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I know I was watching an episode of Friday Night Lights tonight, or at least part of one, because of the series of beautifully acted, funny, heartfelt scenes between Eric and Tami Taylor that ran throughout the hour.
The rest of it, I'm not sure. Was that a discarded, gender-reversed Marissa-and-DJ-the-gardener plot from The O.C.? Something from showrunner Jason Katims' old Boston Public notes, maybe?
I've been trying really hard to compartmentalize Friday Night Lights this season, to focus on the stuff I liked (and there's always been a good deal to like, even as other elements went out into left field) and forget about that which bugged me. That's probably not the wisest course of action for a critic, but if I'm being honest, I jumped over the fanboy-critic line a good while ago.
Putting everything into its little box, though, is tough when the show makes even its most consistent characters act out. The Tami Taylor we've known for a season and a half is maybe a little too protective of her daughter, sure, and wants more for Julie than even the nice little life she has. But that Tami does not threaten a fellow faculty member with firing and bodily harm in front of anyone who happens to be walking by.
At the very least, she's smarter than that and would pull Noah into her office -- or at least close the freakin' classroom door -- before going after him. I also think the Tami we know would be a little more subtly persuasive than, "I'll have you fired, and my husband will kick your ass." That's not the Tami we got in those scenes, though, and I'm at a loss to explain where this one came from.
I've been less befuddled by the Saracen-Carlotta story -- I don't particularly like it, but his willingness to express his feelings for her is at least of a piece with Matt growing more confident with expressing himself on the field and elsewhere. Still, it seems like the Saracen the show spent 25-plus episodes creating wouldn't go for a jerk move like inducing New Girl Lauren to break up with him by playing the "open relationship" card. And even if he did take Smash's bad advice and go through with it, doesn't it seem like he'd feel guilty for more than a minute or two?
And, finally, have we ever seen any evidence of a friendship between Landry and Lyla? Had Landry been talking to Matt, or Tami, or heck, his own minister whom we've never seen before, I maybe could have bought that as a catalyst for Landry to walk into the police station (although, thank heaven for small favors, at least the rapist's brother didn't tell Landry about how the guy had a wife and two kids). I imagine Lyla appreciates the ride Landry gave her to State last year, but I'm not for a second buying that as a strong enough bond for him to come thisclose to telling her what happened, or her convincing him what's right.
What kills me, too, is that the quality of the acting has only improved this season. Connie Britton (that's her up top) and Kyle Chandler have been great from day one, but the kids, Jesse Plemons (Landry) and Aimee Teegarden (Julie) in particular, have really stepped it up. I just wish their efforts were in service of stories that didn't feel like they were coming from other shows.
When anyone asks me what my favorite shows are -- it's an occupational hazard -- Friday Night Lights is always right at the top of the list. I wonder, though, if someone coming fresh to the show will look at all the weird stuff going on now and think I'm high.
I would tell those hypothetical folks, if I could, to concentrate on the scenes between Eric and Tami, because they're just about always brilliant. So it was tonight; Chandler and Britton pretty well saved the episode for me (and the argument between Tami and her sister was pretty good too). Eric's petty jealousy about Tami's doofy colleague Glenn, Tami's understandably angry reaction to his harsh criticism, and their eventual making up ("I like you." "You do?" "Yeah, I like you.") -- all of it was fantastic, and I don't mind telling you that I must have had some dust in my eye during that last scene.
The football-related stuff this week was pretty good too. It wasn't hard to see where the seduction-of-Smash thread was going, especially not after he met the Division I football equivalent of Chekhov's gun on his recruiting visit. Still, the payoff of seeing Smash dash away in his boxers, and Matt laughing at him the entire ride home, was worth it.
Similarly, Riggins' final plea to get back on the team worked pretty well, as he simply refused to leave the field and apologized to his teammates for letting them down. Yes, he called the red-headed lineman "Firecrotch" and made about three other pretty crude jokes, but you could also tell he meant it. I don't necessarily think that seeing his roommate's meth lab has scared him totally straight, but it at least reminded him that he doesn't have it all that bad. And it all felt in step with the character.
If only the rest of the show could be that consistent.
Your thoughts on this week's Friday Night Lights? Is the inconsistency bugging you, or does the great still overwhelm the bad?
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Zap2it Twitter Talk 
Absolutely the great outweighs the not-so-great. There is nothing that FNL could do to erase the unending goodwill I feel towards the show. Smash running in his boxers - hilarious. Riggins: "Hey guys, just let me make it up to you in the showers". I laughed uncontrollaby at that. Tami is my favorite character as always, but she was a little quick to ***ume about Julie's teacher. But eventually she realized it and felt terrible, so I can forgive her. The Incident looks like it will be resolved after all, but I really didn't think this was as bad a storyline as everyone else. However, the Matt-Carlotta thing is ridiculous. I cringe everytime they touch each other. What is she, like 26? Both of Matt's other girlfriends were better options.
Lyla's talk wasn't about friendship. She was attending Bible study and saw a person who needed to talk, so she went over to him...and Landry has obviously been looking for somebody, anybody, to tell him that it is okay to turn himself in, and Lyla provided him with someone that had no personal investment in his secret to give him 'permission' to do the right thing.
I actually think FNL is better "this" season than last. I loved Lyla talking with Landry. First of all, it's a small town and everyone knows everyone. Second, she saw him in tears watching her Bible study group so she reached out. I thought Tami was right on with the teacher. It's easy to be calm, cool and collected until you see a 20 something teaching pawing your daughter. I also love the Landry/Tyra plot. It has drawn me in and provided some amazing scenes. Next week should be no exception.
I'm overly protective of this show, so I probably have a way to rationalize any storyline...
I'm going to chalk Tami's handling of the English teacher to her being an overwhelmed new mom. We've got a 4-year old and a 4-month old at home and the whole "good idea/bad execution" thing rang especially true for me.
And I'm willing to overlook the slightly out of character moments that have popped up throughout the season because I really want this show to stick around.
I love this show!! Last evenings episode was excellent! Tami is clearly struggling with a new baby, working, a teenager that she has lost touch with, a sister who calls her on her stuff, and a husband who is feeling left out. She took her anger out on the English teacher, who was reciprocating Julie's flirting and interest in him. I was quite initially quite disturbed by the murder story line and like many thought it was an effort to increase ratings in a soap opera fashion; however as the story has unfolded I am so impressed by the character development and the way the story has played out and the previews from next week seem that we won't be disappointed. I am hoping that Matt is just sowing his oats with Carlotta however we have to remember he has never had a steady older person in his life as he has taken care of grandma and we know little of his mom or dad. I can see where the attraction lies for him. I would like to see Julie reconnect with her parents and Riggins get some steady adults in his life. He is like a lost puppy who drinks his pain away. I could go on forever, let's spread the word that this show is awesome and pray it doesn't get cancelled due to the writer's strike.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!!
After watching Matt with Carlotta I couldn't help but compare it with the first episodes of the season, when Julie was hanging out with The Swede. With Julie, her actions felt real and natural. The writers managed to make her story believable - so much so that I was mad as hell at Julie, and actually cheered out loud when Tami slapped her. With Matt & Carlotta, I got mad at the writers for using "WB Teen Drama Plot Device #257: sleeps with annoying guest star".
Also, I loved the scene between Tami & Julie when Julie was so upset with her mother she couldn't even speak clearly. It was just so... lifelike, I thought I was hearing my sister yell at my Mom!
I never watch this show, but just since you mentioned it: Jason Katims led the charge of Boston Public into oblivion when he took over. I still hold a grudge even though the show always had flaws. I mean, how can you get a cast like he had and do such crummy storylines? Hope he doesnt do the same with FNL.
I think Tami was justified in her reaction to the English teacher and Julie. Sure, it's just talking and eating lunch together, but that's probably how all those teacher-student relationships start out. Like when he said something like I'm an English teacher, I can recommend reading material to my students - I would have said "oh, really, so you're spending as much time with each and every one of your other students as you are with Julie?"
Now, of course, Tami should have at least closed the door to the cl***room so students p***ing by couldn't hear, but whatever. If you don't want people talking about your inappropriate behavior, then don't do it. It would be only a matter of time before fellow students started making comments about Julie and her teacher. Teens are not oblivious.
That scene where Smash was running from that college football player was intense! I was so "afraid" (for lack of a better word) that the guy would catch up with him. And Matt, when he comes pick up Smash - was hilarious.
I think Tami was justified in her reaction to the English teacher and Julie. Sure, it's just talking and eating lunch together, but that's probably how all those teacher-student relationships start out. Like when he said something like I'm an English teacher, I can recommend reading material to my students - I would have said "oh, really, so you're spending as much time with each and every one of your other students as you are with Julie?"
Now, of course, Tami should have at least closed the door to the cl***room so students p***ing by couldn't hear, but whatever. If you don't want people talking about your inappropriate behavior, then don't do it. It would be only a matter of time before fellow students started making comments about Julie and her teacher. Teens are not oblivious.
That scene where Smash was running from that college football player was intense! I was so "afraid" (for lack of a better word) that the guy would catch up with him. And Matt, when he comes pick up Smash - was hilarious.
I love love love love love this show. I did nt want to watch it, thinking oh a Southern football movie Yawn!! But I was hooked from episode ONE. I tell people all the time to watch it, trying to ensure in my own small way that it will remain on the air. The acting is always brillant, the writing flawless. I actually care about these characters. Spread the word!!