Friday, October 4, 2013

Best Laid Plans

Hi Laurel here...So this episode there is so much fighting!

First the Taylor's are fighting because Eric accepted a job at TMU in Austin, but neither Julie or Tami wants to go until Juli graduates.  Eric is saying no way but as we've seen Tami is not one to be steamrolled.

Tyra and Landry are fighting because Landry told Tami about Tyra's assault.  I sympathize with Tyra about wanting to keep it a secret, but I think Landry did the right thing.  Tyra clearly needed help and Tami was exactly the right person to tell.  She made her go to the police which Tyra was sort of humiliated by but of course it's totally the right thing.

Lyla's parents have been unable to reconcile and are getting a divorce.  Jason and Lyla continue to be distant, which comes to a head at the end of the episode, I'll let Mark tell you about that...

Mark here...I agree with everything Laurel said.  All the fighting, for me, contributed to a feeling of tension that built until the end of the episode.  The big roast dinner had so many tense relationships!  The Taylors upset with each other about Eric's new job, Tyra and Landry, Jason and Lyla, Lyla and Buddy (who she's still not forgiven, and now her parents are getting divorced), and a few more I may be missing.

The part between Lyla and  has to do with Jason making a "date" with the blonde tattoo artist from a few episodes back.  She's in town and Jason runs into her and makes plans without telling Lyla.  This ends up with Jason and the blonde kissing and totally getting caught by Lyla.  By the end of the episode, she's had enough and tells Jason not to come by her house again.

Tyra and Landry also make up by the end and though I like both characters, I hope they aren't trying to set up some kind of beauty and the geek storyline.  It just doesn't work for me that she'd date someone who's clearly emotionally younger.  I think she'd definitely be flattered and maybe a few years later...I don't know, we'll see what happens...

The last plotline to note was with Smash and his girlfriend, who lets him know he can have a "hiatus" period during the Roast Dinner, which she has decided not to go to.  Fortunately, he doesn't do anything, but the idea is weird and makes me think she's still unstable.

Mud Bowl

Mark here... Laurel and I just watched the next episode of Friday Night Lights, called "Mud Bowl".  Laurel made us a delicious Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and I made us a caesar salad to accompany it.

This episode was a bit slow to start with, picking up some of what's been going on.  To start with, there's an accident or fuel explosion near the field so the coach is forced to find a different location for the team to play the next game.  They chose a nearby cow field to play on and it ends up raining the night of the game, which is where the title of the episode, Mud Bowl, comes from.  Smash is still dealing with his bipolar girlfriend, who has struck up a friendship with Lyla Garrity.  So far not a lot comes from this except his girlfriend is upset when Smash discloses her condition to Lyla.

Landry convinces Tyra to let him tutor her and promptly misreads their relationship.  Then unexpectedly at the end of the episode, he is late in meeting her and she is assaulted by a guy in the diner parking lot.  She manages to fight him off just before Landry shows up and turns to him for support.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if Landry further misinterprets things.  Clearly Tyra is shocked and in need of a friend.

Tim Riggins has also continued his relationship with his older neighbor and it still feels like this won't end well...

Laurel here...I just wanted to elaborate on Tyra a little...she fights off her attacker in the most bad ass way!  He pushes her into HER truck to try and rape her, she pushes in the cigarette lighter and he doesn't notice during the struggle.  then she BURNS HIM IN THE FACE!!!  so awesome.  It gives her enough time to get out of the cab, when he tries to follow her out she slams his wrist in the door repeatedly.  such a bad ass.  Hopefully she will see it that way and not see herself as a victim.

Also Lyla is so awesome this episode.  Jason is feeling sorry for himself about not making the rugby team, and bummed about the lawsuit with the Taylors.  He ends up kind of taking it out on her, not returning her phonecalls and being super mean to her when she comes over to check in.  She throws a glass of water in his face and basically tells him to quit being a fucking baby and do something about it.  At the next law suit meeting he steps up and puts an end to it by making a compromise deal that both sides can live with.  Which seems to resolve things in a way where the Taylor's are off the hook financially.

Also Jason works a lot with Matt Seracen on his QB skills to help him get ready for the big game, and Matt kills it.  Panthers are going to state!  At the very end of the episode Coach Taylor asks Jason if he has ever thought about coaching...is there a job in Jason's near future?  I hope so, I know I am sick of seeing him mope around.