FridayNightLights 1-20: "Mud Bowl" 2007.03.28 - TWoP Forums p21:
-Rewatching also helped me to appreciate Jesse Plemons' awesomeness even more. I knew that Adrianne Palicki did an incredible job, but I underestimated JP. The scene in which Landry discovers her was a great moment for both actors. First, Landry's tone changes when he asks repeatedly, 'What are you doing out here?' Then Tyra sort of strangles out what had just happened, and you can sense Landry beginning to reel from it. The last thing he says is, 'Who tried...?' He's so stunned with this turn of events that he can't even finish the sentence. Just, wow. Whereas I was too shaken upon first watch, on second watch I teared up in this scene.

(p.1)-Whoever had the brilliant idea of editing the Tyra attack scenes interspersed with the football scenes, all I can do is tip my wine glass to you. The juxtaposition of getting back to the simplicity of "playing the game" framed against the ugliness of the "real world" was so jarring, but so... gosh I don't even know the words. Major props to AP for her performance.
-I was very surprised at the way the Tyra attack was not telegraphed. I was totally surprised because the guy had not given off that vibe in the restaurant. Most shows would have set it up with somehow letting the viewers know that there was something not right with the character first thing.

-Smash helps Waverly (seek counseling). Waverly helps Lyla (see her worth). Lyla helps Jason (realize he is still in control). Jason helps Matt (with his game/confidence). Matt wins the game.
I don't know if it's 'paying it forward' so much as it is an indication that none of these characters is every really useless. They all have their strengths and their weaknesses and even when in some ways, their world is falling apart, they still have something to offer others.

-I can't help but get a giggle from CT's leap onto (I think) Mac after the football win. He has the exact same form and execution as my cat when he flings himself onto our curtains. Arms and legs spread wide, catapult and hold on for dear life.
--I *almost* think the player's arms that CT leaps into is #77. It sort of looks like that number in slo-mo; plus, he's a really big, tall player that we see earlier.

-I actively seek out shows like "House," "The Riches" and FNL because I love getting lost in a good episodic drama - it's almost as good as getting lost in a wonderful book, ya know? good list.