TVSquad

(S02E09) "Can I tell you what gets me going? Pee." - Isabella

A combination of the coming holidays and the writers strike means that "The Confession" is the last we will see of our pals in Dillon until after the new year. Like so many other shows, the break is a disappointment, but this was the right episode to head into a break with. As the episode title implies, this week brought us the big conclusion to the controversial murder mystery that began with the pilot. That is as good a point as any to stop and reset a few things.

Let's get right to the murder. What did you think of the way that all played out? Myself, more than anything, I'm just glad it's over. While there were some nice performances from the actors mixed in there, the murder plot never felt like it worked with the show. Tonight was just a continuation of plot being forced onto Landry and not ringing true given what we have learned about him over thirty episodes. I suppose it at least keeps with the theme in that regard. I never bought that Landry would have dumped the body to begin with, so he might as well follow it up by trying to sabotage his own defense, because I don't buy that Landry would be doing that either.

Setting aside the fact that I'm down on the story itself, given how it all transpired I did like the angle with the detective basically working to get Landry out of the jam. A combination of Chad's influence, and the fact that from some perspectives justice had already been served found him skirting the law until Landry could be straightened out and learn those magic words. The question now becomes, where do we go from here? I'm hoping that the story is more or less a done deal. I am interested in seeing more of the Landry/Tyra relationship, and more of Landry and Chad together, but I have trouble being interested in Landry rehashing the whole affair and beating himself up over it. I guess we'll see in January.

Another story that hinted at wrapping some things up, although I'm more inclined to think we're entering a period of detente, is the big Tami vs Julie battle. I like this one a lot better than the murder story, because I am not so far removed from my high school years that I don't remember the sometimes crazed machinations of the teenage mind. This season has been a departure from the Julie we met in season one, but things change fast for kids at that age. The fighting between Julie and Tami is interesting, if for nothing other than the fact that it shows just how alike they are. They both have fault here, but they are both too stubborn to take their share of blame and make peace. At first anyway. It certainly seemed that they came to some resolution tonight, but we'll see if that sticks.

I'm unsure because there is that whole Noah issue left hanging out there. After the uproar that caused, it seems odd to put that story on the back burner and go with Grace's christening. That points to what I think has been a problem for the series this year. The week to week stories are occasionally disjointed, with things being dropped and picked back up with a less consistent feel than season one had. We saw it with the Noah story tonight, the return of street after a couple weeks with nothing to do, and again with Santiago.

I just haven't warmed up to Santiago. I think that is partly because it's been too much too fast, with little time to build the story. His story has come in short bursts that are all so dramatic. A little more time with Santiago just interacting with the rest of the characters would go a long way. I am still enjoying that story though, only more for the Buddy angle of it. The way he has been pushing football on the kid did seem to come from the kind of greasy, rather smarmy, used-car salesman aspect of Buddy that we've grown to despise. But tonight when he started talking about how Santiago has an opportunity to be part of a team it felt like another small step in the growth of Buddy Garrity. He's slowly (very slowly) coming to grips with the errors of his ways, and trying to change.

In happier news, our old pal Street was back. I'm still not clear why he disappeared, but it was nice to see him back, and in an interesting story. Everything for Street this season has been leading toward finding out who he is, and who he is going to be now that he has fully come to grips with the reality of his surroundings post-injury. A great first step down that path is his decision to move in with Herc. That is something I'm ready to see more of. Granted, the 'Screech porn' reference wasn't the most timely, but I'm guessing any mention of "Two girls, one cup" wouldn't make it past standards and practices.

I actually liked how it all came to be with the blind date with Isabella. The fact that Street asked her what she was doing posting to wheellovers.com was perfect, because it is the obvious question, as uncomfortable as it might be. It doesn't guarantee that there is something hinky going on, but it certainly does set the possibility out there. And as we found out, Isabella wasn't just your normal all American girl next door. I am left curious as to whether or not the relationship between Street and the waitress goes anywhere. It has possibilities, but the cynic in me, and the fact that Lyla was already over at the new place helping him get settled, leads me to believe that her tenure will be rather similar to Suzy's. Perhaps Street will have room at his new place for Riggins.

Yes, Tim, living at guns and whiskey central on Methlab Drive just doesn't seem to be working out. I thought that last week's deer blind conversation and discovery of the meth lab would be enough to send him packing, but it looks like he needed a little more convincing. Waking up with a gun in his chest seems to be just the motivator he was looking for. It wasn't really clear from the scene at the Taylor's how that all ended up. Is Tim taking up residence in the garage? This show's strange predilection for May/December romance makes me think that Eric should probably send Shelly on her way sooner, rather than later if that is the case. Apart from his housing troubles, I thought Eric making Tim his gofer was pretty funny. Especially his comments at the gymnastics meet about Stacie's double-backs. Of course, that does call into question Tami's earlier concerns about his grades.

And finally, Matt and Carlotta. Honestly, I'm kind of on the fence on that one. On the one hand I like the growth of Saracen that we are seeing. He's much more confident and mature. On the other hand, it's just so wrong, and can't possibly end well. Whether Grandma Saracen walks in on them, or her bosses catch wind of it somehow, the whole situation is just asking for trouble.

And that wraps it up for 2007. The show should have another six episodes before the strike puts it on hiatus, so there is still plenty of story left to tell. It's been a rocky first 40% of the season, but now that the murder is in the rear view, I am as anxious as ever to see what comes next.