Round Table News

As fans gather in the forum to discuss each character and story line, the Friday Night Lights Insider staff comes together each week to share its thoughts and favorite moments from best show on TV in a Round Table format.

Round Table topics for "How Did I Get Here" include Landry's dad, Riggins' world of problems, Street's search for the new Street, and Matt's love life ...

1. Did Landry's dad do the right thing?

pantherpride4lyfe: Yes. The murder was heinous and the cover-up dubious, but Landry Clarke going down for this crime would serve very little purpose.

ClearEyes: Yes. He knows his son, he knows right from wrong, and he knows the victim in this case was a rapist. Cops must make tough decisions sometimes, but I've watched enough Reno 911! to believe they understand morally gray areas and can act accordingly.

Saracen7: This was a no-win situation. Obstruct justice or let your own son take the fall for a crime that - while terrible - could have been called self-defense if not for their disposal of the body? Landry and Tyra deserve punishment, but far less than the system would dole out. Thus, a father's love for his son trumped all.

2. When (if at all) will Tim Riggins be allowed back on the team?

Saracen7: Working out with Santiago will definitely help his efforts, but it's going to take a lot for Big Rig to get back into Coach's good graces.

ClearEyes: Never. Riggins will take over Street's abandoned position as assistant coach, finally putting others ahead of himself.

pantherpride4lyfe: Not soon enough for the Smash. Two-zero needs to find those holes when he gets the ball! Unfortunately, neither Brian nor Tim himself can do much to persuade Coach, who doesn't cave to public pressure easily.

3. Where will Jason Street find the new Jason Street?

ClearEyes: On the quad rugby court. That was the only time since his injury when Street has felt alive. Hit the gym, Jason. Hit it hard.

pantherpride4lyfe: Coaching seemed like a good fit for Street, who's a natural on the sidelines. But after quitting twice, his future with the Panthers remains to be seen. Maybe he'll decide to become a teacher or a counselor, like Tami.

Saracen7: Jason is the most fascinating character on the show, played amazingly by Scott Porter. As Eric said, Jason lifts up everyone around him. It's just a matter of him finding out how to best channel that gift.

4. Better new Matt Saracen love interest: Lauren the cheerleader or Carlotta the in-home care aide?

pantherpride4lyfe: Who would've guessed that we'd have a Matt Saracen love triangle that didn't involve Julie Taylor? Nice wrinkle by the producers. While I loved the "Latina heat" angle introduced a few weeks back, he is QB-One of the Dillon Panthers. No way he can't get with some cheerleaders, right?

Saracen7: I love Matt and Julie, and think they will be reunited at some point soon, but given those two options, I'll date Carlotta. Not a Lauren fan!

ClearEyes: Carlotta. She's a caring, strong, independent woman. Lauren is just a new student in school seeking popularity by dating the quarterback.

The many Matt Saracen love interests: Lauren, Julie and Carlotta.

As fans gather in our forum to discuss each character and story line, the Friday Night Lights Insider staff has come together to share its thoughts on the latest episode of Season 2 of the best show on TV in a Round Table format.

Round Table topics for "Let's Get It On" include the Panthers' last-second win, the heroics and troubles of Landry, and the (hot, and wet) adventures of Jason ...
1. More uncomfortable: an interrogation from Landry's father, or receiving romantic advice from Coach Mac McGill?

pantherpride4lyfe: Coach Mac. That's as uncomfortable as it gets. Landry's dad? That was more like terrifying. I was nervous and sweating just watching Landry and Tyra in their respective conversations with the Dillon policeman.

ClearEyes: Coach Mac's advice. I can't ever look at a zone blitz the same again.

Saracen7: While no one wants Mac talking about getting "back in the saddle," I think most people would take it in a second over crossing Landry's pop.

2. Does the Panthers' dramatic win signal a return to Dillon's winning ways, or was it merely a lucky break in a tumultuous season?

Saracen7: Thanks in no small part to Landry, stars Matt and Smash are focused now on the task at hand: a drive for back-to-back state titles. I think they'll do it.

ClearEyes: While the win may have hinged on a controversial pass interference call and a lucky break on a fumble, the newfound cohesiveness of the team can only lead to more Panther Ws in the future.

pantherpride4lyfe: Good question. Their 2-1 record is a bit misleading, as the Panthers have looked sub-par in each of their three contests to date. Of course, a few 200-yard games from Smash Williams could change that in a hurry.

3. Bigger miracle: Street making it to the beach after throwing himself off the boat, or Lyla and Tim showing up in the truck immediately after?

ClearEyes: Street. The guy has no feeling in his legs! Talk about shoulder strength.

pantherpride4lyfe: Jason's swim to safety. His sudden moment of clarity surely gave him an adrenaline boost, but still. That's some upper body workout.

Saracen7: Tim and Lyla appearing out of nowhere. Even if the booze cruise was just about to return to shore and they parked right at the dock, that was fast!

4. Where will Landry's motivational, tear-inducing halftime speech go down in the annals of poignant moments from sports movies / TV?

pantherpride4lyfe: It's top five for certain. Jesse Plemons is terrific in giving Landry such awkwardness, sincerity and heart. Only a few sports scenes - such as Ray and his dad playing catch in Field of Dreams or Rudy's groundskeeper friend telling him he's already a winner on and off the field - can compare.

Saracen7: The Gettysburg Address, it wasn't. But Landry Clarke's appeal to his embattled teammates to man up was enough to bring a tear to this fan's eye.

ClearEyes: If Jimmy Chitwood never told coach, "I'll make it," before nailing the game-winner in Hoosiers, Landry would be competing with Rudy for the top spot.

5. How hot / strange was the scene at the Mexican cantina at the end?

pantherpride4lyfe: Such mystery and intrigue with the two best friends who've been through it all and Lyla, who finds herself torn in different directions. If you missed it, you have to watch the video of this... great soundtrack, too.

Saracen7: I swear, only Friday Night Lights would attempt - and be able to pull off - a scene like that. No words were exchanged, but volumes are spoken.

ClearEyes: The only thing that would have made it stranger would be if John Mayer had come in and bashed Riggins and Street over the head with a guitar.

As fans gather in our forum to discuss each character and story line, the Friday Night Lights Insider staff has come together to share its thoughts on the latest episode of Season 2 of the best show on TV in a Round Table format.

The Round Table discussion topics for "Backfire" include the misadventures of Six and Three-Three in Mexico, Coach MacGregor's future and Julie's attitude ...

1. Following his ouster, where will Coach Bill MacGregor end up?

pantherpride4lyfe: Back in the Volunteer State. He's the Tennessee Tyrant.

ClearEyes: Brandon, Texas. He'll become coach of Dillon's major rival, leading to a state championship game for the ages.

Saracen7: One can't help but think a gridiron battle with Coach Taylor is in the works at some point this season or next. Glad as I am that Eric's back in Dillon, it was rather fast and a little too easy, no? I didn't expect his exit from TMU to be so prompt, nor did I find it that realistic. Whatever, all's well that ends well.

2. How long until Landry blurts out that he did it?

Saracen7: Being a reader of this site, I've read some Friday Night Lights spoilers and will just say that there's an episode title coming up that sort of hints at it. But for those who want to be surprised, let me just say ... it's not this week!

ClearEyes: I'm amazed he's lasted this long without telling the world. We are talking about having sex with Tyra, right?

pantherpride4lyfe: Yesterday? The guilt is already taking over Landry's psyche. What a great scene in the restaurant. Sooner or later Clarke is going to cave and come clean, like the good kid inside him has wanted to all along (which kind of makes the whole murder plot line seem a little far-fetched, if you ask me).

3. More unreasonably high: Street's hopes for surgery, or Riggins' blood alcohol content?

ClearEyes: Street's hopes for surgery. It won't work out, Six.

pantherpride4lyfe: Tim Riggins. The guy can drink. His tolerance is at a level that would sicken a normal man. It's a wonder how he stays conscious so long.

Saracen7: Gotta take Tim, although both are well over the legal limit.

4. Unselfish play of the night: Lyla taking the released prisoner under her (sexy) wing, or Tami's surprising patience with her rebellious daughter?

pantherpride4lyfe: Call this one a draw. Neither is perfect, but both have good intentions and are trying their best to be good Christians mothers, respectively.

Saracen7: Lyla. Whatever her true motivations may be, or how lost she is inside, she did a good thing in getting the kid a job at the dealership.

ClearEyes: Tami Taylor did hit Julie with a right cross two weeks ago, but I'll still take her over Lyla any time. Little Ms. Garrity seems to be acting more out of guilt than unselfishness here. She may not even know the released prisoner's name, she just wants to look like a true Christian.

5. So Julie Taylor's dad is finally back in Dillon. Will she stop being a brat and welcome Matt Saracen back into her life next?

pantherpride4lyfe: She might... but would Matt even go for it? That's the real question. He could be too upset to take her back, not to mention busy - fighting Smash, caring for Grandma and flirting with her in-home care provider.

Saracen7: I hope so! Matt is a good guy and he and Julie were perfect together. I respect why the writers had them break up but enough already!

ClearEyes: Yes and no. Julie may cease her rebellious ways, but her and Matt need a break. Julie needs to find out who she is on her own, and Saracen needs to bask in the warmth of some Latino heat, if you know what we mean.

As fans gather in our forum to discuss each character and story line, the Friday Night Lights Insider staff has come together to share our thoughts on the third episode of Season 2 of the best show on TV in a round table format.

The Round Table discussion topics for "Are You Ready For Friday Night?" include Riggins' world of problems, Coach's return and Street's future ...

1. Worst player of the night: Saracen (rough game, costly INT in 4th quarter) or Riggins (lost MILF neighbor to older brother, failed smooch of Lyla)?

pantherpride4lyfe: Riggins. This was a tough stretch for the troubled fullback, although a three-way with some rally girls is never far away if he needs it.

ClearEyes: Matt Saracen, but not for his in-game performance. You can't tackle a teammate on the field, in front of fans, after a victory. Even Terrell Owens would agree that's just poor form.

Saracen7: Much as it pains me, I've gotta take Matty. His head was just not in the game against the Rattlers, and his outburst against Smash - annoying as he was being - can't be justified. These two have to get their acts together quick... if not for the Panthers, for the good of the Tasty Freeze work environment.

2. Is Tim actually converted, or just trying to get Lyla into bed?

Saracen7: This scene was one of my favorites. Was it just a line, as she says? Or was a lost Tim just grasping for any sense of belonging? Who knows. He leaves you wondering as he puts the move on Lyla. I'm really interested to see how this plays out... the more I see these two interact, the more I like Tyla.

ClearEyes: The latter. I don't believe Tim is thinking, "Oh, God, He helps me through difficult times." He just wants to be screaming, "Ohhhhh, God!"

pantherpride4lyfe: Not sure about converted, but I think he meant what he said to Lyla about feeling like he was a part of something, a part of her. In Tim Riggins fashion, though, he predictably blew it with that advance. Sigh.

3. More likely to happen in Mexico: Street undergoes successful surgery, or Riggins tries to procure underage girls?

ClearEyes: Street's surgery will be a success, but not because it will put the former football standout back on two feet. Instead, the surgery's failure will help Jason accept his new, wheelchair-bound lot in life. Only then can he begin the true healing process.

pantherpride4lyfe: Not that I expect either to happen, but I'm taking Riggins here. Experimental stem cell surgery in Mexico? That's not sketchy at all. Also sketchy at times? Tim Riggins. Do you trust this guy south of the border?

Saracen7: Here's hoping Jason Street gets a break, although I fear he will just encounter danger and disappointment. Either way, I hope this young assistant returns to the sidelines pronto. He's getting a raw deal from the new coach!

4. The writing's on the wall: Eric will be back in Dillon soon. How will he be reinstalled as Head Coach of the Panthers?

pantherpride4lyfe: His generally sadistic nature and obsession with torturing Riggins have drawn the ire of many fans - including Buddy Garrity - already. One slip up at a key moment will get this unpopular taskmaster the axe.

Saracen7: Well it probably won't be the Panthers' failures on the field. The new coach actually made a nice call with a direct snap to Smash to salvage the 7-0 win opening night (another very believable final score and sequence). But with the Tennessee Tyrant, you have to think his temper will be his undoing.

ClearEyes: Buddy Garrity is a man with connections. One call to The Haitian from Heroes, one town meeting between him and the good people of Dillon and no one will even remember Coach Taylor left in the first place.

As fans gather in our forum to discuss each character and story line, the Friday Night Lights Insider staff has come together to share our thoughts on the first episode of the best show on television in a round table format.

The Round Table discussion topics for "Last Days of Summer" include Julie and Matt, the new coach's future, and the recalcitrant Tim Riggins ...

1. Will Riggins join Christ Teen Messengers?

pantherpride4lyfe: If only to try to redeem himself in the eyes of Lyla Garrity ... and possibly get in her pants again. Note: This plan may backfire horribly, but thinking things through is not exactly Tim Riggins' forte.

Saracen7: Not a chance. This is a guy who likes threesomes and beer. While he's a good friend, he's not about to let Jesus in. At least not until his third DUI.

ClearEyes: No. He likes drinking and having sex out of wedlock too much.

2. Julie and Matt: Built to last, or in the past?

Saracen7: I just love Julie and Matt. They're two the cutest, most realistic teen characters on TV. There's great chemistry between the actors, you find yourself falling in love right along with them. Julie's fears are warranted, but she'll come around and see that QB-1 is a pretty darn good catch.

ClearEyes: Built to last. Don't get me wrong, they may break up before I finish writing this answer. But Julie will eventually realize that there are far worse things in life than becoming like her parents. And, familiar with audibles, number-seven will be there with open shoulder pads when she does.

pantherpride4lyfe: Much as I'd love to make a "How Swede it is" pun here, Julie's conversations with Coach should tell her Matt is worth the effort.

3. How long until Coach Bill MacGregor gets the ax?

ClearEyes: Sorry, I've read a few Friday Night Lights spoilers. I abstain.

pantherpride4lyfe: I say the Panthers begin their title defense 0-2, with the Tennessee Tyrant's coaching methods to blame, and heads start to roll. Then Jason Street becomes interim coach and rights the ship!

Saracen7: Despite what he would surely tell you, Smash can't carry this team all by himself. This new coach clearly isn't a good fit. Oh no. Buddy Garrity and his fellow boosters aren't gonna stand for such heavy-handedness ... or losses.

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