Blinders

Hi Laurel here...who would have known...a show about Texas football and race turns out to be an issue?!

So in the beginning of the episode assistant coach Mac makes some racist comments, on camera, in front of reporters.  He's sort of a Paula Deen about it, he totally doesn't even realize that he is being offensive...he refers to his black players as being "junk yard dogs" and thinks that he's giving them a complement.

Anyway it turns out it causes a bunch of race issues at school.  Tami Taylor tries to have a forum at school so kids can hear and be heard and maybe some of the racial tension can be dissipated.  Much to Tami's chagrin it turns out to be too volatile of an issue and the forum blows up in her face.

Smash in the beginning doesn't care about Mac's comments, he only cares about football.  But Waverly convinces him that it has more far reaching implications than just football.   At the same time he witnesses his mom getting turned down for a loan which may or may not have anything to do with her race but the show leaves us with our suspicions.

To Smash's credit he goes to Coach Mac to discuss the issue and Mac overreacts and tells him to "quit his whining".   Aren't educators supposed to listen to their students and respond appropriately?  I know I'm looking at this with liberal 2013 los angeles eyes but I really think this guys should be fired.

Mark here...I agree with Laurel.  The assistant coach is kind of dense about his comments.  What's weird is that Smash, unbeknownst to Mac was actually on his side prior to their confrontation.

The other plotline of the episode is the powder puff football game which Tyra and Julie are forced to join by Tami Taylor for cutting class.  What's funny is that Tyra becomes really serious about it and eventually Julie gets into it as well.  Although she's pissed initially.  Matt and Tim Riggins are coaches of the team and Matt unfortunately picks Julie 3rd for his team.  In any case both shine through, but Tyra develops a chip on her shoulder because of her mom and Buddy Garrity.  She is super suspicious of her mom's new job with Buddy after they suddenly have work to do after hours.  She takes her anger out on Lyla.  Although I've come to like Lyla, I understand Tyra's anger. She calls Lyla out as a spoiled brat.  Weirdly, I'm waiting for these two to find common ground, maybe that's crazy?