Friday Night Lights: “Texas Whatever” (Episode 5.12)
I wish I didn’t have to recap this episode. I wish that I could just give it a perfect 10 and let it bask in its perfection. I wish I could just tell you that for 42 minutes, my heart was in my throat, that I didn’t—for one single second—wish that anything were done differently, that every nuance, every line, every song was TV at its best.
But I do. And so, here is what I loved about it. (I also wish that I could infuse this recap with Bright Eyes’ cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Devil Town” as the background music—just as they did in this episode. So hum that to yourself to really get in the mood. Nothing epitomizes Dillon more.)
• Riggins (shirtless) right back in his old trailer, right back in his old life, recognizing that nothing has changed and being pretty damn pissed about it.
• The news that there are about to be two more Rigglets on the way. Twins! Bravo to the writers for totally redeeming Billy Riggins and proving that even in a town like Dillon, people are capable of change.
• “We’re going to have to put him in a tent! And we won’t even be able to afford a tent.”-Mindy, sobbing at the news of her twins
• The very realistic, very honest slow burn of resentment that’s developing in the Taylor marriage. They’re both right. They’re both wrong. (Actually, I think Tami is right, but anywho.) Anyone who has ever been married has faced a crossroads such as this, and as painful as it is to see the Taylors struggle to find common ground, we, as viewers, empathize with every move both toward and away from each other that they take.
• “How many times have we moved before, for your job?” – Tami
• Luke’s crumbling disappointment at his potential college football prospects. The truth about high school football is that most kids aren’t stars, and Lord knows that I love me some Luke, but props to the show and to Matt Lauria for injecting a wise dose of realism into his future.
• And of course, what made this disappointment all the more palatable is the advice he got from Riggins. Luke approached Riggs to ask if he’s in love with Becky, but also listened (wisely) to his counsel: “Let me give you some advice, Luke. You’re going to State, correct? Nothing is going to be bigger than that. Play it that way. Play it like it’s the last time you’re ever going to lace up. Then let go. And move on. That’s my advice.” BRILLIANCE! (And tears.)