Friday Night Lights: Gosh, It’s Great
Television February 2nd. 2009, 5:30pm
How awesome has Friday Night Lights been through three episodes? We’ll leave spoilers out just in case anyone still hasn’t seen the last one but a few thoughts (if you’re looking for a quick catch-up, Slate has a section devoted to the show) …
* We’re rooting for Matt Saracen again. He’s playing an annoying character who speaks poorly and his no confidence … but the kid’s an underdog and he did get ditched by the coach’s daughter last year …
* Some of the best scenes this season have involved Smash, another character we’ve wavered on in the past. The scenes between he and his mom are probably some of the best on the show. And we sort of wish we had a friend who referred to himself in the third person. Always good for a laugh.
* Hate everything about the McCoys, even if JD has a better arm than Chad Pennington. No tie-in with the spread offense, considering its popularity these days.
* Just a guess, but the coach and his wife are going to team up to shut down Operation Jumbotron.
* Traina tells us that Tyra’s hair will be changing soon. We hope so. It looks terrible. (Still, she’s way hotter than her sister, who is pretty beat up for a stripper.)
* If the question is “best actor on TV right now” then the answer is either Tim Riggins, John Locke, Sawyer, Dwight Schrute, or Michael Scott.
If spoilers are your thing, than you can look ahead here.
69 Responses to “Friday Night Lights: Gosh, It’s Great”
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February 2nd, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Hmmmm cougar cleavage
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I stopped watching season 2. What happened to Santiago?
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The last episode was phenomenal. And the directors have really taken the low cut tops too another level. Well played.
I have to disagree with you about the McCoys, well at least the son. I thought his line about the first diaper was pretty good and showed that he might think his parents are over the top.
TBL, you should out the B.S. Report podcast from 1/14. Simmons has the creator of FNL, Peter Berg, on the show. Great interview.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Can someone sell me on watching this show? I have never seen the intro, let alone a whole show… What am I missing, beyond the obvious low cut cougar shirts?
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
The acting is pretty solid on this show…I can’t say the same for the writing. I fail to understand why Riggins is so popular.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Wally – Great characters, great drama, football, smoking hot girls, strippers, booze and hot moms.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Wally, every chick on the show has an amazing rack. It’s like a prerequisite to be on.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
“I like the scrappy underdog and dislike the wealthy villains.” –TBL
About half of what TBL says about TV/movies goes without saying. The rest sucks, too.
Cassino is a vigorous Jesus-defender and a tit man. Oh, the duality of human existence.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I’ll stay away from these recaps for fear of letting everyone know what happens this season since I’ve seen it. But its good.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
There is no way Michael Scott or Sawyer should be on here. First season Michael scott, maybe, but the only thing that comes out of Sawyer’s mouth are one liners and nicknames. That is not great acting. Michael Emerson (the guy that plays Ben) trounces those dudes. and it’s not even close.
Hugh Laurie is also very very good on House. And just because you don’t watch it doesn’t mean he’s not good.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:21 pm
To be fair, I usually like to root for the wealthy villains, and not the underdog. Underdogs are usually very whiny, while wealthy villains are usually entertaining.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
cthomas, thanks for the critique. your love for the tv/movies posts has me ramped up to do 1 a day.
so when you say you’re a writer, is that at vanderbilt, or are you doing stuff above the college level?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I guess I’m a vigorous Jesus-defender in the same way that you are, inasmuch as I literally was just copying and pasting things that you had said. You realize that in that thread I did not type anything but /cthomashowell right?
And I don’t know if I’d call myself a tit man, but I can appreciate a nice set when I see one, like all heterosexual men. Not sayin’, just sayin’…
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I don’t like the Smash send off. His character was awesome, providing great contrast to Saracen and Riggins and bringing everything back to the football team. Now, he seems like a ghost. And seriously, a div II school gets a guy that could have gone to any school in the country. I don’t think they’re taking away the scholly because of the injury. His mom was very underrated as a character, I’ll definitely miss her.
Billy Riggins is the new Steve Sanders…love his character.
What did happen to Santiago? I miss hearing Buddy Garrity’s pronunciation of his name. San tee AHgo.
Glad the show is back, hopefully it can make to season 4.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Depends on what you mean by “college level.” If you mean publishing in journals to ensure job security, then yes. If you mean freelancing on top of that, then yes.
Do you spy on all of your readers or just the ones with the nerve to tell you how shitty a pop culture analyst you are?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
nope. just the ones who talk a lot of shit and never add to any conversation. you’ve got this habit about making every topic/post about you, and if you feel that way, i suggest you start your own blog.
we’ve averaged 1 of “your types” a year … and if you want to show your face, fine, but otherwise, yeah, we’ll do the necessary homework …
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
agree with all of it. santiago back in the clink?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I loved the Smash character but I heard he wanted off the show so they wrote him off. Too bad because the parts I love are the interaction between Smash’s mom and the Coach. I think that storyline was pretty good because it got to show how his character matured from me first Smash.
The Jason Street storyline is just as good.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Didn’t Smash go to a division II school because the coach had a lot of integrity? Then the coach pulls the scholarship offer because he gets injured in a playoff game? Furthermore, if he’s trying out for Texas A&M as a walk-on, how the hell is he affording tuition? Wasn’t a scholarship is only way of going to college?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Gotta disagree there rs. I cannot stand the Street part of the show.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
The producer said he wanted to shuffle characters in and then send them out to keep in line with the nature of high school. Both Street and Smash are being written out after this season with the occasional guest spots. Riggins was so popular, that they had to find a way to keep him because the show needed him or it would’ve been cancelled.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
i thought the street stuff was the most powerful (out of the hospital, in a wheelcheer) on the show. i think smash has grabbed that space now … not sure who gets it next
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
What are you saying? Show my face, but otherwise? If “the necessary homework” = find out about my ISP, you already did that. What the hell are you talking about? Speak English.
I posted comments in the comments section. Is this a problem?
Don’t blame me because you suck at analyzing movies and TV shows. I’m sorry no one told you before, but this messenger-threatening business simply isn’t constructive.
I’m just trying to help you. If you’ll post your physical address, I’ll buy you a dictionary and that Strunk and White book. Then I’ll silently read along as you transition into understanding and properly employing the English language.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
They need to focus more on Saracen and give that kid some balls. He’s the senior starting QB of a championship team, and yet he still acts like an unsure freshman.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
you just dont get it. here’s how it works: there’s a post. nobody professes to be a pro in anything be it movies, TV, sports, media, anything. im leery of anyone who claims to be a pro at anything. especially anonymous folks on the internet.
it’s usually productive if you offer your thoughts on FNL or the movie, or the sport, or the media subject. what you’re doing now is commonly referred to as “trolling” – stirring up shit and not adding anything to the conversation.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Anyone else see the irony between the TBL and howell argument happening in a post about a TV show based on high school?
Does that make howell a McCoy?
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I mean, this whole post is riddled with idiocy.
Saracen is not playing a character. Saracen is a character.
Again, these are characters, not actors. Difficult distinction, I know, but it’s crucial to understanding what is going on when you’re watching a movie or TV show.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Where in Brooklyn do you live? Post the address, I’ll mail the books, and we’ll let the healing begin.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Spencer is a pro at Steeler hating. Nobody does it better.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Jack Bauer is a real person.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
cth – i own the book. no need to send it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
the best change in the entire show was getting Lyla away from the church.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
yes. less church = better wardrobe selection.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
@sparty, couldn’t agree with you more. Slutty Lyla is a lot better than church going Lyla.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
but Julie is back to looking like freshmen year Julie. Last year was all about giving he outfits that had her bewbs ready to fallout.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
*her
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I can’t enjoy the Lyla experience fully because of the whole Riggins/Lyla thing behind Street’s back when he was paralyzed. Her character has been tainted to me, and I partially resent the writers for that.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Dust that bastard off and get to work.
Indeed. Derek Jeter is a prick.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
wait till julie joins 90210, sparty. i may go as far to do a 1-liner post on it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I agree Ruck. Probably about 99.9% of people in his situation would be the cockiest kids on Earth.
I forgot you can’t be a Christian and like women. You have to be the dumbest person to ever post here. Besides (pick one of: Hef, Happy, Spencer, RWH, CRM, Benji, Gonzo, NickP)
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Not when you are an only child with a mother that deserted you, while your father is stationed in Iraq and you are responsible for a crazy grandma. Oh, and you are dirt poor and don’t have a ride.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I think Saracen’s homelife/grandma situation makes him unsure of himself.
How does it feel when your team retires to Arizona?
Do you really live in Winnipeg? Manitoba makes Ohio look like Tuscany.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
North Dakota…Winnipeg…is their really a difference?
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
there*
/fuck me
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Yeah, but it seems like Saracen’s been stuck at the same stage of development for the entire series. That’s a huge transformation going through what he went through the first season, yet he isn’t any different from the first time we saw him.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I like Street, but maybe thats me. Can see how you don’t like the turn it takes this season. But we can’t debate about it without giving away what happens this season.
Minka Kelly is one of the worst actors on TV. My god it is hard to listen to her talk. But I like looking at her.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Agree. Great to look at, but damn is she a wet blanket.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I disagree. He used up all his swagger slaying the housekeeper. She dumped him. Now he’s confidence-depleted again.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
last year he seemed pretty confident. he started to tap the hot older nurse too.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Yeah Sparty, but if you’re the quarterback of a state championship football team in Texas you’re going to get a full-ride somewhere. And it’s not like the team is taking him along for the ride either. I think the show kinda tries to give it that impression but he seems like he’s a good player.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Oh yeah, I forgot about the housekeeper. Damn season 2 friggin sucked.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Could be worse. Your team could get hijacked and taken to Oklahoma City.
/Fuck Clay Bennett.
Yeah, true, I thought that was pretty good.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
48 responds to 45.
Agreed that Minka is a horrible actress. And, to paraphrase wwtdd.com, one could whack off to her while being chased by a bear.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
And yes, I’m from Manitoba and no, nothing bothers me less than people making fun of where I’m from. I’m proud of it.
And cassino, I totally agree with you on the Street thing. I liked it at first but I’m glad he’s gone.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
You forgot Jon Hamm from Mad Men on your list…
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Never been a fan of Mad Men, and I don’t see the fuss. I tried to watch it and it didn’t stick.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I would like to personaly thank TBL and CTHowell for making me laugh today. Thanks guys. I needed that. Been a rough day at work.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hm…I’d watch Mad Men anyday over FNL.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Hm…I’d watch Mad Men any day over FNL.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Minka Kelly is a terrible actress, but Teegarden and Palincki are solid with what they’re given. Riggins is the show’s breakout star, but the kid who plays Saracen is a much better actor. Of course, the coach and his wife are by far the bedrock of the show, both acting and narratively speaking. And as for this:
I don’t see how Matthew Fox and Emerson aren’t the choices from Lost. The guy who plays Sawyer doesn’t act, he quips. I also don’t see how anyone from The Office can be anywhere near the list, and I like the show.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Mad Men is good. Take it from me. I’m a pro at pretty much everything.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Give me Jack Donaghy. There aren’t many people doing TV who are more talented than Alec Baldwin.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Given that we can’t pick anyone from The Wire, The Shield, The Sopranos, Deadwood, Rome or any show featuring fantastic acting that’s gone off the air in the past two years…Baldwin would certainly start my list of the best current TV actors.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Yeah, that immigrants quote you posted the other day was gold.
I’m not even that big a fan of the show (having trouble warming up to Fey , regrettably) — but if this scene doesn’t put him on lists everywhere, we’re not paying attention: http://www.hulu.com/watch/5791/30-rock-therapy-jack-style
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Pretty sure they are going the Emilio Estevez ala Breakfast Club route with the McCoy kid. The comment about his parents bronzing his diaper seemed like the kid was suggesting his parents are to blame.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Minka Kelly acts?
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 pm
J.D. McCoy’s dad is on steroids. Roid rage may play a role at some point this season.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 am
I agree about Matthew Fox standing out but being underrated on LOST — his “actor” scenes tend to be more subtle (excluding when he’s doped up, that is), not that the rest of the cast isn’t solid.
February 4th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
From your own Bill of Rights:
*The Right To Call Out The Bloggers: We write, therefore, we write
stupid things. No one is perfect, especially us. We have biases, can’t
spell and partake in a litany of other mistakes on a daily basis. Feel
free to let us know when we say something stupid. We can handle it.
The Right To Remain Anonymous: Just because Jason McIntyre came out of
the basement, doesn’t mean you have to. When you are here – you are
your commenter name. Your face is your avatar. (Should you decide to
adopt one.) The information you decide to give about your life away
from the keyboard is up to you and you alone. Comments revealing
person information about others will be deleted.*
Apparently in my case you can’t “handle” being told how poorly written
and ill-conceived some, not all, of your posts are. So then you
violated my right to remain anonymous which you granted. Not saying
you owe anyone anything, but you should just pull this bullshit down
if it’s a pack of lies.
Or if it’s not, don’t violate your own rules.