Coach breaks the news to Tami that his boss called and he has to return to TMU on Friday instead of getting the full two weeks off. He give her the whole I don't have a choice, we're strong, we'll get through this speech, but throughout the whole thing you can tell she's just itching to burst into tears. He asks her to talk to him, but she's clearly crushed and speechless, so he leaves. And then Tami does that incredibly realistic twitchy crying thing that damn well should have earned her an Emmy, or at the very least a nomination. Fuckers. Don't even get me started. I should have boycotted that damned Seacrest hippie stage-less catastrophe.
Buddy, now apparently living in his office, is laying around watching the Dog Whisperer, which is a) hilarious and b) strangely appropriate. Coach drops by, so Buddy complains to him about Coach Asshat kicking him out of practice, and laughs at the fact that he said he's an annoying nuisance. Coach laughs too, but not for the same reason. Pam arrives to ruin the fun by pulling Buddy out into the hall to yell at him for showing up at soccer practice. As it turns out, he's not too happy to see her bumping uglies with a "little tree-hugger who makes seven dollars an hour at a health food store." She gets angry, demands that he stop stalking her, and storms out. But apparently the Garritys are full of zingers tonight, as he follows up with: "Do whatever you want, but he is not going to turn my children into Communists!" Oh, Buddy. How do you not have your own reality show by now? He follows her out to the parking lot, where he gets even angrier because the tree-hugger is waiting in the car. Buddy flips out and attacks the truck like a feral animal, while they drive away and the guy flashes him the peace sign. Ouch.
"Commies rule!"
Coach Asshat is making Tim run up and down the bleachers. Mac tries to get him to ease off, but Asshat lives up to his name and pushes him harder. Jason looks on, sullen as always. Probably because he's only getting a solid five minutes of screen time this episode. Eventually Tim throws up and Asshat lets him go. Jason puts on his aviator sunglasses and decides to take a stand. Well, figuratively.
Asshat's office. Jason, of course, starts out by saying that he totally respects him and it's his team and all that Boy Scout nonsense that he just can't seem to get out of his system. But he knows Tim really well and pushing him like that is just going to backfire. And then Asshat nicely displays why he's Satan incarnate. "Well, you've got a decision to make, Jason. You can come to games Friday nights and be some kind of town symbol, some kind of town mascot, or you can come to games Friday nights and be a football coach. But you can't be both. They can't be you friends." Okay, fair point, but that town symbol crap? It's times like these I wish I could reach through my television screen and choke a bitch. Jason naturally looks quite pissed. Dude, I've seen what you can do. Punch him in the face! Rip his balls off!
STREET SMASH!
Over at the Taylors, Coach is assembling a crib, which: awwwww. Julie tells him she's going out, and he demands that she be back by eleven. Oh, and Lois is not to drink anything. Oh, and darling Julie, where are your shoes? "I'm not wearing shoes!" she sings, as if that were the most natural answer in the world. Poor Coach. His daughter is becoming one of those tree-hugging Commies. The Red Plague is infiltrating Dillon!
Cut to sexy teenage Texas pool party! Matt's sitting all alone. No surprises there. Damn you Julie, and your web of lies!
"I wish Grandma were here."
Tyra calls Landry over to her house to investigate a disturbance in the backyard. I think I'm starting to see the problem here. When Landry Clarke is your first line of defense against the evils of the world, you're in a heap of trouble. He grabs a baseball bat and informs her that he'll be staking out the perimeter. Nice move, Jack Bauer. If your perimeters are as good as CTU's, Tyra's house will be taken over by a terrorist cell in no time. It's just a skunk, of course, and the evening is capped off with a hearty laugh from all participants, including the skunk.
« Beauty and the Geek: I'm With Stupid | Main | Desperate Housewives: Turn that Frown Upside Down »
Comments (14)
I haven't read the recap yet, BUT I wanted to posst how excited I am! I got hooked on FNL over the summer and watched the DVDs in 5 days. It was pretty ridiculous, actually.
Anyways. I wanted to let you all know, if it wasn't mentioned in the recap (as I haven't read it) that nbc.com has CRUCIFICTORIUS shirts available to buy. I will be wearing mine proudly, and hopefully I won't murder anybody.
1 of 14 | Posted by flolover | Posted on October 11, 2007 9:41 AM
My username is actually FNLLOVER, not Flolover. I don't know why it came up as Flolover, but rest assured I have panther pride, not a love of menstrual cycles.
2 of 14 | Posted by fnllover | Posted on October 11, 2007 9:55 AM
OK, great recap! And I finally got my wish, with them putting FNL on FRIDAYS. Hello? That instinctive move alone will increase the show's popularity.
Agreed. That murder from the unlikely "relationship" between Tyra and Landry does not belong here. There's enough pathos in the genaral "teenagery" (I like that word) plus the coach and Mrs. Coach to make this a great show.
Buddy is being made into a more likely character. Ease up on that, writers. We need Buddy to stay the same asshat small town car dealer that loooooves the football team.
The new coach? He's gone by week 3. No problem bringing Taylor back. No way he can leave his girls for long.
3 of 14 | Posted by talma63 | Posted on October 11, 2007 10:34 AM
YAY! People to dicuss the murder plot with who actually care about the show!
I have been bothering everyone I meet about watching season one, and they all make a face like "really, you're dumb".
Anyways. I don't mind the murder plot, but it is all riding on how it plays out. Let's all remember that in the Pilot, a kid was paralyzed. The star quarterback, the guy going pro, the All-American kid. At first, I was like "what,
When I saw Jason get paralyzed, (not having seen the FNL movie) I thought, it was cliche, melodramatic, etc. But what makes this show different it that it handles the stereotypes, the cliches, the melodrama, in a realistic manner.
I have no problem believing that Landry would have killed that guy. And teenagers are dumb. Sure, Julie knows when she is in over her head (when it came to the party and Tyra's mom last season), but some people don't. Tyra is one of them, and Landry, being in love with her, is going to take her lead on this. He probably thought that she was "wiser in the ways of the world" and deferred to her in the situation.
Tyra was probably thinking "no one will believe us, because I am the town slut". That was my immediate thought, anyway. And my other thing is that the murder was not self defense. With the types of blows that were inflicted, it would easily be concluded by the medical examiner that the guy was walking away.
Not defending the choice, really, but I found it understandable enough to trust the writers in this case. They haven't let us down before.
ONE MORE THING: I read that the ratings for the FNL premiere was up 10% from last year's finale. Hopefully there is no where to go but up!
4 of 14 | Posted by fnllover | Posted on October 11, 2007 11:01 AM
fnllover -
First off...I'm so glad you mentioned that about the ratings! I hadn't read that or heard it anywhere, but it's nice to know that's the case. I also hope it continues to rise.
Secondly, before reading your last comment, I was down on the murder storyline. I understand why he killed this guy, but I thought that Landry should've been smart enough to talk Tyra into calling the cops. Sure, it would be rough going for a long time because no one would believe them, mostly because of Tyra's reputation...but Landry and Tyra would stand by each other through the whole thing, and in the end, she'd see him for what he is, etc.
I felt that the way the story actually went down was just too much for FNL.
After reading what you wrote though, I might be a little more receptive to the storyline they have in place. We'll see what happens.
I was a little let down by this last episode, but hopefully they were just trying to touch a little on each storyline, and they'll settle back into a rhythmn with the next episode.
5 of 14 | Posted by ThisShowRocks! | Posted on October 11, 2007 12:29 PM
Hi all!
I am soooo happy the show's back on!! And this Friday is my birthday I get the presie of FNL! ON FRIDAY!!
Thank you for that fabulous recap, ITA on pretty much all points.
More Street!
More Smash!
More Tim Riggens!
More Matt and Julie not being a brat!
MORE COACH!!!!!!
Wierd murder story line.... interesting....
6 of 14 | Posted by Sweetleaf | Posted on October 11, 2007 1:22 PM
Yay FNL is back!! And more great recaps - you picked up right where you left off; really funny, awesome screencaps, and you don't miss anything.
I was shocked that Tami and Coach had a girl - i was sure it would be the little boy that Coach always wanted. I guess the murder wasn't the only thing that ruined this first episode! GRACE!! (in Ed Rooney voice)
I really hate the murder. I don't think it's in Landry's character and I don't want them to stray away from the realism that everyone loves about this show. I hope it wasn't just a ploy to increase ratings. I also read somewhere else that a writer said that it makes so much more sense and gets so much better in episodes 2 and 3.... but what is he going to say -- "Episode 1 was our peak, don't even bother watching again."
I did read that it wasn't a dream or anything like a fantasy that didn't really happen so I am interested to see what happens.
7 of 14 | Posted by DP Hooker | Posted on October 11, 2007 9:17 PM
Great recap, but your's always are.
Okay, I became an FNL fan this summer with the DVDs. I come from a small town like this, where I quit the football team, and my father was a local cop. How scary is that.
Two things about this show and it's recent plot lines.
First: Landry was just in the side stories last season, so to say this doesn't fit his character? Well, how do we know. He may be a very violent person on his free time. Just look at his music. Also, I think it is unfair to call this a ratings game. All of the characters involved have motivation behind their actions, and why did they drop the body in the river? THEY ARE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS!!!!!!!!! They didn't know how to react.
Second: Julie. I'm glad we get to see her being a brat. If your family was split up wouldn't you act out?
At least this season premiere didn't have a doctor trying to bring a deer back to life. This show is all about realistic build up, and the fallout from dramatic situations.
8 of 14 | Posted by neillfilm | Posted on October 12, 2007 7:23 AM
Hi All.
I think that the issue that people are taking with the murder plot is that there was no build up. Yes, there was the rape storyline from last season, but as far as the guy stalking Tyra, it didn't go on for a couple of episodes, so it didn't have time to "scare uss" enough to make us want Landry to kill the guy.
However, I do think that people like Landry may be the most prone to killing people. He is a Christian, sure, but are Christians (Texas especially) more likely to use violence? (Don't hate me from bring up this angle, I am too VERY religious, and am not trying to bash it). Lyla is a part of "Jesus Warriors", so that could play a part. He is a rather subtle character that we don't really know anything about, so it could be in his character, we don't know.
He made fun of the football team last year, but does that mean he wouldn't try out for the team? No. Maybe he made fun of them because he wanted to be a part of it all, but wasn't. So, because of his attempts to become a "leading man" (something from last season) he has taken to doing these things, and branching out in an attempt to gain Tyra's affection.
The first time we really saw Tyra last season, outside of her interactions with other characters, there was a REALLY intense fight between her mom and her mom's boyfriend. She was violent in that situation. She was also violent when she fought off the rapist. So, it is natural that some of that would rub off on Landry. Especially if they have been close over the the months since, and she has told him everything. Landry would know that violence is effective in situations such as this, and then he would kill the guy.
I think that since Landry was there through the "fallout" of the attempted rape, and saw how it affected Tyra, he would be violently protective of her, and worry about her getting into that situation again. Hence, Landry killing the guy. Even having to fight off the guy herself would have been "too much" for Tyra to handle at this point. So Landry became the "leading man" that he talked about last season.
9 of 14 | Posted by fnllover | Posted on October 12, 2007 7:45 AM
Hi All.
I think that the issue that people are taking with the murder plot is that there was no build up. Yes, there was the rape storyline from last season, but as far as the guy stalking Tyra, it didn't go on for a couple of episodes, so it didn't have time to "scare uss" enough to make us want Landry to kill the guy.
However, I do think that people like Landry may be the most prone to killing people. He is a Christian, sure, but are Christians (Texas especially) more likely to use violence? (Don't hate me from bring up this angle, I am too VERY religious, and am not trying to bash it). Lyla is a part of "Jesus Warriors", so that could play a part. He is a rather subtle character that we don't really know anything about, so it could be in his character, we don't know.
He made fun of the football team last year, but does that mean he wouldn't try out for the team? No. Maybe he made fun of them because he wanted to be a part of it all, but wasn't. So, because of his attempts to become a "leading man" (something from last season) he has taken to doing these things, and branching out in an attempt to gain Tyra's affection.
The first time we really saw Tyra last season, outside of her interactions with other characters, there was a REALLY intense fight between her mom and her mom's boyfriend. She was violent in that situation. She was also violent when she fought off the rapist. So, it is natural that some of that would rub off on Landry. Especially if they have been close over the the months since, and she has told him everything. Landry would know that violence is effective in situations such as this, and then he would kill the guy.
I think that since Landry was there through the "fallout" of the attempted rape, and saw how it affected Tyra, he would be violently protective of her, and worry about her getting into that situation again. Hence, Landry killing the guy. Even having to fight off the guy herself would have been "too much" for Tyra to handle at this point. So Landry became the "leading man" that he talked about last season.
10 of 14 | Posted by fnllover | Posted on October 12, 2007 7:47 AM
Fine recap. The writers are stuck with some "grade" problems.
At first, I was put off by the Landry homocide plot, for many of the same reasons others noted. I do think that his actions, including his over-use of force, were "logical" for his character. He is not a violent person, surpressing his anger or venting it with sarcasm. When a guy like that does "go off", he can do some real damage.
In fact, I was hoping for a "Waterboy" moment with Landry, except on the gridiron. (Maybe we will still see that.)
Bring Coach back to Dillon!
11 of 14 | Posted by fire@will | Posted on October 12, 2007 12:01 PM
I am sooo happy this show is back, and can't wait for tonight.
Screampillar - you missed the best line, and delivery, of the entire show. When Coach picks up Julie at the bar: "You've got to be kidding me." The way he delivered that line was hilarious, and perfectly in character for him. Kyle Chandler is the best.
I am a little worried about the murder storyline - but, here's the thing: teenagers do totally stupid, rash things all the time without thinking things through. And everytime Tyra and Landry took a step down that road - moving the body, putting it in the trunk, etc - they moved further and further toward the point of no return. SO, I think it is plausible that they are on that bridge with the body and toss it over. The real trick, for the show, is how they handle the fall out from it.
We'll see - of course, all of us will be watching regardless.
12 of 14 | Posted by lawyergal | Posted on October 12, 2007 1:11 PM
SOOOO glad FNL is back! Oh how I missed Coach Taylor and his sheepish-adorable self! He belongs in Dillon 24/7 - i can't even stand it!
Screampillr, I loved your recaps last season and this one didn't disappoint. Lots of LOL moments! Welcome back!
So yeahhh, the Landry-Tyra plot line...what??? Why wouldn't they report it as a self-defense situation? it's not like they were doing anything bad then it all went down. i don't get it.
Anyway....just so glad FNL is back!
13 of 14 | Posted by lucygirl | Posted on October 13, 2007 4:01 PM
I have to agree with everyone that I was absolutely ecstatic to see not only the show renewed but for the second season to start. I even put an alarm on my cell in the VERY off chance that I would forget. I do have to say though that I am extremely happy that your recaps came back. I got a little scared there when it went a bit without it that you wouldn't be covering it anymore.
I think the controversy over the murder is a little too much to be honest. I don't think Landry or Tyra are violent people like some people have suggested. I really think Landry was just acting on instinct, knowing that this man had attacked the woman he loves. He's obviously been around her for the last eight months in addition to seeing how Tyra dealt with it in the very real and soon aftermath. The dumping of the body was a bit off the wall, but I am hoping the writers are going to give more insight to that as time goes on. Not to mention, like everyone says it's not the action (murder, rape, dealing with a soldier in Iraq, race) that makes the show what it is. It's the human emotions and fall out that really pulls at your heart.
I remember watching the first few episodes of season one and thinking that it was a great show, but it wasn't until a few more in where I was completely emotionally hooked. So I'm going to assume that likewise the writers will build in their own way.
Great recap. I love your balance of hilarity with recognition of awesomeness of the camera work, the writing, and of course the supreme acting ability. And who can forget the awesomeness that is Coach Taylor's hair.
14 of 14 | Posted by bentley1101 | Posted on October 14, 2007 9:42 PM