Sunday, February 8, 2009

FINALLY the Friday Night Lights Lowdown plus Grammy's Live

So I have finally caught up on Friday Night Lights. And maybe watching four episodes in a row got me overly emotional, but this is the best show on television. It has something for everyone -- sports action, family drama, hot guys, hot girls but most importantly, phenomenal acting.

My overall thoughts on the start of the season -- they are focusing on the strength of the show-- the fact that Coach Taylor is the best coach ever. That is what makes him a success -- not the state win or the superstar players, but the best coaching. That is why Father McCoy brought his young superstar qb JD to Dillon -- he wanted Taylor to coach him.

Love the way they are bringing Smash's storyline to an end -- the squash game with him and Coach Taylor, arranged so Taylor could convince him that his knee is okay was so well played. Then the conversation with his mother where he didn't want her to work a second job to get him through college. She said "I am your mother. This is my job." So good. And of course the thank you speech to coach. Taylor was still trying to give Smash advice after securing the boy a college career and Smash just stopped him -- I wanted to thank you. I was bawling like a baby.

And of course the relationship between Coach Taylor and his wife who is now the principal. They are so on equal playing fields in their relationship which is so refreshing. Best quote was when he said to her "I miss the coach's wife." And she replied back "And I can't wait to meet the principal's husband." Such an interesting juxtaposition of roles between the two of them.

And even though Taylor is worried about dropping Saracen as QB for the better talent, JD McCoy, he realizes that he needs to be a coach to all. So the scene when he decides to finally pay attention to JD -- shows again what an amazing coach he is.

Let's talk Saracen. Man, this kid a is a great actor. He shows so much emotion through his face and dialogue -- the nervous stutters, the sideways glances. He broke my heart telling his mother that she couldn't re-enter his life, while still politely thanking her for helping out. And you feel his angst at losing his QB1 spot senior year. But he doesn't have the courage to fight for what he deserves -- he plays his butt off only to drop the ball in the end zone. Devastating.

I realized how important the coach role is in the show -- these boys don't have fathers -- Smash, Saracen, Riggins -- in this football town, the coach is everything to these boys in their quest to achieve manhood. I can't comment a lot on Riggins because my mouth is still on the floor from watching 4 hours of him. I love him and I love him with Lila -- he is a good man, but he always gets dragged down by those around him.

So now I guess will be the storyline that leads to the end of Jason Street on the show. But it's okay -- I mean, the show could be like ER -- excellent plot and acting with new talent coming in and going out. They can't make them stay in high school forever. Can't wait til next Friday. I'll be in Dillon.

Grammy's live -- I'm usually not a big fan of this show, but I'm having high hopes this year. Finger's crossed.
I'm going to jot thoughts down as they come to me.
U2 opens -- they rock, they really rock. But I don't understand the song. If someone can explain, get on your boots, please do.

Whitney looks amazing and nice shout out to Clive. He is a legend. Jennifer Hudson wins - I love that she still thanks god -- after all the shit she has been through. WOW. And she looks like a superstar.

Boyz II Men, Keith Urban , JT and Al Green. I mean, how cool is Keith? He is a super guitar player, so everyone wants to perform with him. But was the performance for JT to perform or Al Green? He was kind of hogging.

So the theme is new pairings -- some work -- Coldplay with Jay Z, but I am not looking forward to Taylor and Miley. Neither can sing live and I hate that Taylor is lowering herself to Miley levels. I'm scared. Let's get back to the Coldplay performance. What is he wearing? I know, they are super talented and this will be their year at the Grammy's. Honestly, though, sometimes I don't understand their songs. I admit it. Did Gwyneth come with him? They don't go to anything together. I guess we will see.

Keith introduces Carrie. He looks so good. I thought her backup singers were too loud. Didn't love her dress / shorts thing, but at least she takes risks now.

Sugarland wins -- for all the fashion world who would not, could not help me dress her -- come on -- look at her. She looks amazing. Go Gillian -- you did an awesome job!

I can't believe I am saying this, but I love Kid Rock. He is really talented. And wearing the black suit? Not trashy at all - kind of hot.

OK I'm am smiling at the Taylor, Miley performance -- this is Taylor's song When You're Fifteen. Perfect choice for them with the young talent. Not perfectly done, but sweet and good for their age. And I was kind of surprised by Miley's voice?!? Taylor stayed sweet and Miley did her twang. If I was still 15 and I heard this song, I would so relate. Really sweet. Well done, girls. Then Miley started talking and I hated her again.

Already crying at the first note of Jennifer Hudson. Oh my god. Amazing. Nicole Kidman was crying too.

I am fast forwarding over Jonas Brothers. Can't believe they are nominated for Best New Artist after 3 albums oh and since they are dumb. So they sing with Stevie Wonder. HATE them.

Is this the Paul McCartney Grammys? What is going on? Everyone is thanking him or mentioning him.

I like Katy Perry - she is fun and has a good voice and I am into rocker girls right now like her and Pink and Kelly Clarkson...

Kanye has a Michael Jackson Off the Wall hairdo and outfit -- so funny!!

Who has the Adele album -- should I get it? She is so sweet and real. Love it.

How did Kenny Chesney and Morgan Freeman become friends? Seriously?

Love the idea of the rap pack. But MIA's outfit? Really? Is she one of my peeps? As Amy described it -- Minnie Mouse threads on a 10 month pregnant woman... But love the black and white filming. And Jay Z is the king. For sure. But TI was rocking that tux shirt and tie. He is fine. You know Will.I.am was pissed he wasn't invited.

Okay so Paul McCartney finally performs. He has a good dye job. Performance was good, I guess I'm supposed to say great. Whatever.

HERE comes Jennifer Nettles and Adele. STAY. Still one of the best written songs ever. Every word, perfectly crafted and then her clear, lilting voice emoting every feeling. And she showed the believe tattoo.

Aha - Gwyneth is there. And she loves showing off her Tracey Anderson, cleansed bod.

Oh and Justin shows up again -- he is ubiquitous and it isn't necessary? I need to miss him a little.

No, the president of the Recording Arts DID NOT usurp Obama's Yes We Can.

Jamie Foxx and the Four Tops. This is getting ridiculous. Why can't we just honor today's music. Oh but I do love Ne Yo. He is my new friend.

Neil Diamond -- really? Why do they do these OLD, OLD, OLD re-dos? We get to see them on Idol - isn't that enough?

But then the BB King, Keith Urban, John Mayer combo redeemed the night. Keith looks so much cooler than John and his weird faces.

Robin Thicke is smooth -- he totally looks like his Dad and that's okay with me. I just got schooled on how now rap is not a West Coast / East Coast thing but a North / South thing. Just in case anyone was wondering.

Well it looks like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will win best album -- they seem to be setting it up that way with the finale performance. Fits the typical Grammy choices. It is a great album, but not in the zeitgeist. I'm using big words. Let's see. I am a true predictor of things. For those of you who don't know Alison -- she is one of the most respected singers, songwriters and performers of bluegrass who has been doing amazing collaborations. Still I'm sure Coldplay was disappointed. Nice seeing Green Day!

And that is the end of this year's Grammys. It was a long show but actually pretty entertaining. So remember all...

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

great FNL breakdown!! that show rocks

J

Anonymous said...

i have adele's song "chasing pavements" and i really like it but i haven't heard anything else of hers.

-jess