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A Can't-Miss Friday Night Lights
Zach Gilford in Friday Night Lights by Bill Records/NBC Photo
You want to know why we fans of Friday Night Lights go on and on about this show, despite its sad ratings and aggravating lack of presence on the various clueless awards show? I’ll tell you why we go on and on about it. Tonight’s episode is why.
This hour is on par with the best of the first season, and that’s saying something. It’s some of the finest TV you’re likely to see all year. I’ve watched certain parts of this episode several times, and each time it takes my breath away with its emotional power. Friday Night Lights is one of those rare series that breaks your heart and lifts your spirit all at once.
Even one of TV’s most familiar subplots, a parent preparing a child for a driving test, has unexpected depth—thanks to the subtext of the relationship between Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) and daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden), which has been fraught with conflict all season. The distracted mom and the rebellious teen: seen it before, but rarely exposed with such painfully raw authenticity.
This week gives especially memorable moments to Zach Gilford as Matt Saracen, the good-boy quarterback who finally has a meltdown after one too many setbacks. His enabler as he goes to the wild side: none other than town bad boy Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). When Coach Taylor (the flawless Kyle Chandler)—who at times seems like a surrogate father to just about everyone in this town—finally arrives to knock some sense into his oh-so-vulnerable star player, the showdown is shattering.
As is the dilemma Smash Williams (Gaius Charles) finds himself in following the latest fallout from his smackdown several weeks ago at the movie theater. As he sees his dreams possibly evaporate, Smash learns to take disappointment like a man. In this, he is immeasurably aided by his ferociously loyal mother (Liz Mikel, who's just devastating). When he shows up to rally the Panthers at a game in which he’s not allowed to participate, just watch Coach Taylor watch Smash evolve into a true role model right before his eyes.
Clear eyes and full hearts? No question. Full eyes (full of tears) and proud hearts? Absolutely. If you’re curious why some of us will continue to champion this show to the very end—and with only one new episode to go, this season is coming to a close all too soon—just watch this episode. And hope, against the odds, for more.
Related:
• Party Central: Kyle and Connie Tease a Friday Night Triangle
• Exclusive Friday Night Lights DVD Scoop!
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Feb 1, 2008 2:13 PM
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I can not wait! I hope I can get my 23 month old son to sleep by 8 p.m. so I can watch in real time.
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Feb 1, 2008 2:22 PM
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I still do not understand why so few people watch this amazing show. It is by far the best thing on TV. I can not wait for tonight's episode, even more now that I have read your blog Matt. I am hoping beyond hope that there is a season 3.
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Feb 1, 2008 2:37 PM
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Is there something better on then this prime time soap opera?
Guess I'll be watching reruns again on another channel.
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Feb 1, 2008 2:43 PM
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This is my absolute favorite show. I have found myself not even going out on Fridays so I can watch it. I will be there with my Panther's Jersey tonight, especially after that glowing review. I have been waiting for more Matt!
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Feb 1, 2008 3:26 PM
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Matt - First, I have to say you are my favorite columnist @ TV Guide. Many of the shows I watch are based on your opinions. Second, I've been a FNL fan from Day 1 and got my husband hooked, too. Even when it's not firing on all cylinders, it's still better than 95% of the other shows out there. Just one of Kyle Chandler's looks or Connie Britton's comments can make an episode. Also, much to my surprise, I've really enjoyed the progression of Buddy Garrity's character this season. He's had some truly moving moments. Keep up the great job and like you, I'll keep watching and continue to champion this wonderful show until the very end!!
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Feb 1, 2008 3:51 PM
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I only discoverd this wonderful show about halfway into the second season. I bought the season 1 DVD set and I've already watched the whole thing twice. I ADORE this show! There aren't many shows with a more talented ensemble than this one. I have to agree that the actress who plays Smash's mom is outstanding. I look forward to tonight's episode and I'm praying for a season 3. TV doesn't get much better than this!
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Feb 1, 2008 4:19 PM
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Thanks so much, Matt, for always saying great things about an equally great show. I can only start praying that we'll see a season 3.
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Feb 1, 2008 4:24 PM
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Thanks as always, Matt, for continuing to spread the FNL love and for giving this show the praise it deserves.
I can't wait for tonight's ep!
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Feb 1, 2008 4:40 PM
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Matt - I agree with every single statement of your review of tonight's episode. I thought it was brilliant, and agree that it's on part with the best episodes of last season. I didn't get choked up while watching it, I had big, fat tears falling from my eyes.
With all do respect to the cast of shows like Grey's Anatomy, I am absolutely floored that critics and those in the industry can look at this show and still not give it all the accolades it so truly deserves.
This show is so special that I often feel like the superlatives I bestow upon it just aren't doing it justice.
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Feb 1, 2008 6:21 PM
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I have to agree. I can't wait for Fridays. This is quite possibly one of the best shows ever. The music, cast, writers (who can't be thanked enough) do a wonderful job. I also have to agree with the person who said that they had enjoyed how Buddy Garrity's character had grown this season. Last season, really just didn't want to see him anywhere around, and now I am really liking the way he behaves with his soon to be ex-wife, kids and the Sandman. When he saw Santiago all beaten and battered, it broke my heart the way he responded to him. Their relationship is really getting to me.
It's not only that, it's all of the relationships that are so true to life. Tami and Julie...I am living through that now. It is spot on.
Matt, keep on doing what you are doing. Please help keep this show's head above water where the studio knows that it IS being noticed.
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Feb 1, 2008 7:42 PM
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Because I trust you, Matt, I watched the first season of Friday Night Lights on Netflix. While I could see a few items of value, overall, the portrayal of the disabled character was so appallingly inaccurate that I was angry every time I watched. The overall sleaziness of most of the characters was also unpalatable. And I really hate football.
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Feb 1, 2008 8:06 PM
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Great, now I'm even crying before episodes. Thank you Matt, as always, for being a champion of high caliber tv. I just hope this wasn't a eulogy.
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Feb 1, 2008 8:12 PM
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Fantastic show! I hope FNL gets renewed for a third season.
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Feb 1, 2008 10:40 PM
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I normally love FNL, but the scene between Taylor and Saracen went WAY too far. I'll try to assume positively that it was just poor thinking on the part of the writers, but my appreciation of Coach Taylor is affected by watching him physically abuse a high schooler.
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Feb 2, 2008 2:37 AM
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