Who Do You Think You Are?
Hello FNL fans, Leah is on vacation, so I'm filling in. If you don't know me yet, I'm Casey. So much happened tonight! This episode felt like a stepping stone to greater, not always better, things to come.
I've been sick all week, so please bear with me.
Some people may think this episode was dated, but in the real and present world, race and gender still matter to many. I liked how this episode touched on those issues.
I'll start with the Taylor's. I hated seeing Shelley go last week, but it gave FNL another opportunity to tackle family values and issues. Some people, like Mac McGill, believe a woman's place is at home. But as Coach Taylor pointed out, "That just sounds stupid and ignorant when you say it aloud." Thank you Coach!
I am one of four children and both of my parents have worked full-time jobs for their entire 28 years of marriage. My mother's a flight attendant. I'm still dumbfounded by people's reactions "when you were young and she was away, who took care of you?" Uh, my Dad.
Connie Britton was adorable (Emmy? Globe? SAG? B.S.) on Gracie's first (attempted) day of daycare. "You're not ready I know, it's scary maybe tomorrow you'll be ready then." Gracie was always ready. Mama wasn't. I never thought the fear was separation anxiety. It was a trust issue. The Taylor's had no problem leaving their daughter with her aunt, but now Gracie will be left with strangers. It's the "what if" factor that made Tami run.
The moment on the porch between Eric and Tami was a reminder that love (married or not) is grounded by trust, commitment and
compromise. They both realized that daycare was the best choice for everyone.
Let's move onto the William's family. The issue of race isn't new to Smash. He tackled it last season after Mac, again, made a
stupid and ignorant comment. This season, Smash has a new girlfriend and it was time to meet the parents. The dinner conversation was humiliating. I felt awful for Smash. Both teens watched in horror as their parents agreed on an issue they were raised to ignore. The parents respected each other, they enjoyed each other's children, but they feared the world outside the dinner table. It was an ambush and it backfired.
The movie theater scene had me clenching my jaw in distaste. How dare those boys treat
anyone that way! And the reaction from the people behind the concession stand. WTF? I'd hope most, if not all, FNL viewers would agree with me. See, in my world - population: 1 - none of that matters. I like good people. People who treat others the way they want to be treated. I guess it's easier said than done in the world
outside my bubble. Thankfully, Smash didn't get into any trouble. I kept thinking he would be arrested for assault (like the police tried to do last season), but instead he had to fight back tears as he begged his baby sister not to tell their mother what happened. Smash's reaction in the car wasn't entirely for his sister. His mother had been right. He had deliberately defied her wishes and the outcome was brutal. How could he face her?
My favorite moments in this episode dealt with Santiago and Buddy. I know Leah has mentioned it so many times before, but who knew Buddy Garrity could bring tears to my eyes? I loved how he invited Santiago's friends over for "pizza and a movie" and then preached to the bar that you need to see into a person's heart to know them.
I've always felt that we make our own decisions, but influence is also a factor. The minute Santiago's friend showed my heart sank. He has a second chance, but one misstep could throw it all away. We all knew someone was going to steal something from the apartment. I'm glad Santiago got the watch back, because Buddy's reaction proved that this isn't just a "make our team better" storyline. Santiago needed someone just as much as Buddy did. Good people make mistakes too. They both found purpose in each other.
Matt's storyline fell flat for me. Is Carlotta gone for good? Why did she have to leave so soon? What's the deal with her kissing Matt every time he tries to talk serious about their relationship? Who will help take care of Grandma Saracen now?
It was good to see
Matt Czuchry (
Gilmore Girl fans), who played Lyla's new radio love. I like Lyla. I always read negative comments about
Minka Kelly and I don't understand why. She plays a teenage girl trying to find herself and I think she does it well. She's not dealing with the melodrama of murder or baby issues. So, for what it's worth, I think Minka Kelly does a fine job. I will admit, I am jealous of all the men she gets to make out with (mostly just
Taylor Kitsch), but somebody's got to do it!
We saw Landry and Jason for about eight seconds each.
Adrianne Palicki (Tyra) has been MIA for two episodes now. She's my favorite. Where is she? Julie didn't piss me off once - miracle!
I know this is a long blog and I actually have a lot more to say. So, I'll come back and comment along with the rest of you! It's late and the Nyquil is kicking in. I hope you all enjoyed!
