The Confession (Friday Night Lights)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Episode 9
| "The Confession" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Allison Liddi-Brown |
| Written by | Bridget Carpenter |
| Cinematography by | Todd McMullen |
| Editing by | Peter B. Ellis |
| Original release date | December 7, 2007 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Confession" is the ninth episode of the second season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger. It is the 31st overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Bridget Carpenter and directed by Allison Liddi-Brown. It originally aired on NBC on December 7, 2007.
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, Landry's confession prompts Chad to hire a lawyer. Meanwhile, the Taylors prepare for Gracie's christening, while Jason goes on a date.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 5.14 million household viewers and gained a 1.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics; while critics heavily criticized Landry's subplot throughout the season, they praised the closure on the storyline as well as Jesse Plemons' performance.
Landry (Jesse Plemons) is questioned over Mike's murder. While the detective wants to know more details, Landry only states that he killed him. Chad (Glenn Morshower) is forced to step in for his son, and forcibly takes him home while the detectives work on the case.
Santiago (Benny Ciaramello) fails to impress during training, and Eric (Kyle Chandler) reconsiders about letting him play in their coming game against the Fort Hood Cougars. Buddy (Brad Leland) gets into an argument with Santiago, who accuses him of only using him. Buddy then states that the team and school are his only things at a normal life and that he shouldn't waste it. Busy with Gracie's christening arrangements, Eric appoints Tim (Taylor Kitsch) to help the athletic department with many duties. However, Eric's "punishment" does not fully work as Tim actually enjoys participating in the tournaments. Tim notices his roommate at one of the tournaments and scolds him for trying to get to him. Smash (Gaius Charles) tells Matt (Zach Gilford) he should set some "ground rules" in his relationship with Carlotta (Daniella Alonso) due to her employment.
Julie (Aimee Teegarden) starts feeling exhausted due to the amount of tasks that Tami (Connie Britton) is asking her, as it is conflicting with her school life. She asks Eric to help Tami come to her senses, but Eric's conversation fails to change anything with Tami. Julie and Tami get into a heated argument, with both expressing that the other is not thankful for what they do for each other. Meanwhile, Herc (Kevin Rankin) introduces Jason (Scott Porter) to a dating website for people in wheelchairs, and Jason takes an interest in a girl named Isabella. However, the date goes awry when Jason is disgusted by her personality and personally asks the waitress to help him get rid of her. The waitress gives him a ride home, where they share a kiss. After spending the night with her, Jason tells his parents that he will move in with Herc.
Chad informs Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) about Landry's confession and advises her to get a lawyer, angering her. Even with the lawyer trying to move the murder as an act of self-defense, Landry is only intent on paying for killing Mike. Chad tells Landry that his fear is not that Landry can't handle consequences, but his fear is actually Chad being afraid that his own son could go to jail. Landry also talks with Tyra, asking her if she really was in danger. With tears, Tyra says she feared Mike would come back, saying that Landry saved her life.
The Panthers are losing the game towards the Cougars. Initially rejecting Buddy's request, Eric eventually decides to get Santiago to play. Santiago's defense allows the Panthers to make a comeback and win the game, with Buddy telling Santiago that he "won" the game. Having had enough of his roommate, Tim decides to move out. On the day of the christening, Tami and Julie reconcile. Eric finds Tim sleeping on his parked car outside his house, and gives him a sleeping bag. Landry visits Tyra, telling her that he won't be charged with anything, and they embrace.
Production
Development
In November 2007, NBC announced that the ninth episode of the season would be titled "The Confession".[1] The episode was written by supervising producer Bridget Carpenter, and directed by Allison Liddi-Brown. This was Carpenter's fourth writing credit, and Liddi-Brown's fourth directing credit.[2]