Friday Night Lights, Season 2

Goddamn I love "Friday Night Lights."

The scene where Smash's mom tells Smash that she loves him after Smash told her (paraphrasing), "Go ahead and say it, I told you so," was just fantastic.

I realize that I'm probably D'Bing someone else's post in here by saying that the character development on FNL is great. But it can't be stressed enough. Just about every character on this show has a purpose. There's no such thing as a throwaway character on FNL.

Oh, and Tyra in volleyball spandex shorts.....outstanding.

 

The final scene was so well done. You see all the players and coaches running out and you're all pumped up. And then it gets quiet and you see Smash, who you didn't realize was still in there. All alone, the hurt so obvious on his face.
Good God.

That's another thing about the actors on this show. Their faces are so expressive. This is one of the finest acted dramas on TV. Think about it. All of the main characters can (and have) communicated their feelings to the viewer without saying a word. Just an awesome and fun show.

 

What struck me was that nothing earth-shattering took place on the latest episode. Everything seemed quite real. I think we've all had to break up with a girl, or a guy. I think we've all drowned our sorrows in beer and then regretted it. I've been partying and had to leave for a family emergency. I've felt like nobody cared, like Saracen. I remember going to the DMV and leaving with my license. As a parent, I can relate now to what it'll be like to watch my own kids take their driver's tests. There was just nothing over the top about that episode, but it cut like a knife in almost every scene.

 

Saracen continues to be my favorite character. I think he's one of the best actors on TV.

I loved his line to the God-squader (at least I think it was his line) when he and Riggins were leaving the restaurant and he mumbled "shalom" to Lyla's suitor.

Didn't like the way he skated on the "bitch" line to the teacher. Most places, I thnk that draws a suspension.

Also didn't like Coach blowing off Saracen smelling like booze at practice, a point his assistant made. Coach would typically have followed up with a visit, although I suppose he made amends by getting with Saracen later when Granny fell. Nice moment the two had together in the shower of all places.

 

That was awesome.

God, Saracen's performance was perfect.

 

I was never a big Kyle Chandler fan and was skeptical when he was cast as Coach Taylor. However, he's made me a fan. I loved his comment when Julie was saying he wasn't going to be involved in her getting her driver's license. It was something along the lines of "That's fine, I'll be in the bathroom." Very dry, but funny.

 

You know, in the hands of lesser actors/directors/writers, that shower scene could've come across as dangerously afterschool-special-ish. But you're right, Zeke -- it was perfect. Just about every minute of the episode was.

 

Why stop at strippers, how bout the moms, nurses, high schoolers, housewives and next-door-neighbors in that town? Bumblefuck, Texas never looked so grand.

And I agree this was the best episode of the season. This show does real life moments better than any other, the further they stay from the murder and mayhem over the top storylines the better the show is.

 

Yup, it just keeps hitting home runs. And it's hard to say if it was ever better than this one, for exactly the reasons the Stallion stated.

One thing troubles me. As glad as I was to see Landry pick Tyra ... they can't just act like the talk between Tyra and Landry's father never happened. Landry's got to become aware of it at some point, if only to close the hole.

 

Seriously watching this show makes me want to move to Texas if they all look this freaking hot.

 

I agree with the others who called this the best episode of the season. Not a whole lot to add--Saracen was great as was Smash. Though I will say I never though when I started this show that I'd be willing to someday admit that I loved the shower scene with Saracen and Coach Taylor.

 

I could think of some other shower scenes I'd like to see.