Homecoming

Mark here... We're on to the next episode, called "Homecoming".  This episode has several dramatic plotlines going.  First we see Jason Street making his first public appearance at the homecoming.  It's a bit awkward because he is suspicious of Tim and Lyla.  It's made even more awkward when Tim proves to be the star of the game and gives the winning football to Jason after the game, proclaiming him the heart of the team. You can see the apprehension in Jason's face when looking at Tim.

Separately, Smash is being scouted by a guy from I think the University of Austin.  This causes him to freak out and blow his chances.  Its tense, because prior to the game Smash is convinced this is his ticket out of town, and then he flips out during the game...causing Tim to end up being the star.  Tim, coincidentally has quit drinking, so he really shines.  While the coach is supportive of Smash and tells him to focus on the game because there will be many scouts, Smash can't let it go.  After the game we can tell he is freaking out - which leads him to steroids!  We see him injecting at the end of the episode after the scout is unwilling to tell him whether he's made his recruiting list (most likely not, given his performance during the game).

The last major plotline has Tyra teaming up with Tim's older brother as party planners.  They host a party out in the middle of nowhere and it turns out a great success financially.  The partnership seems awkward and Tyra's older sister is skeptical of the brother.  It seems to go well, though I can't help thinking there's something wrong here.  At the very least, it's weird Tyra is so quick to team up with her  ex's brother...

Hi Laurel here I agree on all counts.  I feel pretty bad for Jason (again).  It must be so hard to show up at a game in which normally you would be the star but now you are stuck in a chair.  Although the crowd gives him a very warm welcome which is nice at least...

Also call me crazy but Julie Taylor, who has been kind of a bitch to Matt Saracen so far the whole series, seems to now have a little crush on him?  Anyway Matt finally asks her out on a date this episode but there is a cut away before we hear her answer.  Will they or won't they?

Also this episode a former player of Coach Taylor's (who only played with him 1 season) comes back to town and asks him for a job as an assistant Coach.  The Coach looks into it but after not finding any money in the budget for another position, has to tell they guy there is no room for him right now.  The guy gets pissed with the Coach, as if he should be entitled to a position.  I feel like it just adds a little context so that we really understand the kind of pressure Coach Taylor is under from all sides.  Not only does the whole town expect him to deliver a championship, but there's plenty of people looking for favors from him too.  So stressful!