hell of a high school coach, Taylor." He had too much personal integrity to tell star player Antwone Beltraine to lie to the disciplinary committee about accepting gifts from boosters, and he didn't sugarcoat things at the hearing. And for Eric's honesty (saying that the committee should take away all of the gifts Antwone received and basically asking to be given time to teach him how to be a better person), the kid was only suspended for three games. Not exactly a lesson taught or learned. Maybe Antwone needs to spend some time in Dillon. Then he'll learn all about personal responsibility.
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Oct 12, 2007 10:05 PM
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Another amazing episode. Sometimes I feel like I am watching a documentary instead of a scripted drama. There are so many layers to each character. I am not crazy about the Landry/Tyra murder storyline,but talk about just knock it out of the park performances from both actors.
They should retire the Best Actress Emmy and just give it to Connie Britton. There is not better actress on TV today.
I could go on and on about each of actors and their stories,but it would take up way too much space.
Safe to say, the show is as good as ever!
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Oct 12, 2007 11:40 PM
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First time "commentor"! Been a FNL fan since the first episode! What quality writing/acting - everything!! And tonight's episode was OUTSTANDING! I agree about Tami's "organic" & so very real emotional state! Everything rings TRUE in this incredible program!! Even if you don't like the Landry/Tyra situation (and I accept it totally!), their scenes together are simply exquisitely rendered! I, too, felt a tear roll down my cheek tonight! And Riggins NEEDS to have a moment of happiness! And that new coach NEEDS to be "taken out"! LOL! Goodness, but I adore this show! And I have adloved Kyle Chandler since "Homefront" in the early 90's! He (and about 6 others) deserve Emmys for their unparalled acting in this under-appreciated but OUTSTANDING program! I've actually recruited one of my daughters, who lives out of state, as a new, enthusiastic FNL viewer! Sent her the first year on DVD & now she's "hooked"! LOL!- AJ Rutten
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Oct 12, 2007 11:45 PM
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I love this show. Everything tonight was right on target.
As I thought they would, the writers have made the Landry and Tyra story worthwhile by genuinely exploring its reprucussions. I love what happened between them -- yeah, the subplot is a little melodromatic but it is played with so much honesty, and you can tell they are so scared and confused and desperte that I think it really works.
And the rest? Oh, what is there to say about the rest? I feel like Tyra and Landry are the only genuinely debatable topic because everything else was just perfect as usual. I want to hate Julie for breaking it off with Matt -- I was screaming at the TV when she kissed the Swede -- but it feels realistic. How broken are the Taylors right now? I wonder what would be happening with Julie and Matt if Eric had been a more perminant presence in her life recently. I know he won't love her any less for breaking up with him as he said last week, but it's still clear that this seperation is taking a toll on her as much as Eric and Tami. I hope it comes to a resolution soon because even though it's great drama, I want good things to happen to these people and it's really painful to see them suffering.
I'm not liking the nurse for Matt's grandmother. I get that it is her job, but hello, she isn't running the place. How does this work? Is Matt employing her, or what exactly? She can't just barge in there and change the entire setup. Even though he is a minor, he's still got to have some authority in his own home which he has been running for the past several months.
Withholding the party from Buddy was just cruel on the part of the new coach -- I don't think he understands how much football means to Buddy, or to the town for that matter -- but hopefully it will cause him to examine his flaws and repair his family. That it brought Lyla and Tim to some common ground was great and interesting to watch. I like them together.
And Jason...oh, Jason...sorry, kid, but the paralysis ain't going away. I ache for him not being able to accept that and thought he was making some real progress in transitioning to coaching. I have been through some simmilar stuff in my life and relate to his character, so I'm particularly invested in this and curious to see where it will go.
P.S.: This was a fantastic Friday double bill with Men in Trees, another ratings-challenged show. I did some network hopping, but the genuine drama of this show and the relaxed, fanciful emotion on that one are an oddly pleasing mix. I love them both and am thrilled to have them back on the air where they belong.
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Oct 12, 2007 11:56 PM
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I just have to comment on the tiara scene. It was my favorite scene of the night! When Grandma spent $2400 on a diamond encrusted crown, I thought I was gonna die laughing. And when Landry said "You can just zip on down to the Rite-Aid", I lost it. Quirky little scenes like this proves FNL's heart and soul.
And I can't help myself from rooting against Julie. Breaking poor Matt's heart like that.....However, if I was Julie (a somewhat angst-ridden teenager), Matt's complete "goodness" and lost puppy act would drive me nuts, too!  But since I'm not a somewhat angst-ridden teenager, I am completely in love with Matt Saracen. Puts me in the anti-Julie camp.
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Oct 13, 2007 12:33 AM
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I am with you macysmom33. I know Julie is at "that age" and her family is broken, but geesh, I was a bit rebellious and I never remember being that cold-hearted when breaking up with a nice guy at that same age. I will have to say though, they still seem pretty awkward together for having been together for so many months. I know it is because of the tension, but I would be curious to know if they ever achieved a really good comfort level.
Sorry, still not liking the dead guy story line. That is not to take away from the actors portrayal in the least. They nailed that last scene they were in where she came to him and they both cried. I guess I just wish they had "come together" in a different way.
This whole cast is so talented that a little nitpick like a storyline would never keep me away. As just about everyone has stated at one time or another, this whole show seems so genuine.
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Oct 13, 2007 7:52 AM
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...Good morning...I'm not liking the Landry-Tyra situation, but I loved their scenes last night; when they held hands, I got a little emotional...and as for Julie, I'm so mad that she is not helping her mom more, with the new baby and chores around the house; I mean, her mom is falling apart and it's like she doesnt notice or care; and I still haven't seen her hold little Gracie!...and is it not even a remote possibility that Jason could walk? sorry, I don't remember the episode where he was told that he will definitely not walk again...
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Oct 13, 2007 9:21 AM
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There are so many lost souls in this show right now. Losing Coach Taylor made the whole town seem to lose it's compass. Coach Taylor has lost his own compass it seems and that half-witted jerk footballer was the one who seemed to help him put some things in perspective. I don't know if I understood the comment from the other coach about how Taylor must've been a hell of a high school football coach. I guess that was a dig of some sort?
Then we have Saracen who is ignored by the new coach and he's ignored by his supposed girlfriend, and he's ignored by his granny's new caretaker. The kid's gotta break at some point.
Tyra-Landry...I like them together. I'm still not thrilled with the story line, but last night both of those actors played it raw and real.
Buddy is a mess. He's screwed up everything. I hope last night was an epiphany for him. At least Lyla did come to her dad's rescue when he embarrassed himself in front of the whole town.
Tammy...what can you say about Connie Britton that hasn't already been said? She was awesome. Her slow decent into hormonal madness is going to be the straw that breaks the camels back. She is truly alone with this new baby because Julie is a total spoiled brat right now. I know the separation from her dad has taken it's toll, but she and her mom were very close last season. The complete 180 has thrown me off. I do wish we'd see more glimpses of what went down over the previous 8 months. I can't wait to see Tammy give Julie her comeuppance after seeing the previews for next week. Although, previews are just bait....who knows what the fallout will be?
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Oct 13, 2007 9:41 AM
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I love this show.
Am I alone in thinking that now that Saracen is free, the new live-in caretaker might become a love interest? She doesn't look that much older than him.
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Oct 13, 2007 10:40 AM
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I love this show. It seems that no matter what they do or how much I might dislike something, in the end, it always makes sense and works out right and even sometimes wrong. But things are usually justified. It's the show that seems like it's the way things REALLY happen.
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Oct 13, 2007 10:43 AM
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I love this show, but I don't think the first two episodes this season have been as engrossing as last season. Is the new home care nurse the actress that played Lucas's lesbian girlfriend on OTH a few years ago? Please bring Coach Taylor home so we can have a few more smiles and some humor in the Taylor house!!!
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Oct 13, 2007 11:26 AM
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I love this show so much. I sit with baited breath before it comes on and find that it is the fast hour of the week.
The actors are so great but last night and every night I am astounded at Connie Britton's portrayal of Tami. Talk about hormones going crazy for someone who hasn't ever had a baby she has knock the new mom scenes out of the park.
The scene last night when she was asked by Glenn why the coach and she were living apart mirrors what is going on in my life, my husband has been working away as well and they do seem like great ideas at the time. Thank heavens I don't have a new baby. Luckily my husband will be home for soon and hopefully so will the Coach.
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Oct 13, 2007 4:15 PM
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While not happy with the "dump the body" resolution to the rapist story arc, the emotional repercussions that Landry and Tyra are feeling make the implausibility of trying to hide the crime fade somewhat for me. Great acting from both.
On another note, if you, my fellow FNL fans, haven't seen Peter Berg's "The Kingdom" yet, I think your missing out. Similar camera style, soundtrack, the realism we've come to expect, plus it deals with the most important issue of our day without taking a political stand. Not easy to do in today's polarized atmosphere. And Lyla and Coach Taylor appear as well. It may be too violent for some, but it's not the cartoon "Commando" kind, just unfortunately the all true real version. Good job, Mr. Berg.
And I guess we only have our DVRing selves to blame for products becoming part of the script. Coach Taylors referencing an I-Phone at the hearing, then surprise, an AT&T/I-Phone commercial at the next break. Not as blatant as on Numb3rs last year when Charlie used a Dyson vac to come up with one of his wacky math theories, but it still irks me a little when it becomes part of the writers duty to placate advertisers. Product placement is one thing, don't mind seeing the real deal when it comes to everyday things we use, but this takes things to a disturbing level for me. OTOH, whatever it takes to keep quality shows like this on the air is the order of the day.
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Oct 13, 2007 4:18 PM
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The Tyra-Landry killing continues to be the one thing that doesn't sit right with me in this otherwise perfect drama. Why oh why did they have to write this plot into the show?
But Connie Britton continues to shine as the best un-Emmy'd actress on TV, and Kyle Chandler makes the absolute most of his slightly diminished role this season.
I know I'm in the minority when I say this, but I'd like to see more of Lyla. I have to admit that Minka Kelly's looks and voice are absolutely irresistable to me, but I also think that Lyla's character is interesting for how she has evolved.
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Oct 13, 2007 10:28 PM
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For the past year, my co-workers have told me to "try out" Friday Night Lights. I finally took that advice...
Connie Britton might be the best actress on TV right now and the show itself is mesmorizing. I'm doing my best to spread the word.
The writing, casting, acting, setting, etc. are beyond wonderful. It is the ONLY TV show that I consider family oriented and entertaining. I am in love with this show!
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Oct 13, 2007 11:52 PM
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