[daritah]

I'm warming up to Lyla now... it seems like she's starting to speak her mind and I've gotta say, I love it! I loved her throwing the water at Jason's face! He was all whiny and feeling sorry for himself, and she did it! I loved her! And hey, maybe with this new found friendship on Waverley, maybe we'll see a story for Lyla soon, not just her and Jason being a couple.

[~Schari~]

I finally the watched the whole episode and it was amazing!.

I love Fiery!Lyla. She was finally asserting her herself (in her relationship with Jason). Jason was being a real jerk to her and I'm glad she didn't just take it. I also liked that she threw the cup of water at him and the cup bounced off Jason head. Awesome.

I enjoyed Lyla and Waverly. Two Texan girls + guns. It was nice surprise. I hope we see more of them.

It was great to see Lyla sharing scenes with Smash and Waverly. In the second half of the season, we hardy see her with anyone other than Jason.

[Rachel914]

Lyla Garrity kicked some ass tonite...and Minka Kelly has really brought her A game...Anyone see that deleted scene?!?! WOW!!! She's finally snapping...which is exactly what she needs....

Landmark moment...Lyla threw her cheer stuff in the GARBAGE!!! She is really going for a clean slate...and I can't wait to see her character develop ALOT more...

The scene where she gives her car back...GO LYLA!!! I know it sounds lame to say cause she's fictional and everything, but I am PROUD of her...she bought her own car, and wouldn't let her dad give her a ride home...she WALKED!!! How awesome!!!

Her "rock out" scene in the car...talk about empowering...She is seriously all kinds of awesome...and I LOVE Minka Kelly...I've always liked her, but for those who didn't, if she is not redeemable now, then I am at a loss...

Her progression is perfect...yay!!!!!

[Enigma]

I've always liked Minka.

And I liked Lyla when most people didn't. And I do like the fact that she is taking charge of her life and becoming a stronger person, etc.

But, what I don't like is that she seems so hard and unforgiving to two people that showed her compassion and/or forgiveness. Sorry, but that rubs me the wrong way big time.

[Rachel914]

i hear ya ...i just think right now she is in freak-out mode...i'm sure she'll come around, she just needs time to process the whole "re-inventing yourself" thing...

I think Lyla will come to an understanding with both Buddy and Jason at some point in the beginning of season 2...and if she's really trying to be mature, she'll get over her bitterness...it's like she's in the midst of a nervous breakdown...and also realizing that she didn't like the person she was...having that kind of epiphany can take a toll on someone's sanity...

[Enigma]

That's true............I mean it's not like Jason forgave her right away. Maybe I'm being a little hard on her. I just feel she of all people who cheated is being awfully hard on 2 people that cheated.

I'm glad she is starting to find herself.

[Rachel914]

I just feel she of all people who cheated is being awfully hard on 2 people that cheated.

yes, this actually crossed my mind as well, when I was watching her scenes, and that deleted scene...and on one hand that is completely true, then on the other hand...it seems she has been a doormat her whole life, so she's actually recently grown a set, and maybe she's just going a little too crazy with her rants...but she's gotta get all that pent up emotion out of her system before she can really process and fully think through everything she is saying...she finally confronted Tyra about everything and apologized (although I think Tyra could've apologized to Lyla too aka-the unnecessary tackle at the powderpuff game) she basically took responsibility for all that had happened and it seemed that she really meant it. That takes guts...so I think eventually the light bulb will go off and she'll realize"hey I cheated too" and she'll go through the list of people she owes apologies to...(except why oh why does she have to act like Tim is the plague??? boo)

[lovely622]

I loved Lyla tonight. She rocked. She is standing up for herself. It was sad for her to quit cheerleading. I guess it was her way to have a new beginning. But I am sure she might go back since it is only mid year. Lyla and Tyra as friends? I dont know about this one. It will be interesting.I cant wait for next season.

[same old story]

Anyone watch the deleted Lyla/Jason scene on nbc.com? SO. AWESOME. Lyla just totally kicks ass now.

I'm not feeling Tyra/Lyla though.

[~Schari~]

Thanks for the heads up. I wish they kept that scene. Awesome job by Minka.

"WHAT A GREAT IDEA!"

[same old story]

Totally. The other two scenes, I understand why they were cut, but that scene was so amazing.

I loved that line and "And it was pretty freaking illuminating!!"

[backstreets]

Originally Posted by little darling (View Post) Totally. The other two scenes, I understand why they were cut, but that scene was so amazing. I loved that line and "And it was pretty freaking eliminating !!"

I do believe the actual word was "illuminating", as in helping me see the freaking light. And it is indeed a great scene, some of MK's best work, and it better be on the DVD.

On the surface, it does look like she is cold-shouldering the two most important men in her life for doing the same thing she did. Except I don’t think the actual cheating is the case with either one.

With Buddy, I think it’s the cold and calculated manipulation. Lyla went to visit him and was nice to him after he got caught with his pants down, so to speak, Then came the “can’t live without my family” bullcrap, using her guilt at her own indisgretion, looking her in the eye and lying that it was only one time. Most of all, after she told him she did not want her Mom to know she was helping him, Buddy spilled that info to Mom within the first 15 seconds. With the predictable result that Mom then turned on Lyla for taking Dad’s side. This is a complete and painful betrayal that IMO, warrants exactly the treatment Buddy is now getting. In fact, I’m pretty impressed that she is simply refusing to talk to him, not making big, screaming scenes. Making a point with quiet dignity. Good form.

Major kudos for taking that car back, don’t diss him and then keep his gifts. Isn’t it nice, btw, that Buddy’s dealership is such a fast healer? Not a mark on it. Did I imagine the dealership drive-thru, or did it really happen?

And Jason. Stipulated, Jason going kissy face with Tat Girl was not in the cheating universe with what Lyla did. But I don’t think its really about the cheating with him either. It’s about breaking out of the toxic cycle they are currently in where he hurts her, ignores her, is mean to her, then swoops in with the grand romantic speech or gesture to save the day. Did you watch the deleted scene? He is STILL trying to do that. Lyla is clearly doing them both a favor to break the cycle at this point. I will say, the lack of any resolution scene, no “we’ll always be friends, we’ll always care” scene makes me think Jason and Lyla are far from done.

Your turn Tyra. Liked the interaction, but thought the reaching out and the apologizing was a bit one-sided. I’m ordering Tyra never to blame Lyla for Buddy/Angela again, b/c that makes her just look dumb. Ditto the Tim excuse, and THANK YOU Lyla for pointing out they were already broken up. Might have added they were never exclusive and Tyra herself had cheated, so STFU on this count Tyra. Admit it, it’s about “anyone but her”, and you need to figure out why you have this particular obsession. Also, if you want to be friends, dial down the auto-snark reflex. Cheatin Cheerleader Bitch is funny, but also brutal and judgemental. Lyla actually reached out twice, once by apologizing and once by offering the ride home (in what vehicle?) so it’s your turn Tyra.

So Lyla ends the season stuffing the anvil metaphor of what’s left of her past life into the trash. I hope she will hang on to some of the better qualities of old Lyla, like having a big heart and trying to do the right thing. The 9 month off season will serve well as her alone time, and it will be interesting to see what comes next for her now that she is born anew. I guess what bothered me, especially in the parade scenes, is how sad and alone she seemed. It’s nice when kids have support during times of drastic transition, and Lyla has none. Very sad, very poignant. The next stage for her, which hopefully we see next fall, is when she feels strong enough to trust herself in a relationship again without feeling she will get lost in it. Jason? Tim? Someone new?

Finally, a word for the actress. What a comeback, almost as miraculous as the Panthers. I am so impressed with how she has hung in, taken a load of crap, worked hard, and come through with very strong work by the end of the season. In her nbc.com interviews, she talks about watching the older actors and learning all she can, very smart and very humble. Great job against really stacked odds Minka, it has been fun to watch you grow.

[same old story]

Wow, I totally didn't mean to put eliminating, what a loser. I knew it was illuminating, you just know how you type the wrong words sometimes.

[Kon-Artist]

i never really enjoyed Lyla until recently.. I like that her character is becommng her own person and stronger.

[rose parade]

It's crazy how Lyla went from my least favorite character to one of my favorites in the last 4 or so episodes. Can't wait to see her story from here, time for her to change and do things for herself.