Grid Effect

Welcome back to the work week. I am finally getting around too posting about last Wednesday’s Friday Night Lights, as I have been somewhat unmotivated. Like I said early last week I was relegated too watching this episode on my computer, so the usual play-by-play synopsis that I apply to recapping this series was a viable option, but logistically it was difficult (with distributing sufficient space for me to take notes with and watch the episode). So the recap is more akin to that of the comedies I discuss.

In general, this episode was one of their strongest yet (I am still unsure as to why there was a two week break in between this episode and the one preceeding it, but I guess some things we just weren’t meant to know), Matt’s dad was called up for another tour in Iraq. I am unclear as to how the armed services operates in this regard, but I thought that after he withdrew his services in the first go around, that he would have to revolunteer. Apparently that’s not the case because he is being recalled, maybe I am underestimating the Army’s desperation for troops and that they might now circumvent the rules too attain some. Either way, Saceran is noticeably devastated, but uses football as a deterrant for his temporary depression. He ends up drawing out the play that wins Dillon the game and catapults them into the playoffs.

Smash’s mom discovers his steroid use while cleaning his room. I have always found this too be a weired gimmick used in story lines like this. At 16 or 17 (whichever Smash is), he would know his mom welll enougfh that if he doesn’t keep his room cleaned, his mom will clean it for him. So if you are trying too conceal illicit performance enhancing drugs from her by tucking them in between your nightstand and bed, then why not just keep the room clean? I guess it’s just apathy. But that is quite the dark secret he is keeping.

How Symbolic

Anyways, she immediately goes to school and talks with Smash and Coach Taylor about the recent discovery. Taylor ends up suspending him indefinitely but doesn’t kick him off the team. This is a great plot device from the writers. They can use this infraction to either send Taylor to UT if FNL does not get picked up for a second season, or the Texas High School Athletic Association can discover the cover up, costing Taylor the coaching job at UT. Way to cover all your bases, Peter Berg.

In the world of Lyla and Jason, Lyla’s dad is incredibly candid with Jason explaining why he set his daughter up on a quasi-informal date with some kid from SMU. It is a tough pill too swallow for everyone involved and despite how obnoxious Buddy Garrity is, one can empathize with him. In fact teh speech even makes Street consider breaking up with her for her own benefit. Then after a pep-talk from Herc (who was great in this episode) does a complete 180 and asks Lyla too marry him. Seem like a bold move consider neither of them have graduated from high school yet.

Either way it was a phenomenal episode, with plenty of open ended material to touch on in coming weeks.