fleurlb | Thirteen-episode seasons give me whiplash...

So, I just watched this week's FNL for the second time and, like the first time, it left me with a big ol' heap of 'meh'. And I don't get it, I really don't understand, since it was jam-packed with all sorts of action and heartache.

But then I start thinking, hmmm, maybe that's the problem. It was over-packed. One of the things I loved most about S1 was the way they could let the stories unravel slowly, naturally, the way the characters had space and time to just breathe. I love that it took about 10 episodes for Tim and Jason to become friends again. If they had a story line like that in this season, it would probably get crammed into a single episode. Two if it was lucky.

For me, this week, nothing represents this issue better than Tim's storyline. It seriously gave me whiplash. Handled differently, I think it would have had more impact. As it was, it just felt like way too much, happening way too fast. (And I didn't even know Becky's mother had a name.)

I really wish I could articulate my frustration without just having it devolve into wailing and gnashing of teeth over the constraints of the 13-episode season. And I wish I could put a name to what bothered me so much this week. Maybe I'm just in a less forgiving mood because I've fallen in love with a shiny new show.

Random other thoughts on the episode:

- Buddy Garrity likes saying 'El Fuego' waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much.
- Yay for Matt in Chicago. I'm thinking....Logan Square. Or maybe Ukranian Village. (Even though in my heart I know it's just Austin.)
-Julie wants to build houses with Habitat. Tim wants to build on his land with his own two hands. Hmmmm. I see lots of potential there. :)
- Becky's last scene with Tim kind of sounded like a big good-bye. Which makes me sad - that girl really grew on me and I think she was good for Tim.
- Buddy's face when Eric said he didn't want to go home yet....priceless. But it made me sad to see Tami sitting on the front step alone. I do not like it when all is not right with Coach and Mrs. Coach.