"Let's Get It On"
You mean Landry? Jesse Plemons, Kyle Chandler by Bill Records/NBC
Guest blogger Casey Marsella (
Heroes) here! Leah couldn't make it tonight, but I'll do my best to recap this amazing show!
Landry! Landry! Landry!
Jesse Plemons made Dillon (and
FNL fans) stand up and cheer tonight. His performance is what I love about this show. I've always noticed that the people who seem "out of place" are usually the ones most comfortable in their own skin. Landry used to be the goofy, one-liner sidekick, but he was
always sure of himself. Tonight he proved that. His halftime speech was the highlight of the episode: "We can win together or lose alone." It was the perfect lead-in to: Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose!
So, who's together and who's alone?
Let's start with the Taylors. Tami is thrilled to have her husband back, but not enough to give him the "green light." Coach was gently shot down and forced to sleep on the couch so Tami could
finally get a good night's sleep. The next day, the bags under his eyes initiated an unwanted sex talk between him and Mac. "Not now or ever again do I want to hear about you and Susan ridin' in the saddle."
Julie also tried to take the high road and patch things up with Matt. She offered him a "How are you" and concert tickets. It pained me to watch Matt say yes. Landry stepped in with a repetitive "No" as Julie walked away. Did she really think she could come back and everything would be fine?
Then we have the Three Amigos hanging out in Mexico. Jason wasn't too happy to see Lyla, all dressed in white and ready to preach. I have to say, I like the born-again storyline for Lyla.
Minka Kelly's talent is so much more than a star-crossed, loving cheerleader. Her scene presence always brings out the best in
Scott Porter and
Taylor Kitsch. This episode proved it. Riggins pleading for Lyla to stay, as he declared himself more of a Christian than her, was priceless. After a conflicted conversation with Jason, he seemed to give up. I freaked when he first jumped into the water, but I knew he'd be OK. How Riggins and Lyla got to land, found a car and drove to him in a matter of minutes is beyond me but it's always nice to see them together (even if they did look like they were about to have a drunken threesome in the end). All is well. For now.
Matt Saracen was a pleasant surprise tonight.
Zach Gilford is so good in this role. His character finally grew a backbone. It started last week when Matt tackled Smash, but tonight took the chili. His reaction at the coach's dinner table was unbelievable. Good for him! Matt has so much on his plate and is always underappreciated. I'm glad he finally said what he was thinking. Especially when Julie tried to turn their "not a date" into a date. When she asked why he suddenly couldn't go, his answer was perfect: "Because I'm still pissed at you." Her apology was too little, too late. He also never gave in to Smash. They agreed they were both wrong, but Smash ultimately apologized for his arrogant behavior. I'm disappointed we didn't see much of
Gaius Charles in this episode. I hope we get more of him and Smash's family next Friday.
The end was full of joy and sadness. Just when Landry's heart was full of love and pride, Tyra ripped it out, threw it to the ground and did a Mexican hat dance on it. At first she congratulated him and told him how much he deserved the credit and approval of the town. Did you see their faces? They are both so full of young love; tainted love, but still love. Tyra knew her words had to be harsh. "Do you actually think that in a million years take a look in the mirror. I don't know what I was thinking with you. This is over." I cried for Landry. It broke my heart to watch him stare at Tyra in disbelief. I love
Andrianne Palicki. She nails every scene. She kept her composure when she broke it off with Landry, but her words tore both their hearts. She really loves him.
I adore this show. It is the best family drama on television. I also think the entire cast, especially
Connie Britton, should be nominated this year (last year was insulting).
Keeping with Leah's fashion. I'll leave you with some of the best quotes from tonight's episode - bear with me - this episode was full of great lines!
Matt: "Susan likes the tulips."
Matt: "I turned the TV on as soon as I heard the word stork."
Tami: "I gotta go pump and dump."
Coach Taylor: "I didn't have you over here just to eat my chili."
Mindy: "Why's there a cop in my living room?"
Riggins: "I love you and I will knock you out and bring your ass back to Dillon if I have to."
Coach Taylor: "Lance!"
Matt: "You just want to tell him that we kissed and made up and now we're good?"
Lyla (after kissing both Jason and Tim): "I gotta go pray."
Thanks for letting me sub in! I'll be back on Monday night for
Heroes, and Leah will return next Friday! Hopefully by then, Coach Taylor will have learned Landry's real name! What do you all think? Comments are always appreciated
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