FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
NO TITLE
12-03-08, re-airs 03-13-09
9pm

THE PRESSURE IS ON WHEN THE PANTHERS' PLAYOFF GAME IS CHOSEN AS THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK: All eyes are on Dillon as the Panthers� playoff game is chosen as the nationally televised "high school game of the week." In the midst of their senior year, Riggins debates whether or not to meet with a college coach and Saracen must deal with his grandmother's feelings about his college future. Meanwhile, Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) sees the truth about Cash (Zach Roerig) and finds herself in a desperate situation.

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This will go down as a classic FNL episode. Coach Taylor was on his game with motivational speeches and smooth with Tammy. I liked how something came out about everyone's future regarding college and you could see the different aspirations they had. Some good football, and Matt getting playing time is great. The last scene really made me smile. Riggins and Lyla just mesh so well together. How can anyone not like Tim? He's become my fav character to watch.

I liked this episode (titled 'Game of the Week') very much also. It was full of the little moments and the spot-on real dialouge that FNL does so well. It also felt extremely well balanced and paced, though I was a little surprised the game being on national TV was not a bigger part of the ep.

One of the things FNL has been incredibly successful with is its recurring characters and their casting. Can anyone think of recurring characters on any other show who are as movingly written, superbly cast, and perfectly acted as Buddy Garrity and Grandma Sarecen? And now we have Kim Dickens as Matt's mom, who IMO has fit in seamlessly and is terrific in her role. The argument with Grandma was such a great scene that I didn't mind the cheesy resolution of bonding over Matt getting into the game. I mean, when Grandma says "Heavens to Betsy!" I'm a fool for whatever happens next. Like all the best FNL conflicts, you can see all sides of this one. Matt does deserve a future of his own, but Grandma deserves some respect and comfort too. And Shelby is walking a fine line in between, well aware she is entitled to only so much input.

I was OK with Matt being the hero of the game, and just glad all he had to do was get a first down to preserve a lead, and not score yet another game-winning, come-from behind TD.

What casting giveth with the recurring characters, miscasting can also take away. I just never bought the casting of Cash and so I am very glad he won't use up any more precious screen time. Maybe it was great physical acting or just my imagination, but the actor, who was already too small, too young, and too pretty, seemed to literally shrink just when he was supposed to become menacing. Of course it didn't help that we also got podTyra, who could only cry and tremble at the little guy's rantings. No swinging fireplace pokers, not even a brisk slap across the face. THIS is the guy that turned Tyra into her Mother? I am just very glad its over and very sorry that AP got stuck with a clincker story two years in a row.

I did love the scene in the car with Tami and Tyra while CT was in the store. Even the ever-verbose Tami knows that sometimes its better to say nothing. Some have interpreted that as Tami being mad at Tyra, or even disgusted with her. I just thought she knew it was not the right time to give lectures (thank God) or press for details. Either way, the scene was great in its simplicity and wonderfully played by both actresses.

The Taylors in general worked alot better for me this episode. Again, its the little things, like Tami putting her hand over Eric's mouth while she was agreeing to leave their romantic getaway to go rescue Tyra. And then gathering the freebies, robes, chocolates, as they rush out the door.

Yet another break-out recurring character this episode is Mindy, everyone's favorite stripper. No Billy in her chilli, yo! Like Grandma and Buddy, this girl looks and acts so completely Texas realistic it is impossible to believe she was not plucked out of real life. Mindy and Lyla's man-hating binge was hilarious, especially Mindy teaching Lyla stripper moves. But you knew all along it would only take about two ILYs for Mindy to give in and decide to smother Billy with her chest.

The writers have really hit their stride with Tim and Lyla, and I can't wait for the next few pivotal eps for them. Again, FNL is most effective by keeping it simple and real, with lots of little visual and dialouge gems. Drunken Billy in his undies getting off the couch with a playing card stuck to his back. Billy telling Tim he planned to name his firstborn 'Timmy', even if its a girl. Lyla "honkin' and screamin' for about 10 minutes". Tim, "Beer me! Right now!" and splashing water on his face while he narrates "Riggins gets his game face on!"

The car argument between Tim and Lyla was perfect, and many have said it reminds alot of Eric and Tami's arguments. They talk over each other, they **** each other off, they set limits of what's acceptable, but you never doubt they love each other and you never think the argument will be relationship threatening. In addition to the great tone the writing sets, these two actors play off each other incredibly well and naturally.

Just like in the last scene, the make up 'bender breath' scene. Just as advertised, TK/Tim is way too cute and charming to be held off for very long. But give credit to MK in this scene as well. As Tim makes his case to her, she runs through about 10 different expressions in response, and conveys exactly what Lyla is thinking without saying a word. I especially liked her expression when he says "and you were right and I was wrong". It's like, "well, yeah, I actually was. ." MK hits every one perfectly,from being hung over and disinterested to being skeptical, to being proud of him, right up to being mortified by her 'bender breath'. Great job by both actors and a fantastic closing scene.

Goalee, you have, as usual, explained the entire episode in such a clear and honest manner. Thank you for your review.
I, too, think that the closing scene with T/L was so honest and natural until it seemed as if I was standing behind them listening to their conversation. In a way, I felt guilty!
I would like to ask you a question under the spoilers section if you don't mind.

bump

Can anyone provide info. on the red plaid shirt Lyla was wearing toward the end of the episode?

Thanks.