Run, don’t walk to your nearest device to look for this great Netflix documentary series on East Mississippi Community College’s football program. I just watched the first episode yesterday and I’m absolutely hooked. (Strange that I have such an affinity for sports dramas, but such a disdain for actually watching sports!).
Last Chance U combines so many things that make it worth watching–it’s set in dead-end, small town Mississippi, is chock full of unlikely heroes who make flawed but lovable characters, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion– laughter, sadness, empathy, regret, and, finally, hope.
The series invites us into the world of Scooba, Mississippi based junior college EMCC. I’m not personally familiar with Scooba but I can well believe the school is there and not much else. About eight years ago, they got themselves a new coach and began to win national junior college football championships. Since, it has developed something of a reputation as the last hope for young men trying to make it to Division I football teams. Hence the series name, Last Chance U.
As the football drama unfolds, we learn about the athletic capabilities and personal limitations the kids and coaches are trying to master. One of my favorite characters is the upbeat (dare I say perky) guidance counselor, Ms. Murphy, who struggles mightily to get these guys Division I eligible academically and emotionally, offering a sort of personal coach/cheerleader/big sister warmth and guidance they desperately need. Among her many nuggets of gold are admonitions like, “Bring a pencil to class.” Hers looms as the truly epic task.
As the first episode closes with personal triumphs and team victory on the field, Murphy’s heart is in her stomach. The most promising athletes present almost an insurmountable challenge in grades and attendance. Will they make it out?
Tune in and be riveted with me.
Boonedoggler 