Interlude

Dear Coach Taylor,

I love Dillon, TX almost as much as you do. Maybe more, because aside from everything, I feel I fully appreciate ALL of Matt Saracen and Tim Riggins' various talents and abilities off the football field. BUT, as a caring, concerned ... let's just say ... friend, I have a few things I'd like to put on your radar.

First, your QB1 is making out with his grandmother's nurse. And said grandmother's nurse is giving The Saracen, "the nod." You know what I mean. It's dangerous. As Ross Gellar once shouted at Rachel and Phoebe, "DANGER!" I mean, let's face it, the nurse is better than the Texas haired cheerleader with awesome car knowledge, but still, her presence is cliched and undesired. Got me? I think it's time for one of your famous father figure Matt chats.

Also, Riggins, whom you threw off the team and are now watching for signs of loyalty and desire to be a Panther, is homeless. He's living with a guy who has dog pens or... something. I really think you should take him in and let him see how the Taylor house is run. Except maybe keep him away from Julie and Tami's sister. He's a charmer, that one.

Then there's the matter of John from Cincinnati. He's trying to get in your daughter's pants and if there's anything we learned from Mary Kay LeTourneau and Dawson's Creek, this particular breed of storyline never really works that well (worse, it's just a truly terrible cop out). Just my observation, of course, but I feel it's warranted.

On that note, I'd like to bring up the number of new characters making their presence known in the Lone Star State. Tami's sister, Glen, Landry's dad, Lyla's prison pal, the pervert teacher, the soccer coach, the nurse, the big haired cheerleader being used to make Julie jealous ... I mean, really. Street and Riggins got shafted in this episode to make room for people we care less about. Granted, if any show can handle it, FNL can, but I really don't want to deal with these people when those I know and love are being pushed to the wayside.

Lastly, I'd like to talk to you about Lance. He killed someone. And he dumped the body. Then his dad helped him cover it up. Reeeeaaaaalllly not a good call considering the number of procedurals I've seen where those in this situation get caught. You should talk to Lance about his crime - it was self defense - and what it means that his police officer father just helped conceal a crime.

I want you to know I bring these things up out of love - for you and your family and town. While Friday Nights are still AMAZING, even with these small annoyances, I fear they could lead to bigger problems in the future. You're a leader - you're THE MAN - I charge you with directing the path.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

It doesn't sound like you really mean that...

Sorry, guys.

It's been outrageously long since I posted, but life has sort of taken over the last couple of weeks. My grandfather had a stroke, I worked ridiculous hours at this Christmas retail fair (it's questionable as to whether or not my feet still function) and I found a new apartment that has to be painted and cleaned before I can move in (because it was built in the '40s). Thing is, with all that going on, I've been behind on my shows and had to watch some online (which I know is a "no no" these days with the strike) and some days later than airing. Then, my TIVO tried to explode from holding the backlogs of material. Alas, I think I'm caught up. Finally. As for the blog, it was hard to keep it going as it's just me manning the ship.

That said, I bow in humble apology for my absence. I'm not really sure how many people actually come here regularly, but if you do, I will not look you in the eye for at least a week as a sign of deference. ;)

---

And now, a mash:

The Office: I've missed two recaps, but I'm focusing on "Survivor Man." Interesting episode. Funny, in its own way, but interesting. Steve Carell tends to take a heavy undertone to the story when he writes. This evolution of Jim Halpert thing (check out GMMR) - stuck in his job, but content in his life - seems to be coming to the front lines this year. Jim being afraid of becoming Michael, promising not to be at DM in 10 years just like Michael did. And then there's the second life discovery of what Jim would really like to be doing.

It's interesting, veddy veddy... we're seeing Jim happier than he's ever been personally, but I'm starting to wonder if we won't see a bit more discontent with his choices professionally. Of course, this storyline should have been saved for the second to last or last season, so the final episode involves Jim getting a fancy new job and moving off with his fiance, Pam (did I just say that? oops!), but whatever the writers want to explore, I'm up for it. As long as they don't screw with my PB&J. Wouldn't it be interesting to see them actually stay together and figure things out. What a novel idea. You know, sort of like people do in real life. On a side note, Jan has plastic boobs!

House: House at the CIA = Awesome! Still only one Chase scene, a smattering of Cameron and LOTS of Foreman. I'm starting to wonder how Jesse Spencer feels about this.

Friday Night Lights: Okay. I'm sorry. You KNOW how obsessed I am with this show (I'm currently wearing a T-shirt I made a Spreadshirt.com with Panther Football written on front and Riggins and Saracen on back), but I have several WTF (not necessarily bad, just... WTF) things to toss out into the ether.

a) Last week in Mexico. Lyla making out with Street and Riggins. In front of each other. (The "I need to go pray" comment was a bit much for me.) My friend and I had to rewind after looking at each other and saying, "Did that just happen?" I'm supposing she was drunk? I... And... But then, the next day driving home (this week's ep), there's no mention of it, head on Rig's shoulder, reminiscing about the past. Weird. Not that I mind, I mean, I'd go for both too, maybe just not in front of each other. All I'm sayin'. Still, my funny friend in the elite Facebook group that shall not be named, had this to say: "I don't know why everyone's thinking it's strange. Didn't any of ya'll see Y Tu Mama Tambien? Apparently those sorts of shenanigans happen all the time during Mexican road trips." Apparently. I'll know what to expect when I hit the road for Mexico.

b) Tami's sister is gonna annoy me. c) Saracen! Get your lips off that randomite! d) Riggins. I love you. e) Coach and Tami were CLASSIC in last week's episode (re: post baby fun time for Coach). I laughed... god, I laughed.

f) Landry's dad is cop and an idiot. I mean, how is he going to explain Landry's missing car? Better yet, what's he gonna say when they find the car (they always find the car)? More importantly, how is Landry going to drive all the Collete women, plus Mrs. Saracen and Lyla to the State Championship this year? Geez.

---

There were other moments of the week. But since I have two weeks to atone for, I think I'll just start over fresh with the one upcoming.

Friday Night Lights: 2x03

Friday Night Lights

2x03
Are You Ready for Friday Night?

Another quality episode of FNL. If people don't start watching this show, I'm gonna organize some sort of march on Austin. (Not really, but I'd think about it a lot.) I maintain their DVD guarantee that you'll be hooked after one episode. Seriously... Jenna Fischer joined the train after much persuasion from Angela. People from The Office are rarely wrong.

Dillon needs its golden boy...

Coach: Seriously, I've never been one to agree, unquestionably, with Buddy Garrity, but he's right, Eric needs to come home. He's trying so hard to build and mold the boys at TMU - something their staff doesn't understand or care for. But that's what Eric does - and why we love him. Meanwhile, Glenn's got his hands in Tami's icebox, Julie's in the midst of a teenage melt down and his team needs him. Saracen needs him. (I mean, all the others too, but we all know Coach loves Matt the best.) I'm sensing college ball is not exactly living up to the dream Eric imagined and his deal with the Devil to come back to Dillon, may not be a smooth a road as we'd like, but it's the path he needs to be on. Should be interesting to see how they get rid of crazy town coach...

Julie: Is she really that much of a brat? I mean, she didn't get it from her parents, and I know it's been a hard year and she's a teenager and it all feels strange and confusing and the perfect time to act out, but honestly... "I think your baby's crying," is just bitchy. And the Swede. The SWEDE? Stop being something you're not. Ugh. I'm all about the slap from Tami. Sure, she's stressed and taking some of it out on Julie, but Julie needs a wake up call... like life isn't hard for anyone in the Taylor family but her? Natural teenage self-centeredness that drives me up the wall. Step up, kid.

Tyra and Landry: I'm just not sure what I think. The "morning after" scene was expectedly awkward and strange, but so are they - and I was not the least bit surprised they continued to be friends despite it. I like them for that. I like them as friends. Friends. As twisted as it is, I really liked the scene between them in the watch store, even if they were there, you know, because Landry lost his watch at the scene of a crime. I just don't get how he still functions as Landry with that on his mind. As for the ending, Tyra showing up, more kissing... I have no doubt that she truly cares for Landry, but I only see this ending in disaster.

Matt: If you hook up with the nurse, I will steal your football jersey. Just stop it. Writers, this is a terrible plot device. Don't do it. Also, on a side note, angry works well for Saracen.

Tim Riggins: First off, I think it's important to acknowledge the first shot of him in this episode. Shirtless. Duly noted? Okay, so I fail to see why Rig is constantly being heckled by the new coach. I guess it's the coming to practice drunk and not working like he's supposed to, but the dude needs to chill out before he kills the kid. Of course, what does Riggins care, he had Buddy rescue him and a trip to church with Lyla. I like seeing Riggins wrestling with something that I think he might have actually been a little affected by - but still seeing it as a way to get closer to Lyla. Totally believable. I'll leave my thoughts on he and Street, to the Street section, but needless to say, it seems Riggins is circling the bottom of the barrel.

Lyla: I continue to be impressed by how they're handling this storyline. It's not over the top or ridiculous - Christianity does change people's lives and it can be done without the judgment often associated with the experience, so I admire Lyla's new convictions, and I think it's fantastic she's still reaching out to Tim. But she's still reaching out to Tim... so I'm pretty sure they're gonna hook back up. Something we can all be happy about.

Street: I feel for him. He takes his job seriously and is thrown a bone by the coach, only to see it didn't really matter in the end - he's still the mascot. (Just wait 'til Coach Taylor comes back and you are a coach - fair and square.) I don't know what to think about this whole Mexico/surgery/trip with Riggins. I think a lot of his anger toward Riggins comes from Street being upset that Tim takes what he has for granted - what Street can't have - and it pisses him off. Would me too. As for this surgery. DANGER. DANGER. I'm really wondering what's about to go down... whatever it is, I sort of love the fights he and Tim get in, because they never seem to stick. "You could've knocked, Six." and "Put it away... we're still in Texas. Idiot."

Buddy Garrity: The great motivator. "You listen to me Tim Riggins (stole that line from Bo), I've seen you play with a hangover many times and you played like a champ." Way to mentor, Buddy.

Smash: The Smash is back and loving the attention of the new coach's running game. He's also not worried about what it means to see his team being torn apart, or how it might feel to pull the rug out from under Matty. (In his defense, he is a senior and he wants to prove himself and get a scholarship, etc.) Still, it was good to see The Smash get some air time again. But I'm wondering... where's Waverly? Back in therapy? Another character we've seen no mention of... what is the deal?


Favorite exchange of the night...

Eric: Who's that?
Tami: That's Glenn, darlin.
Eric: What's Glenn doin' at the house?
Tami: Glenn is here, helping me at the moment, trying to get the ice maker to work.
Eric: I don't want Glenn over at the house, with his hands in my wife's icebox. Just tell him to leave it alone, I'll fix it when I get home on the weekend.
Tami: Alright, sweetheart, that'll be great. Well, um, is that what you called to talk to me about?
Eric: No. Listen, did you forget to tell me that Julie and Matt broke up?
Tami: No, Julie and Matt didn't break up.
Glenn: Yeah, they did. It's all over the school, it's huge, everybody's talking about it.
Eric: Hey babe, tell Glenn to sit down and be quiet.

Friday Night Lights: 2x02

Friday Night Lights

2x02
Bad Ideas

Yes, and there were lots of them in this episode. So many it's hard to choose. Returning to the scene of the crime, The Swede, Buddy Garrity (Just in general... "Rig-O"), The Taylor family split (which is taking its toll, obviously) ... and let's not forget Landry and Tyra doin' the dirty.

Where do I even begin?

I have a wonderful group of TV obsessed friends, with whom I can have endless conversations about fictional characters. I've had my boss remind me that Jim and Pam aren't real while, discussing them with A, I've sat at length while pondering LOST in a room full of faces, and now that FNL has entered my life, there's T-shirt making and Facebook groups. In said (and very exclusive, I can't even discuss it) Facebook group, I'm an officer. Julie Taylor is my name. And last night... I was ashamed of myself. But more on that later. There's something else bigger on my mind...

Forget WWJD. Let's ask what Kyle Chandler's hair would do... because it has a life of its own and I love it.

Sometimes it's easier to write my feelings down. You know, letters you'll never send...

Dear Landry and Tyra,
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Do you hear me? NO! I loved the funny Landry/Tyra dynamic. The mismatched hot girl/goofy good guy friendship. I'm not sure I can handle the angsty, "I killed him for you," subplot. *facepalm* I mean, between the MURDER (What? Why was there even a murder?), the river, the hand holding, love confessions and the ohmygodI'mfreakingoutandyou'retheonlyonewhoknowshowifeel sympathy sex, I just can't take it. (Still, even if I have issues with the storyline, kudos to Jesse and Adrienne - they really impressed me tonight.)

Dear Tami T,
I just want to sit down and cry with you. Or get you a maid. And ground Julie. Seriously, you are stretched thin. You're strolling down the street in 105 degree Texas weather, ending up with a sick baby, a long distance husband and a TEENager. Nevermind you have your own life to deal with - and you're missing your job. You need help, I mean, come on, the constant and spontaneous tearful breakdowns? You need Coach and his sexy hair to come home. Good thing I sense the winds are a-changin'.


Dear Julie,
You suck for a number of reasons. 1) It's not you, it's me. 2) Stringing Matt along. 3) Breaking up with Matt. 4) Kissing The Swede. 5) Being rude to your mother. Alas, you are a teenager... I expect remorseful, angsty, up and down emotional upheaval. *sigh* At least they're writing you true to teenage character, no matter how much I want to pull out your hair, strand by strand. And can I just ask - how old is The Swede supposed to be? Because one minute he's acting like your dad, patting you on the head and patronizing you with terms of endearment like, "kid," and then he's making out with you in the car. I'd be insulted if I were you... I'm just sayin'.

Dear Matt,
I love you, really, I do. And I'm sorry Julie is dragging you through the mud (I bet she realizes her mistake before too long), and you have grown up things to do like look for medical assistance and take care of your family, but if you hook up with your grandmother's new sit and be fit , in-home nurse, I will strangle you. Kisses. P.S. I still think you should find some way to show Jules what she's missing, just... not that way.

Dear Jason,
Okay, the dream is kinda creepy - not because of the walking, I'd love for you to walk - but because it includes Coach's wife. Weird? Yes. And also... I NEED some information on Street and Lyla. Seriously, they were together for like, their whole lives and suddenly... nothing. I need closure, even if you don't.




Dear Coach,
Go, go Coach! Go, go, go Coach! You tell that hyped up, full of himself punk college kid where to stick it! "Who am I talking to? Who am I? Who the hell are you?" Ooooooo! Too bad you got a little zing and a cut when you got back to the office, "I bet you were one hell of a high school coach, Taylor." What exactly is that supposed to mean? He's just one hell of a coach in general.



Dear Lyla and Riggins,
We all know you still want to do it.















My favorite exchange of the night:
Matt: Grandma. What... what'd you order?
Mrs. Saracen: Is that my tiara?
Matt: (as if he's never heard the word before) Tiara?
Mrs. Saracen: Is it? (gasps) Look how pretty!
Landry: That... that'll be beautiful for whenever you just... zip on over to the Rite Aid.
Matt: Grandma, no, no, no, no. It's $2400. We gotta... it's... we gotta send this back.
Mrs. Saracen: Look how pretty!
Landry: Beautiful.
Matt: It's really pretty, but it's really gotta go back.
Mrs. Saracen: (puts on the tiara) Oh, boys.
Landry: Look at... look at her...
Mrs. Saracen: You can't put a price tag on happiness.

Next week on FNL: Tyra hits and runs, Buddy calls a late night coup, and Tami bitch slaps Julie... just another Friday night in Dillon.

And now...
a little somethin' for the ladies.

Friday Night Lights: 2x01

Friday Night Lights
2x01
Last Days of Summer

I have a question we all want to know the answer to: WWRD?

What Would Riggins Do? Because... you know... he is the Captain of the S.S. TaTas.

Coach and Mrs. Coach: Text I received from a friend during last night's episode, "Coach Taylor is the hottest thing in the universe." I concur. Seriously. My little, southern heart can't take that sweet, sweet man and his hair and his accent and his... Coach-ness. If you don't love Coach Taylor, your heart is black. As for Mrs. Coach (my second favorite person), she's bearing up well under the stress of being pregnant, having a bratty, hormonal teenager in the house and a husband four hours away... but I'm thinking Coach Taylor will have his blue-clad, Panther self back in Dillon before Buddy Garrity can yell State! (Did you not see his heart swell when he started giving out those Championship rings?) Kudos, as usual, to Kyle and Connie for being amazing. Her restraint when she finds out Eric has to go back to Austin early, and the tears when he shuts the door... awesome. Also loved the conversation between Coach and Julie after he picks her up at the bar, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" And let's be honest, Gracie Taylor might be the cutest name I've ever heard.

Matt and Julie: Jules!!! Stop it! Forget The Swede and his stupid band (I am not a fan of what I saw in next week's preview). Stop complaining that you have a perfect boyfriend and worrying about ending up like your parents (who are AWESOME). Stop being a teenager! (I'm sorry, I taught them and they annoy me.) And get your little, blonde head to that party with Matt Saracen. *sigh* I know, I know. They're in high school, and will inevitably break up. And get back together. And break up. But they were so sweet last season. I need the sweetness. And if she doesn't want him, damn it, I do! (Perhaps therein lies the reason for my frustration.) As Coach says, "What about the Saracen?" As for Matt, LOVE anytime he has interaction with Coach T - and the grocery store scene was no exception. "Don't just stand by and watch it happen." Hopefully he won't...

Landry and Tyra: Here is the point of contention for everyone. I do take some slight issue with this - especially considering Landry is who I generally rely on for comic relief. And it was okay... until the very end. Still funny that he's completely befuddled when he's around her, that she's being his friend and that he's her, "knight in shining armor." But seriously, why is the guy from 8 months ago suddenly following her around. And if the guy showed up and tried to attack her for a SECOND time and they were defending themselves... why didn't they call the dang police?? Because this murder/drop in the river could possibly be a bit too dramatic for FNL. But I trust them. I do. So let's see how they handle this one. (P.S. Why is Landry trying to get on the football team?) And by the way, are Tyra and Lyla friends now? I want them to be...

Lyla and (let's just put her with) Riggins: Wow. I know some fans get annoyed with Lyla, but I'm actually impressed with the realism here (people can moan and groan all they want, but it is a big part of some people's lives), and kind of interested to see where they take the storyline. And say what you want, but her prayer at the dinner table was hysterical. "... and to give others at the table the strength to remember that a mother of three should not be wearing skinny jeans. Amen." (So, did Lyla graduate or is she now a Senior, just no longer cheering?) Throw Tim Riggins in the mix and I'm thinking we'll see a little give and take, a little struggle for Lyla between the past and her new life. Especially since she's still his, "number one." And speaking of Riggins, the boy is losing it. LOSING it. And I don't think it's any small coincidence that Lyla is there, offering to save his soul. She can get mad and pissy, but we all know she still cares. Which leads me to wonder about...

Street: Where does he stand with Lyla? He and Rig left last season on good terms and he's there to defend Rig to the new coach, but what about his lady friends? And as for Jason's job, I sense some issues to flesh out with his place in Dillon and on the team. 'Cause we all know he doesn't want to be the mascot.

Buddy: I know you're just trying to protect your kids from becoming part of some cult, (And I laughed out loud with Eric when Buddy wondered why anyone would find him annoying.) but come on, Buddy, you're sleeping at work and getting into fights? You need to go see the guidance Counselor.

Smash: Where were you tonight? Besides the pool?

Dear New Dillon Panther Football Coach,
I don't like you. You don't care about the kids. You're rude and will never have the team's respect. Go away.
Sincerely,
Proof

Friday Night Lights

I'm not feeling particularly eloquent tonight, so I'm letting the picture above do most of the Friday Night Lights talking for me. I will say that the hype on this show is ALL true. It's AMAZING. I heard about it last season (but you know I can't get involved half-way through), a few weeks ago from a commenter here, and then, from one of my trusted TV confidantes, who used the word "obsession" when recommending the show to me... he wasn't exaggerating.

I watched the first season in 3 days and stayed up until almost 5 a.m. two of those three nights to do so. Yeah. Seriously. I don't even know how to describe it, other than to tell you, if you watch the first episode, you'll be hooked. And I'm not just saying that because I grew up in the South and cheered for a 5-A, High School State Champion football team (that's real, baby.)

It's real, it's funny, it's people, it's life. It's not melodramatic, and doesn't depict an unrealistic lifestyle where teenagers rule the world in Marc Jacobs and go to Happy Hour for martinis. It's about the MOST ordinary things in life, that are amazingly extraordinary to watch. And it's not all about football, so don't let that deter you.

Kyle Chandler (who plays Coach Taylor) is my new favorite person. What he does with this character is brilliant. And when he's on-screen with TV wife, Connie Britton, look out. I laugh, I cry, I rewind. Add daughter Julie (played by Aimee Teegarden) to the mix, and you might be looking at my new favorite TV family (sorry, Walkers).

Outside the Taylor family, Matt Saracen (who has a really sweet relationship with Coach Taylor's daughter) and Tim Riggins are probably my favorite characters, but all of them: Street, Smash, Lyla, Tyra and adorkable, hilarious Landry, stand out as individual, unique and interesting people - the kind I want to know more about... for many more obsessive seasons.

Ok, see, I said I didn't have much to say... but this show brings it out of me, even when I don't feel like being particularly verbose. I really don't know what else I can say. Just WATCH IT!

Season 2 Premiere: Friday, October 5.
(But go get Season 1 and watch it first...)