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« Ausiello Report
Friday Night Lights Renewal Imminent?
Connie Britton and Aimee Teegarden by Paul Drinkwater/NBC
Best. Panel. Ever. That's basically how I'd describe last night's Friday Night Lights session at Paley Fest '08. OK, so, I may be a little biased, having served as moderator of said panel (watch me deliver my opening remarks!), but the fact remains: The 800 or so Panther fans who packed into the Cinerama Dome got their money's worth. And if you don't believe me, believe my colleague Anna Dimond, who was embedded in the crowd with pen in hand chronicling every scoopbit, spoiler and motorcycle thrust.
Participants: Adrianne Palicki, Zach Gilford, Aimee Teegarden, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Connie Britton, Jason Katims and Jeffrey Reiner.
MIA: Taylor Kitsch, Gaius Charles, Jesse Plemons and Kyle Chandler, all of whom were stuck on film sets far away from L.A.
Cutting to the chase: Although the DirecTV deal is still not official, Katims said to expect some news "within two or three weeks." Even more promising, he referred to shooting new episodes in July, before quickly qualifying it with an "if the show returns." What would a DirecTV deal look like? Basically, FNL would air on NBC and DTV concurrently.
What if?: Where does the story pick up "if" the show comes back? According to Katims, it's unclear. Most likely, the action would jump ahead to a new school year. As for "graduating" cast members or "incoming freshman," he maintained that he's devoted to his core cast, but added that there needs to be a balance between the authenticity of the show (i.e., people do leave high school, eventually) and its growth (move over, Taylor, there's a new hottie in town).
Of football and young men: Regardless of where (and if) next season's plot picks up, there are a few things that are going to stay front and center, with football topping that list. Katims admitted the sport had been benched a little bit this year, but promised that would change next season. He also assured fans that the storyline surrounding Smash's transition to college will be told.
Killer plot: Katims, being the stand-up guy he is, took full responsibility for the murder plot that polarized fans and critics alike. He then pointed out that at least one good thing came out of the controversial story: Tyra and Landry got together!
Awwww: Gilford is super, super, super shy. The mere mention of the scene from this season in which Matt gets a lap dance made him blush. He also has trouble taking a compliment. When the moderator (me!) offered him props for his big bathroom breakdown scene in this season's penultimate episode, he gave all the credit to Chandler (his costar in said scene) and the good "camera angles."
Scenes from a perfect marriage: Britton said she and Chandler clicked immediately. She also shared their daily morning routine: running lines over coffee.
Funnyman: The show's resident practical joker is... Taylor Kitsch! Who would've thought?
Dance man: It didn't take much prompting, but, thanks to one fan's request, a super-game (and buff) Scott Porter stood up, walked to the front of the stage and reenacted his famous motorcycle hip thrust from Music & Lyrics. He even topped off his performance with a sassy little booty shake. (Watch it here!) What's not to like?
Coming up Thursday: The Buffy panel!
Click here to watch highlights of the panel. And then use our Online Video Guide to tackle some Friday Night Lights clips and episodes.
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Mar 20, 2008 3:38 AM
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Thanks Michael for all the info. I'm so so so happy it looks like we're getting a third season!
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Mar 20, 2008 3:44 AM
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That sounds totally fun. But can someone fix the Lyla-Tyra mix-up in the "Killer Plot" section? I hate to be so whiny, but it's bugging me on a character level; please let no misguided plot ever bring those two together!
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Mar 20, 2008 4:25 AM
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Per Kristin - http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/index.jsp?#c224979d-3ed1-4f62-9ab9-2717cdad2906
"Breathe in, breathe out.
Whew! Okay, sorry, I just sprinted up the street to the closest Internet cafe (techincally, Casa de Dos Santos) to tell you that a Friday Night Lights castmember (not pictured above) just whispered to me the following regarding season three:
"It's happening. I'm not supposed to say anything. We're not supposed to say anything. But it is happening. I want you to know."
Pardon me while I scrape myself off the ceiling and then bow down to thank the higher power (the great and wonderful Ben Silverman) who, if true, made this happen.
This giddy-good whisper just went down moments ago on the red carpet for the Paley Festival's Friday Night Lights night.
I interviewed all castmembers who were there, who all said they were feeling "optomistic" and "hopeful" and "good" about a third-season pickup...until the kind soul gave me what I believe to be the real skinny.
Had to tell you that this nanosecond. Check back tomorrow for the video and more scoop.
And in the meantime, shake your freaking Panther pom poms in the comments section below!"
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Mar 20, 2008 4:31 AM
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I am so pleased with the renewal of FNL. Terrific show....I would have been so sad if it ended. I'm glad Ausiello is such a supporter! I keep talking up the show to anyone who will listen...let's try to get ratings way up! Invite friends over for "viewings"...get them hooked! It will be very easy once they see just one show.
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Mar 20, 2008 7:45 AM
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I SOOOOOOOO heart this show! And I don't even LIKE football!! This has GOT to be the best show on TV now. I just hope that if Directv does pick it up, I'll still get to see it. I'm guessing it would play on Directv FIRST, then air on regular NBC channels? (Fingers crossed) Nice wrap up you did! Wish I could've been there. Sounds like you had a blast!
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Mar 20, 2008 8:22 AM
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But can someone fix the Lyla-Tyra mix-up in the "Killer Plot" section?
All fixed! - MWM
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Mar 20, 2008 9:23 AM
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I almost feel like I was there! Any video?
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Mar 20, 2008 10:06 AM
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seeing you moderate the panel was definitely one of the highlights. great job!
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Mar 20, 2008 10:29 AM
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I'm looking forward to season 3. Love this show! By the way, right now Gaius Charles is starring with James McDaniel in an off or off-off Broadway show called Lower Ninth. They are very good, and so is the show.
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Mar 20, 2008 11:32 AM
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Love FNL and want it back. Great clean family entertainment dealing with important issues. PLEASE RENEW FNL.
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Mar 20, 2008 12:02 PM
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WOOOHOOO!! Thanks for the FNL info!
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Mar 20, 2008 12:20 PM
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Where can we watch the full panel online?
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Mar 20, 2008 12:29 PM
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I wish I was there. I hope, with fingers crossed, that the Power's-in-charge will kept FNL on going. I just LOVE the show with all of the actors that play the characters on the show.
FNL FOREVER
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Mar 20, 2008 12:36 PM
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FNL at 9pm, BSG at 10pm - what a way to spend Friday Night!
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Mar 20, 2008 1:15 PM
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