Don't get me wrong - I love Friday Night Lights, but so far I have been really disappointed in the two episodes that have been shown. Everything is dark and depressing. I know there has to be some drama, but no one is happy or in a good place. Last year when I watched this show, I didn't want the show to end because I enjoyed it so much and it was just a pleasure to watch. I don't get those feelings so far this year. Landry is known for his great comedic comebacks, but with the story line he is in now, he's not going to be very funny - it just wouldn't seem right. Julie needs a major attitude adjustment, Lyla is annoyingly over the top with her Christianity (I'm a Christian, so don't jump all over me), Riggins is too out of control with his women and his booze, Matt's life continues to suck, I could go on and on. How about some of the good times from last year??? I haven't even had a good laugh yet, it is so depressing. My daughter feels the same way - she is almost ready to stop watching it.
I just want to love watching this show again.
Full Version: Anybody else disappointed in Season 2?
I think everything feels off-kilter for a reason...its because the Taylors are off-kilter. Eric is feeling like the "new guy" and knows he needs to be with his family. Tammy is hormonal and dealing with a cranky teenager and a new baby. The team is dealing with a jerk of a new coach.
I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly.
I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly.
QUOTE (SmittenAlaskaFan @ Oct 13 2007, 04:51 PM) 
I think everything feels off-kilter for a reason...its because the Taylors are off-kilter. Eric is feeling like the "new guy" and knows he needs to be with his family. Tammy is hormonal and dealing with a cranky teenager and a new baby. The team is dealing with a jerk of a new coach.
I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly.
I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly.
I totally agree.......'SmittenAlaskaFan'....... The Taylor's are the show's backbone. With every single one of them, in such a mess, it is awkward. Because they are the ones, that help all the others, deal with problems. Now they face problems, within their own family. So, it does feel different. But, I think when Coach returns, things will improve for the better. It's funny how just one person, can have such an effect, on everything. I mean Coach Taylor is like, the heart and soul of Dillon Texas. Him leaving has not only effected his family, but the team has lost it's father figure, Buddy Garrity has loss, probably his only real friend. All that..... and much more, from just one guy.
I agree that once the Taylor's get their lives figured out everything will seem stable again. I'm not sure what you mean about the show ever really being "happy" however. To me, the show has always been pretty dark and dramatic, that's one of the reasons I fell in love with it. Yes this season has a slightly different feel so far but I can't say I've lost any love for it at all. I understand that lighter moments are needed as well and hopefully we get a little more of that soon but honestly the show has never really been lighthearted or comedic in general so there isn't really that much of a difference.
I liked tonight's episode better than last week's so I figure next week will be even better.
I think the 8 month jump from season 1 to season 2 is part of the reason everything seems "off". The characters are mostly teenagers & have changed a lot in 8 months & we don't "know" them yet.
I think the 8 month jump from season 1 to season 2 is part of the reason everything seems "off". The characters are mostly teenagers & have changed a lot in 8 months & we don't "know" them yet.
Yeah, it's a weird season so far.
The Landry/Tyra storyline is one of the worst I've seen on a show ever. Other than that, I am still digging it. Could use more Riggins, but that's just because he's my favorite character.
The Landry/Tyra storyline is one of the worst I've seen on a show ever. Other than that, I am still digging it. Could use more Riggins, but that's just because he's my favorite character.
QUOTE (SmittenAlaskaFan @ Oct 13 2007, 04:51 PM)
I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly.
I think you're right on target, SmittenAlaskaFan. The Taylors are our bellweather -- when they get themselves sorted out, I think things will feel better on a lot of fronts.
The only storyline that sounded like last season and sounded right was how Coach Taylor handled Antwan in the pimpmobile, the pancake house and in front of the board.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
QUOTE (aquariaqueen @ Oct 14 2007, 02:07 PM)
The only storyline that sounded like last season and sounded right was how Coach Taylor handled Antwan in the pimpmobile, the pancake house and in front of the board.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
QUOTE (aquariaqueen @ Oct 14 2007, 02:07 PM)
The only storyline that sounded like last season and sounded right was how Coach Taylor handled Antwan in the pimpmobile, the pancake house and in front of the board.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
I did enjoy the conversation between Tyra and Landry under the bleachers.
This was a good show come on writers get it going before we find something else to do. This is not how small towns in Texas act.
"I think as the Taylors figure out their situation, the whole feel of the season will change accordingly."
As much of an optimistic way that is of looking at it, I disagree. The whole show has become way too dramatic and the story seems to be shifting towards something completely irrelevant to football. Of course, football was clearly not everything in the first season, which is what made it so unique and great to watch. But not there is no focus on football, and the drama is now just completely over the top that it's no longer a realistic representation of a high school football team. Last year's conflicts:
- Rookie QB struggling while star QB in rehab
- Riggins personal problems affecting his play ability
- Smash taking steroids
and this year we get
- Landry (why is he even on the football team?) killing somebody
- An annoying baby problem/Mrs. Taylor crying all the time
- Lyla is now a saint while her father's reputation is tarnished
I know it's still early in the season, but do you get my drift? We STILL have not even had a single football game! And all the struggles are so detached from football it's ridiculous. The show was something to brag about watching last year, I would tell all my friends to watch it and they loved it. This season, I'm giving it another episode to shape things up...if not there's always The Office and Heroes that I have lined up.
As much of an optimistic way that is of looking at it, I disagree. The whole show has become way too dramatic and the story seems to be shifting towards something completely irrelevant to football. Of course, football was clearly not everything in the first season, which is what made it so unique and great to watch. But not there is no focus on football, and the drama is now just completely over the top that it's no longer a realistic representation of a high school football team. Last year's conflicts:
- Rookie QB struggling while star QB in rehab
- Riggins personal problems affecting his play ability
- Smash taking steroids
and this year we get
- Landry (why is he even on the football team?) killing somebody
- An annoying baby problem/Mrs. Taylor crying all the time
- Lyla is now a saint while her father's reputation is tarnished
I know it's still early in the season, but do you get my drift? We STILL have not even had a single football game! And all the struggles are so detached from football it's ridiculous. The show was something to brag about watching last year, I would tell all my friends to watch it and they loved it. This season, I'm giving it another episode to shape things up...if not there's always The Office and Heroes that I have lined up.
This show is about more than just football. Plus, with the story lines, football hasn't started yet. They just had their season opening party/introduce the team/ pep rally on the last show.
They are trying to develope more depth to the characters. I love the show, but teenagers are about more than just football. I am a mother to 2 teenagers so I know first hand that there is alot more going on. It's only the 2nd show of the 2nd season. They aren't going to disappoint us.
They are trying to develope more depth to the characters. I love the show, but teenagers are about more than just football. I am a mother to 2 teenagers so I know first hand that there is alot more going on. It's only the 2nd show of the 2nd season. They aren't going to disappoint us.
I'm confused when people say there hasn't been enough football. Most of football is practicing. Training camp is the most difficult, grueling part of a football season. It's hot, people aren't in football shape, players are rusty, and there's no time limitations because of school, so the coaches push and push and push. They've shown that decently, I think, through the perspective of Riggins harranguing the new coach and getting punished for it, Buddy getting kicked out of practice, and Landry getting knocked around. Plus, you have Landry trying out for the team in the first place (for whatever reason), the new semi-crazy coach, Buddy getting passed up as the team's main booster, Matt trying to figure out his role with the team, Sarazen resenting all the attention Smash is getting, and all the rallies and parties. And you have Eric's disenchanting experience with the spoiled college player, which I thought was pretty fascinating.
I guess what I'm saying is that just because there haven't been games doesn't mean the show isn't about football, or that the football team isn't dominating the lives of the characters.
I guess what I'm saying is that just because there haven't been games doesn't mean the show isn't about football, or that the football team isn't dominating the lives of the characters.
Every character this season is a "DOWNER". Coach Taylor is confused (we loved his confidence). Buddy is a drunk without a friend or family. Riggins is in a constant 3-way. Lyla is a Jesus freak--and confused about that. Landry is a murderer and Tyra his accomplice. Jason believes he will heal--when he won't. New Coach McGregor is a jerk. Smash is ego maniac--when we even see him. Mrs Taylor just cries the whole episode. Matts "bumbling-cutness" now is over the top and almost pathetic. Carlotta the nurse from **** is ruining grandmas life. Julie is a disrespectful "*****-wannabe". The Swede is a skraggy "take-advantage" type. Guys, I loved FNL...but am having a hard time this season even enjoying watching....okay--give it time, I will of course.
QUOTE (txfnl @ Oct 15 2007, 12:05 PM)
Every character this season is a "DOWNER". Coach Taylor is confused (we loved his confidence). Buddy is a drunk without a friend or family. Riggins is in a constant 3-way. Lyla is a Jesus freak--and confused about that. Landry is a murderer and Tyra his accomplice. Jason believes he will heal--when he won't. New Coach McGregor is a jerk. Smash is ego maniac--when we even see him. Mrs Taylor just cries the whole episode. Matts "bumbling-cutness" now is over the top and almost pathetic. Carlotta the nurse from **** is ruining grandmas life. Julie is a disrespectful "*****-wannabe". The Swede is a skraggy "take-advantage" type. Guys, I loved FNL...but am having a hard time this season even enjoying watching....okay--give it time, I will of course.
You are making my whole point...this is a series...that means that events will progress throughout the season. As the Taylor's figure out their situation, the lighthearted moments will be back and the off-kilter feeling will go away. I think everyone is in a turmoil for this reason....when the Taylors are better, the whole Dillon world will right itself. And, if everyone's life was perfect, there would be no need for us to watch them figure it out. The first few episodes have to set the scene for the rest of the season. Jason's accident was the event for the first season....Landry & Tyra's unfortunate encounter is the event for this season. jmo
I'm giving the writers/producers the benefit of the doubt -- I think they've earned that.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the great performances all this drama is bringing out in all the actors, especially Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, and Aimee Teagarden. It's not easy to give a sullen teenager that little hint of poignancy that Aimee brings to the role; I think she's doing an amazing job.
Things will look up. Keep the faith!
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the great performances all this drama is bringing out in all the actors, especially Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, and Aimee Teagarden. It's not easy to give a sullen teenager that little hint of poignancy that Aimee brings to the role; I think she's doing an amazing job.
Things will look up. Keep the faith!
I believe the following Q&A from ESPN.com's Bill Simmons (aka The Sports Guy -- and a HUGE fan of the show) sums up my feelings about where the show appears to be heading. Unfortunately, I'd have to say that I'm about 98% convinced that we're traveling down the "Fletch Lives" highway with this show.....
QUOTE
Q: Could you comment on the "twist" on the "Friday Night Lights" season opener? I think it's network executives making sweeping changes in order to try to get ratings, killing my favorite show in a way worse than simply canceling it.
--Chris W., New Haven, Conn.
SG: Quick break from baseball to answer this one...
Normally I'd say, "Come on, don't be so cynical, they had an incredible first season and the FNL writers earned the leeway to spend three or four episodes proving this 'twist' was a good idea." But network TV has betrayed us so many times, it's impossible not to think that NBC ordered FNL to sex it up and use "The OC's" old playbook to boost ratings. But this "twist" completely betrayed Landry's character, which wouldn't be a major deal except he was one of the four rocks of the show (along with the coach, his wife and the QB). You can't just waste one of your rocks like that unless there's a REALLY good reason.
****, that's one of the reasons an inferior show like "The OC" died so quickly -- Peter Gallagher's character (Seth's dad) was the show's moral compass, only he started considering an affair in Season 2 and the show never recovered, mainly because his character never recovered. I wasn't a "Sex and the City" fan, but my wife went crazy when Sarah Jessica Parker's character started cheating on her boyfriend with Mr. Big; she just felt completely betrayed because Parker's character was her "friend" and she could never condone a friend acting like that. I thought this was an interesting way to look at it because TV characters DO become your friends to some degree, and you DO feel like you know them, so when someone as great as Landry pulls a 180 and does something his character would never, ever, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER do (not the "twist" itself but how everything was handled after the twist), it was almost like losing a friend, as weird as that sounds.
Yeah, they can resolve the twist, but it's going to be difficult to repair the damage that was done to Landry's character. I don't trust his judgment anymore. Which brings me back to my original point: You can't betray one of your main characters like that, especially on a show like this, when the decisions for every character were made so carefully in Season 1. That's what made this twist so infuriating. Even a few seconds before "it" happened, I paused the TiVo and told the Sports Gal, "That's it ... NBC is about to ruin this show, we should have known."
There's a bigger issue here: Because everyone thought "FNL" was going to get canceled last year, they threw the kitchen sink into Season 1 and...
(SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SEASON 1 YET. AND, MY GOD, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????)
... made the understandable decision to have Dillon High win the state championship (thinking the show was one and done), which would have been the perfect way to go out if NBC hadn't screwed everything up by halfheartedly renewing the show and giving it the "Friday, 9 p.m." death sentence.
(END OF SPOILER ALERT. AND, DAMMIT, BUY THE SEASON 1 DVD ALREADY!)
You can't blame the FNL creators for doing everything they could to keep this show on the air, even if it meant toning down the football scenes and executing some of the dumbest script notes in recent Hollywood history. And maybe they'll salvage the ill-fated "twist." I just worry that Season 2 is headed for the "Let's just pretend this never happened" Hall of Fame along with "Fletch Lives," "Another 48 Hours," "Caddyshack 2," Hakeem Olajuwon's year on the Raptors and everything else.
--Chris W., New Haven, Conn.
SG: Quick break from baseball to answer this one...
Normally I'd say, "Come on, don't be so cynical, they had an incredible first season and the FNL writers earned the leeway to spend three or four episodes proving this 'twist' was a good idea." But network TV has betrayed us so many times, it's impossible not to think that NBC ordered FNL to sex it up and use "The OC's" old playbook to boost ratings. But this "twist" completely betrayed Landry's character, which wouldn't be a major deal except he was one of the four rocks of the show (along with the coach, his wife and the QB). You can't just waste one of your rocks like that unless there's a REALLY good reason.
****, that's one of the reasons an inferior show like "The OC" died so quickly -- Peter Gallagher's character (Seth's dad) was the show's moral compass, only he started considering an affair in Season 2 and the show never recovered, mainly because his character never recovered. I wasn't a "Sex and the City" fan, but my wife went crazy when Sarah Jessica Parker's character started cheating on her boyfriend with Mr. Big; she just felt completely betrayed because Parker's character was her "friend" and she could never condone a friend acting like that. I thought this was an interesting way to look at it because TV characters DO become your friends to some degree, and you DO feel like you know them, so when someone as great as Landry pulls a 180 and does something his character would never, ever, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER do (not the "twist" itself but how everything was handled after the twist), it was almost like losing a friend, as weird as that sounds.
Yeah, they can resolve the twist, but it's going to be difficult to repair the damage that was done to Landry's character. I don't trust his judgment anymore. Which brings me back to my original point: You can't betray one of your main characters like that, especially on a show like this, when the decisions for every character were made so carefully in Season 1. That's what made this twist so infuriating. Even a few seconds before "it" happened, I paused the TiVo and told the Sports Gal, "That's it ... NBC is about to ruin this show, we should have known."
There's a bigger issue here: Because everyone thought "FNL" was going to get canceled last year, they threw the kitchen sink into Season 1 and...
(SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SEASON 1 YET. AND, MY GOD, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????)
... made the understandable decision to have Dillon High win the state championship (thinking the show was one and done), which would have been the perfect way to go out if NBC hadn't screwed everything up by halfheartedly renewing the show and giving it the "Friday, 9 p.m." death sentence.
(END OF SPOILER ALERT. AND, DAMMIT, BUY THE SEASON 1 DVD ALREADY!)
You can't blame the FNL creators for doing everything they could to keep this show on the air, even if it meant toning down the football scenes and executing some of the dumbest script notes in recent Hollywood history. And maybe they'll salvage the ill-fated "twist." I just worry that Season 2 is headed for the "Let's just pretend this never happened" Hall of Fame along with "Fletch Lives," "Another 48 Hours," "Caddyshack 2," Hakeem Olajuwon's year on the Raptors and everything else.
QUOTE (SmittenAlaskaFan @ Oct 15 2007, 12:50 PM)
You are making my whole point...this is a series...that means that events will progress throughout the season. As the Taylor's figure out their situation, the lighthearted moments will be back and the off-kilter feeling will go away. I think everyone is in a turmoil for this reason....when the Taylors are better, the whole Dillon world will right itself. And, if everyone's life was perfect, there would be no need for us to watch them figure it out. The first few episodes have to set the scene for the rest of the season. Jason's accident was the event for the first season....Landry & Tyra's unfortunate encounter is the event for this season. jmo
Totally agree "Smitten" my only concern is that the writers are going to have to turn the lives of EVERY SINGLE character at this early point. Can they do that? Can Coach Taylor walk back into Dillion and "Everything-is-right-with-the-world"? Our beloved characters are being set up in such a negative light...WHY? Did we need more conflict? Did we need to see more drama by the actors? I understand "unfolding" over the season...but it will take 75 episodes to "undo" all the character destruction that has been done in two episodes. We can't tune in next week, Taylors back, Julie is sweet, Swede is gone, Matt acts like a mature teen, Carlotta is gone from grandmas house, Jason has no dreams, Smash's mom sets it all straight with him, Tyra's attacker is alive and Landry wakes up from a dream as a murderer, Tammi is over post-partum and back at the school...and not crying. Lyla gives up religion and has cool relationship with Riggins who is the sensitive guy we saw with neighbors kid. They have REALLY created a hole to dig out of. And I pray they can recover and still attract new viewers while keeping the core of us the show had. Imagine yourself a new viewer...would you stay tuned to watch this chaos and dark depressing TV? There isn't even the "sex & violence" (thank God) to attract new viewers. Just dark bummers from EVERY character. Please NBC pull my show out of this hole you've dug !!!
Like others have posted, I loved this show during its first season, and now am very disappointed. Everything -- really, everything -- has been turned into melodrama.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
QUOTE (FNLNumber1 @ Oct 13 2007, 03:52 PM)
Don't get me wrong - I love Friday Night Lights, but so far I have been really disappointed in the two episodes that have been shown. Everything is dark and depressing. I know there has to be some drama, but no one is happy or in a good place. Last year when I watched this show, I didn't want the show to end because I enjoyed it so much and it was just a pleasure to watch. I don't get those feelings so far this year. Landry is known for his great comedic comebacks, but with the story line he is in now, he's not going to be very funny - it just wouldn't seem right. Julie needs a major attitude adjustment, Lyla is annoyingly over the top with her Christianity (I'm a Christian, so don't jump all over me), Riggins is too out of control with his women and his booze, Matt's life continues to suck, I could go on and on. How about some of the good times from last year??? I haven't even had a good laugh yet, it is so depressing. My daughter feels the same way - she is almost ready to stop watching it.
I could not agree more. The characters used to have storylines that meshed together, now there are so many stories & none that have anything to do with each other. I loved all the characters, now I don't like most of them and it feels like too much is going on. WHAT HAPPENED TO NBC? They used to be the kings of primetime. Now the only show I watch is Friday Night Lights and Leno. Now I read they are dumping LENO in '09 & Friday Night Lights? The only improvement with this show was moving it to Friday Nights. Are there new writers? I don't get it and am about to stop watching! I am embarrassed to say this was my FAVORITE show.
Unfortunately, you are comfirming my worst fears - that you guys think the new season has started off as badly as much as I do. I love, love, love this show and don't want it to disappear, but the powers that be are going to have to make some major improvements quick. TXFNL hit it right on the head with his/her posts - I totally agree with you. Friday Night Lights has become a downer! I want to laugh and have story lines to root for and be so excited about the show, that I don't want 9:00 to roll around on Friday's like I used to. Believe me, I will keep watching, but it's just not the same.
After both of the new episodes, I said to my wife, "The writers have become desperate to save this show, and they're screwing up everything that made it great." How disappointing! Friday Night Lights had a small but incredibly loyal following. I was hoping the move to Friday nights signaled a realization by NBC that "this show is never going to have a huge viewership, so let's put it at a time when we're lucky to get ANY viewers. At least we'll get a consistent group of viewers that tune in week after week."
But no, now they've alienated that loyal following by drastically altering too many of our favorite characters. The coach's wife was never this out-of-control. His daughter has drastically changed. Jason Street would never have made such a crazy speech last season as the conversation he had with the coach's wife.
The few great scenes are those already mentioned by others. Those are the ones that stayed true to the characters as developed last season. Everything else is a misguided attempt by the writers/producers to improve ratings. I'm afraid they've crossed the point of no return, and have condemned what was once a fantastic show to certain (and imminent) death.
But no, now they've alienated that loyal following by drastically altering too many of our favorite characters. The coach's wife was never this out-of-control. His daughter has drastically changed. Jason Street would never have made such a crazy speech last season as the conversation he had with the coach's wife.
The few great scenes are those already mentioned by others. Those are the ones that stayed true to the characters as developed last season. Everything else is a misguided attempt by the writers/producers to improve ratings. I'm afraid they've crossed the point of no return, and have condemned what was once a fantastic show to certain (and imminent) death.
I wonder, when NBC order those six additional scripts, after season one ended, if they included the murder. I bet they did. Where is more, to this than we realize. We are just two episodes, into a twenty two episode season. There is time, for anything to happen. I believe the stalker is still alive. And is somewhere "licking his wounds." He will be back, to stalk Tyra and Landry, this time. They only think, they have murder him, but they haven't. As long as, there is do dead body found, I think this thing, could turn around for Tyra and Landry.
QUOTE (kahanabay @ Oct 15 2007, 06:00 PM)
Like others have posted, I loved this show during its first season, and now am very disappointed. Everything -- really, everything -- has been turned into melodrama.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
Well I agree, this is like a night time soap. I thought it was a good story to tell what goes on behind the senes in football in a small town. The real town where the real Friday night was from is nothing like this.
No way Matt would have thrown the body off the bridge, not with dad a cop. He is the one with the honest face and good reputation. There is no way the coach would let his daughter treat the mother this way and they would both have cleaned the house. I don't know how they are going to make this show work. If it turns into Dallas a dream I am not watching anymore.
I was introduced to this show by a friend and I started to like it (this was last year). The new season (first episode) was doing ok until the last part. Landry and Tyra part. When he killed the other guy and they decided to cover it up, the show went to a complete different level - soap opera level that I hate. And after that I haven't had the desire to see any new episode episode. The best part of the show was the Landry and Tyra part. I very disappointed with the new story line!
Last season FNL built a tremendous fan base and developed characters and story lines that fans grew to love. This season every single character and story line was destroyed, I suppose for the purposes of creativity. Wouldn't it have made more sense to disrupt one or two story lines at the begining and while keeping at least a few of them familiar to the fans of the show? Fans need something to keep the mcoming back and I honestly felt like walking away from the show after the explosive openiong episode of season 2. During the run of the second season the other story lines could have been trashed but not all at once!
We have the head coach living accross the state, his marriage is a wreck, and his new baby being neglected; Matt and Julie, last season's dream couple, are in turmoil; the new head coach is a psycho; Lyla is a religious fruit cake and her father needs to be put away; and Landry mudered a rapist for Tyra. Where is there any continuity from last season? I would nt be surprised if their ratings tank and a terrific show finds itself teetering on the brink because of over creativity by the writers.
We have the head coach living accross the state, his marriage is a wreck, and his new baby being neglected; Matt and Julie, last season's dream couple, are in turmoil; the new head coach is a psycho; Lyla is a religious fruit cake and her father needs to be put away; and Landry mudered a rapist for Tyra. Where is there any continuity from last season? I would nt be surprised if their ratings tank and a terrific show finds itself teetering on the brink because of over creativity by the writers.
Like you, and a lot of others, I have been surprised and a little disappointed in the plot twists in this season so far. But check out the posts by MSG12 in the topic "Season Two - Ratings and Plots". He makes a good point that a lot of what's happened in the first two episodes follows naturally from the way season one ended up.
I think the fact that everyone in Dillon is in such a dark place right now goes back to the fact that Coach Taylor isn't there. He's the heart of the team, the town, and of course his family. Without Coach around, Tami and Julie are really lost. His former players (Riggins and Saracen) are without their father figure, so they are floundering. And since Tami is drowning in her own family issues right now, she's not there for Tyra or Lyla, and so they are struggling. (I think it's kind of like Shakespeare, actually, you know the "something rotten in Denmark" thing...)
In my opinion, some of the best moments of the first two episodes have been when Coach Taylor was doing what he does best. Talking to Julie in the car outside the bar in the first episode, or talking some sense into that spoiled player in the second episode. That, to me, was a reminder that Eric is the glue that holds all of this together; and the fact that he is gone is why everything else is so wrong.
And one last thought, perhaps a bit off topic. I have seen several comments about how out of character it is for strong, brave, smart Tami to be losing it and crying all the time. I can't disagree more. Those of us who have had children know how difficult those first weeks and months can be, even in the best of circumstances. Even without actual postpartum depression, most new moms are exhausted and hormonal and very emotional. To go through this without her husband around to shoulder some of the burden... Well, it's no wonder she is breaking down and crying so often.
I'm still a big BIG fan!
I think the fact that everyone in Dillon is in such a dark place right now goes back to the fact that Coach Taylor isn't there. He's the heart of the team, the town, and of course his family. Without Coach around, Tami and Julie are really lost. His former players (Riggins and Saracen) are without their father figure, so they are floundering. And since Tami is drowning in her own family issues right now, she's not there for Tyra or Lyla, and so they are struggling. (I think it's kind of like Shakespeare, actually, you know the "something rotten in Denmark" thing...)
In my opinion, some of the best moments of the first two episodes have been when Coach Taylor was doing what he does best. Talking to Julie in the car outside the bar in the first episode, or talking some sense into that spoiled player in the second episode. That, to me, was a reminder that Eric is the glue that holds all of this together; and the fact that he is gone is why everything else is so wrong.
And one last thought, perhaps a bit off topic. I have seen several comments about how out of character it is for strong, brave, smart Tami to be losing it and crying all the time. I can't disagree more. Those of us who have had children know how difficult those first weeks and months can be, even in the best of circumstances. Even without actual postpartum depression, most new moms are exhausted and hormonal and very emotional. To go through this without her husband around to shoulder some of the burden... Well, it's no wonder she is breaking down and crying so often.
I'm still a big BIG fan!
Wrangler,
First off, it's been two shows. People should give the new season a chance.
Second, I, for one, think the new developments are pretty interesting and understandable. In the show's time, there's been what, an 8 month time gap? It makes sense that relationships, like Matt and Julie's, have fizzled. And the plot is on very weird footing because the writers and producers didn't know if it was going to be brought back for a second season. So you end up with things like the coach in Austin, even with a newborn back in Dillion. I think things will be straightened out.
Third, I think there are consistent storylines-- Riggins trying to decide whether he's a boozy jerk or a decent person; Lyla figuring out what she's going to do with the rest of her life since her relationship with Jason is over; Jason's own effort to make something of his life; the coach and his family trying to balance their lives with their work; Julie growing up and maturing; Matt, who's a private, quiet guy, trying to take care of his Grandma and handle the spotlight; Landry's "Beauty and the Geek" relationship with Tyra. Those storylines have taken unexpected turns, true, and I think the murder was a bit of a shark jump. But those storylines are still there.
Finally, in conversation, a friend of mine just mentioned what I think the real bummer about this season is-- interesting things have happened in the 8 month gap that we didn't get to watch. Landry and Tyra became real friends. Julie fell out of love with Matt. Julie's mother started driving her crazy, apparently. A new coach was hired, over the team's offensive coordinator, again. All that would have been neat to see. It's sort of too bad that this much character development had to happen in the "off-season."
First off, it's been two shows. People should give the new season a chance.
Second, I, for one, think the new developments are pretty interesting and understandable. In the show's time, there's been what, an 8 month time gap? It makes sense that relationships, like Matt and Julie's, have fizzled. And the plot is on very weird footing because the writers and producers didn't know if it was going to be brought back for a second season. So you end up with things like the coach in Austin, even with a newborn back in Dillion. I think things will be straightened out.
Third, I think there are consistent storylines-- Riggins trying to decide whether he's a boozy jerk or a decent person; Lyla figuring out what she's going to do with the rest of her life since her relationship with Jason is over; Jason's own effort to make something of his life; the coach and his family trying to balance their lives with their work; Julie growing up and maturing; Matt, who's a private, quiet guy, trying to take care of his Grandma and handle the spotlight; Landry's "Beauty and the Geek" relationship with Tyra. Those storylines have taken unexpected turns, true, and I think the murder was a bit of a shark jump. But those storylines are still there.
Finally, in conversation, a friend of mine just mentioned what I think the real bummer about this season is-- interesting things have happened in the 8 month gap that we didn't get to watch. Landry and Tyra became real friends. Julie fell out of love with Matt. Julie's mother started driving her crazy, apparently. A new coach was hired, over the team's offensive coordinator, again. All that would have been neat to see. It's sort of too bad that this much character development had to happen in the "off-season."
There is no joy or humour in this show so far this year and it is almost alien to what it was last year. It has gone from a can't miss show to one I don't know if I want to even keep watching anymore.
Is it really necessary to have every last story line so negative? Compare these story lines to the show last year where everybody was traveling to Dallas for the championship game. I still laugh & smile when I think of that episode.
Is it really necessary to have every last story line so negative? Compare these story lines to the show last year where everybody was traveling to Dallas for the championship game. I still laugh & smile when I think of that episode.
I agree the first 2 episodes have been a major disappointment for the reasons already listed. But, I have a question. Wasn't coach Taylor hired as the head coach of the college team - not as an assistant coach? Isn't this a marked changed in the story line? Thanks.
At first, I thought the premiere was a little over the top. I think it's just because the Tyra/Landry storyline is uncomfortable. Episode 2 was more like season one however the relationship between Tami and the fill-in counselor makes me uncomfortable as well. Is it Friday yet?
QUOTE (stephsmith @ Oct 18 2007, 09:29 PM)
Is it Friday yet?
It's FRIDAY!!! *\o/*
QUOTE (kahanabay @ Oct 15 2007, 07:00 PM)
Like others have posted, I loved this show during its first season, and now am very disappointed. Everything -- really, everything -- has been turned into melodrama.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
I'm not interested in watching a prime-time soap opera, whatever the focus is, even though I'm very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in football. What we've seen so far is just way too much to swallow. The producers and writers should be penalized for "piling on," and it's a d**n shame that pressure from above has resulted in a great show turning into an hour of mediocrity.
Season is getting better with each episode. Tonight's was wonderful.
QUOTE (drudo182 @ Oct 19 2007, 10:33 PM)
Season is getting better with each episode. Tonight's was wonderful.
I totally agree
No actually I think it's pretty good so far. I can see some things turning out the way I wouldn't want them to, but that's o.k. I'm glad to see that coach might be coming back! The new guy really sucks! He would single handedly blow everything that team has fought to gain, just by being a self-righteous *******! And yes I probably do take this show a little too seriously, but I live 2 miles from where it is filmed. Football is that serious here. It's kinda like hockey in Canada. It's not just a game, it's part of life! But anyway, I just love the show, the drama. It reminds me of growing up in San Angelo and playing Odessa Permian, it's all business. Serious business!
QUOTE (Chuck D. @ Oct 18 2007, 07:14 PM)
I agree the first 2 episodes have been a major disappointment for the reasons already listed. But, I have a question. Wasn't coach Taylor hired as the head coach of the college team - not as an assistant coach? Isn't this a marked changed in the story line? Thanks.
Yeah...I sort of feel like this show does this a lot, especially after I watched the first season on DVD I started noticing a lot of discrepancies and dropped storylines. Like for one thing, TMU was not the school they originally said offered Coach the job, it was UT I believe that invited him for dinner at first, then it got switched to TMU randomly.
Also, I thought Lyla, Riggins, and Tyra were all seniors last year, but I suppose that was never really spelled out.
I wonder if Smash will get offered a position at the school where Tatum plays - remember their little dialogue at the championship game last year?
OK, and what happened to Waverly!? The absence of her character is driving me nuts. Same thing for Bobby Reyes, surprised he never came back for the team again. I suppose they have enough storylines going though. So for everyone saying this season has too many storylines, so did season one, and a lot of those we never heard about again.
I'm not complaining. I still love this show.
QUOTE (dragons @ Oct 14 2007, 12:16 AM)
I liked tonight's episode better than last week's so I figure next week will be even better.
I think the 8 month jump from season 1 to season 2 is part of the reason everything seems "off". The characters are mostly teenagers & have changed a lot in 8 months & we don't "know" them yet.
I think the 8 month jump from season 1 to season 2 is part of the reason everything seems "off". The characters are mostly teenagers & have changed a lot in 8 months & we don't "know" them yet.
I enjoyed tonights show and with coach coming back it is only going to get better! Matt was enjoying the attention from the new housekeeper, I see something happening there and when it does Julie will want him back. Lyla definitely needs a new story line (is she even cheerleading), I knew eventually he would be walking again and maybe they will get something going. I see Tammy going thru some baby blues that is going to be a story line and Julie is about to get wilder for a while. Smash is too arrogant for his own good and was glad to see matt try to take him down!! This show is a keeper!
I love it. It's better than ever. Every time I think this show can't possibly get any better, it does. Every week I am left wanting more. The stories, characters, actors are excellent. I'm blown away by how real it seems. It's the best show on tv.
QUOTE (Justme77 @ Oct 19 2007, 09:36 PM)
I love it. It's better than ever. Every time I think this show can't possibly get any better, it does. Every week I am left wanting more. The stories, characters, actors are excellent. I'm blown away by how real it seems. It's the best show on tv.
I was thinking the same thing. Every scene was brilliant. I loved every single minute of it. I recorded it, and have alreadly, watched it three times tonight. Truly, the absolute best, TV show on the planet!
I think people are being a little harsh and quick to judge this new season. For crying out loud, we've only seen the first couple of episodes of which the whole point has been to show how much turmoil Dillon is in without Coach Taylor there. If everything was all hunky dory, would it be realistic? The team has a new hardnosed coach, Mrs. Taylor and Julie are without Coach. All these "depressing" storylines are to be expected. Once Coach comes back, I do feel things will start being pieced back together. We've got 19 more episodes to go. That's alot of time for things to develop.
As for the Tyra/Landry storyline, I actually am enjoying it. People keep saying it was "out of character" for Landry to do what he did. Was it really? Someone attacked the girl he is in love with. I think I'd be pretty angry and lash out as well if I were him. The whole thing is probably very confusing to him, no matter how much of a moral character he was last season. Extreme circumstances tend to make you do extreme things. He was probably scared to death and teenagers, no matter how good they usually are, aren't exactly the most rational thinkers in situations like that. I think it'll be great to see his inner struggle with the consequences of what he has done. Also with him being on the football team and Coach Taylor possibly coming back in the near future, we may see Landry confide in him what he has done which could also be something interesting with this storyline. Either that or he'll leak what happened to Matt and he'll go tell Coach about it. He's not going to be able to keep that secret forever.
As for the Tyra/Landry storyline, I actually am enjoying it. People keep saying it was "out of character" for Landry to do what he did. Was it really? Someone attacked the girl he is in love with. I think I'd be pretty angry and lash out as well if I were him. The whole thing is probably very confusing to him, no matter how much of a moral character he was last season. Extreme circumstances tend to make you do extreme things. He was probably scared to death and teenagers, no matter how good they usually are, aren't exactly the most rational thinkers in situations like that. I think it'll be great to see his inner struggle with the consequences of what he has done. Also with him being on the football team and Coach Taylor possibly coming back in the near future, we may see Landry confide in him what he has done which could also be something interesting with this storyline. Either that or he'll leak what happened to Matt and he'll go tell Coach about it. He's not going to be able to keep that secret forever.
The reason the new season feels lackluster isn't just because of the outlandish plot twists, it's because we never see anything happening-- all of the significant action seems to take place off screen or in the character's minds; let's face it existential crisis' are great motivating factors, but they only work on TV if they're illustrated by action. Also every story feels rushed, as if the conclusion to the story is the meat and it's not important how we got there. For example we have no idea who the new coach is other than he is grumpy and two-dimensional, we had no lead up to Billy starting a relationship with the neighbor, and when a marriage like the Garrity's falls apart after 20/30 odd years there would be more angst and dark nights of the soul on both parts, not just Buddy's scotch-swilling, hair-mussed late nights at his desk. And those are just a few examples. What made the first season great in my eyes was it took the time to really slow down and examine small, but powerful moments in the life of a town. Life isn't all black and white and high and low; you don't need divorce and murder to create heart-wrenching drama, if season one is any kind of testament, sometimes the smallest things can just knock you out.
I have not been dissapointed yet! I can not wait for each week to see how things play out. I have watched last nights episode twice already! I love this show this is the only episode drama show that I watch and I have been trying to get anyone I know to watch it too!!! I do agree that I would rather have it on a different night, but as long as it is on I can DVR it and watch it anytime. I have not bought season one yet but I plan to so I can watch that all over again too! I watched some episodes online and I thought oh I forgot about that, so I can't wait to watch them all again.
QUOTE (FNLNumber1 @ Oct 13 2007, 03:52 PM)
Don't get me wrong - I love Friday Night Lights, but so far I have been really disappointed in the two episodes that have been shown. Everything is dark and depressing. I know there has to be some drama, but no one is happy or in a good place. Last year when I watched this show, I didn't want the show to end because I enjoyed it so much and it was just a pleasure to watch. I don't get those feelings so far this year. Landry is known for his great comedic comebacks, but with the story line he is in now, he's not going to be very funny - it just wouldn't seem right. Julie needs a major attitude adjustment, Lyla is annoyingly over the top with her Christianity (I'm a Christian, so don't jump all over me), Riggins is too out of control with his women and his booze, Matt's life continues to suck, I could go on and on. How about some of the good times from last year??? I haven't even had a good laugh yet, it is so depressing. My daughter feels the same way - she is almost ready to stop watching it.
I just want to love watching this show again.
I just want to love watching this show again.
Hey, don't take it so badly. I love the writing of this show. I'm an older guy and just tuned into this by chance last year and I got drawn into this show by the writing. I think this show is well thought out and how they deal with all the characters is fantastic. I think the writers deal with relevant issues that High School kids deal with day in and day out. Ok, the murder one might be a bit of a stretch, but it's a storyline that brings Landry and Tyra closer together. The fact that his dad's a cop complicates matters even more. So my advice is, hang in there, it will get better as problems get resolved. This isn't Leave It To Beaver where problems get solved in 30 mins and then everyone's all happy. To the Writers I say, Keep up the Great Work! That's why they got Emmy nominations last year and why the Critics LOVE this show! Dark? Yes, a bit for now, but I'm sure there will be some sunshine here and there along the way.
I really did like this weeks show better. I know that they can't use ut in the story with out there permission or paying a fee. Dillion is not a real town in Texas. If you thought UT was the school there
colors are not maroon and white , A&M is Maroon and white. I want coach Taylor to come back to his
old job. He is a good role model for the kids. He is what kind of coach I wish my child had .
Looks like we just need to give it sometime and it will get together.I do look forward to this show.
colors are not maroon and white , A&M is Maroon and white. I want coach Taylor to come back to his
old job. He is a good role model for the kids. He is what kind of coach I wish my child had .
Looks like we just need to give it sometime and it will get together.I do look forward to this show.
I have been totally pleased with the season so far, all 3 episodes. It's gripping. For some reason I had remembered the job he was offered at SMU being head coach, so didn't realize that he was a coordinator, so that caught me off guard. I think they are shaping things up for a great season, I'm sure as the season continues the show will develop new fun story lines. Keep the faith, I really hope this show makes it to a season 3!!
QUOTE (andydugan @ Oct 20 2007, 12:08 PM)
I have been totally pleased with the season so far, all 3 episodes. It's gripping. For some reason I had remembered the job he was offered at SMU being head coach, so didn't realize that he was a coordinator, so that caught me off guard. I think they are shaping things up for a great season, I'm sure as the season continues the show will develop new fun story lines. Keep the faith, I really hope this show makes it to a season 3!!
Yes, Dillion is a fictional city. Austin isn't, however the college Coach Taylor left for IS fictional. Oh yeah, he got hired on as a QB coach. That's why he was working with the QBs. That's his main strength. Remember, he coached Street in his younger days. That was pointed out early last season. As for the show in general, everything can't be all rosy all the time or we wouldn't have a great Drama Series like we do. Again, Kudos to the writers! It's called Character development. The first several weeks we are primarily introduced to the characters, maybe get a little bit of back info on them, and then we watch them develop. Yes, the show is a bit Dark and very Dramatic right now, thus the term Drama.
Just keep watching and be patient. Enjoy your characters and their growth. We all grow WITH them, believe it or not. Enjoy the rest of the season! To Be Continued....
I was disappointed the season premiere, it seemed a little too disjointed, gimmicky, almost. Last week was okay. But this week,....
THIS WAS THE BEST SHOW ON TV THAT I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!
I laughed, I cried, it moved me on so many different levels. It moved me so much that I went off and got myself a login so I could post this on the boards!
And this is from a person who a) didn't like high school that much and b) really doesn't watch football!
-- Sheepishly Addicted in NY
THIS WAS THE BEST SHOW ON TV THAT I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!
I laughed, I cried, it moved me on so many different levels. It moved me so much that I went off and got myself a login so I could post this on the boards!
And this is from a person who a) didn't like high school that much and b) really doesn't watch football!
-- Sheepishly Addicted in NY
so everything in life is supposed to be happy? doesn't this show have to do with the many stories and connections we have in life that make it such a small world? im pretty sure we've all gone through our struggles in life and if you haven't struggled in life i feel bad for you as weird as that sounds.. struggles are important and this show, shows why
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