Fracture (Friday Night Lights)
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Episode 8
| "Fracture" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Allison Liddi-Brown |
| Written by | Monica Henderson |
| Cinematography by | Todd McMullen |
| Editing by | Angela M. Catanzaro |
| Original release dates | January 5, 2011 (DirecTV) June 3, 2011 (NBC) |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Fracture" is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger. It is the 71st overall episode of the series and was written by Monica Henderson, and directed by Allison Liddi-Brown. It originally aired on DirecTV's 101 Network on January 5, 2011, before airing on NBC on June 3, 2011.[1]
The series is set in the fictional town of Dillon, a small, close-knit community in rural West Texas. It follows a high school football team, the Dillon Panthers. It features a set of characters, primarily connected to Coach Eric Taylor, his wife Tami, and their daughter Julie. In the episode, the Lions are annoyed by Vince's attitude, just as the latter gets an offer. Meanwhile, Derek visits Dillon, while Becky enters a beauty pageant.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.91 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the performances and ending.
Vince (Michael B. Jordan) is interviewed by the media for his performance in the past games, but the Lions mock his ego as he only talks about himself. At home, Julie (Aimee Teegarden) is surprised when Derek (Gil McKinney) shows up, wanting to talk with her. However, an enraged Eric (Kyle Chandler) forces him to leave his property.
Vince and Ornette (Cress Williams) are invited to Oklahoma Tech, as a representative is interested in Vince as a potential recruit. They are fascinated by the campus, which includes a public pool, deluxe services and privileges. When the coach asks for a verbal commitment to play for them within two years, Vince decides to accept the offer when his father encourages him. Jess (Jurnee Smollett) is not content with Vince's decision, as he not only missed practice to visit the campus, but it could violate the rules as he has accepted a college offer despite not being a senior. Vince comforts her and also lies to Eric about his absence, claiming he needed to help his mother.
Becky (Madison Burge) is unable to have sex with Luke (Matt Lauria), still thinking about the abortion. Mindy (Stacey Oristano) decides to enroll her at the Miss Young Texas beauty pageant, hoping it will cheer her up. She finishes as the second runner-up, and while Mindy is annoyed, Becky is content. Derek approaches Tami (Connie Britton) at school, telling her that he quit his job and that he wants to meet with Julie to correct things up, but Tami shuts him up and then sends him away. However, Julie decides to meet him anyway and Derek explains that he is divorcing and he does not want to see Julie jeopardize her future. Derek offers her in accompanying her to Tennessee to have a fresh start, which Julie seriously considers.
Tami continues struggling with counseling Epyck (Emily Rios), who constantly gets into trouble. When she finds out Epyck lied to her about having abusive foster homes, Tami tells her she does not need to lie to her and that she believes in her. Eric tells Ornette that he knows about the trip to Oklahoma, and warns that he will bench Vince if he misses practice again. Ornette then reveals that he knows about Eric’s Shane State's offer, to which Eric simply responds that he is being serious. Vince and Luke get into a conflict just as they prepare for a rally. Becky leaves a note for Luke in which she tells him she is finally ready to start over. Julie finally heads back to college, calling Derek to confirm her that he only visited Dillon to get her back, which he does. This prompts Julie to decide to go to Chicago instead, visiting Matt (Zach Gilford) at his apartment.
Production
Development
The episode was written by Monica Henderson, and directed by Allison Liddi-Brown. This was Henderson's first writing credit, and Liddi-Brown's sixth directing credit.[2]