ng, and is shot with an artistic eye that is missing from most network television. It is funny, dramatic and most importantly, has heart. It's not the "it's a very special episode" kind of heart. It has real heart and it permeates every episode. The stories feel real. The relationships ring true. You find yourself rooting for almost every character, even when they don't deserve it. They show both sides to every argument. You may pull more one way than another, but no one character is all good or all evil. The sign of a good show is when you are upset when it is over. I feel that way after every episode of Friday Night Lights. I'm not alone here. The people that are fans of this show will tell you the same thing. The fact that this show isn't a ratings blockbuster is sad and makes me feel badly for the people not watching. How can they be satisfied watching CSI, NCIS, and any of the thirteen spinoffs of Law and Order. Those shows are the same every single week. You know what's going to happen ten seconds into the show. Why would you watch that instead of something truly original like Friday Night Lights. FNL has stayed on the air for the last two seasons because of a deal between Direct TV and NBC where Direct TV gets to air them first. It is a groundbreaking deal that may save great shows in the future. It also is a testament to how great this show is. I sincerely doubt they would hitch their wagon to something goofy like The New Adventures of Old Christine or House. But Friday Night Lights makes you want to save it. It needs your help. If you haven't been watching, I suggest you start now. The best way to do it would be to rent the first three seasons on NetFlix and DVR this new season. But you, and Friday Night Lights don't have that kind of time. Let me give you a quick run down on the characters without giving too much away. You'll be hooked in no time.Coach Eric Taylor and Principal Tami Taylor
Without a doubt, the best representation of a married couple on television anywhere. They are great together. Everything about their relationship feels right. Nothing is forced. And, they
actually parent their child, Julie Taylor, who can be a handful. Coach Taylor is played by Kyle Chandler and Principal Taylor is played by Connie Britton. The fact that the Emmy voters keep overlooking their performances is a joke. They are fantastic and they are the soul of the show. They not only keep their family in line, but help every character that inhabits their universe. They aren't perfect, but nobody is. I'm sure Chandler and Britton will miss these roles when it's over.Matt Saracen
He may be the most likable character on television. No one else is even close.
Nothing comes easily for Saracen. He's a good kid, but rarely gets a break. He was abandoned by his mother, his father is in Iraq, and he has to take care of his dementia ridden Grandmother. He doesn't let it overwhelm him. He deals with it. He's different than the other guys on the team. Even when the star quarterback goes down, and he has to fill in, it has roadblocks. He does struggle, but always finds a way to win. I don't want to say too much more about him because it gives too much away. Lets just say that he dates the coaches daughter and even the Coach comes around to being ok with this. Trust me, you'll find yourself firmly in Saracen's corner. If you don't, there is something seriously wrong with you.Tim Riggins
Riggins is an excellent character. He almost never speaks, but somehow attracts every girl in school. The rest of the guys can't believe it. They try use his philosophy when it comes to the opposite sex by asking themselves, "What would Riggins do?" He's not the brightest kid on the block, he drinks too much, and he stole his best friends girlfriend. Not great qualities, but he's always interesting and deep down is a good person. He also plays fullback and it's obvious to me that with his name, it is an homage to Washington Redskins legend, John Riggins.
Landry Clarke
Landry provides the comedy, but not in a ridiculous way. He's Saracen's best friend and provides a running commentary on everybody at Dillon High. He's also the frontman for a
Christian Speed Metal Band called Crucifictorious. Landry seems like a regular high school kid. He doesn't come off fake. He has regular problems and deals with them in a funny way. The writers of this show made a major mistake in Season 2 when they tried to grab ratings with a horrendous story arc with Landry. They quickly resolved it, but it almost ruined the show. It was a great save and the acting done by Jesse Plemmons was a big reason they came out of that stupid arc as gracefully as they did. Also, his name is clearly a nod to former Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry.Tyra Collette
Tall, beautiful and extremely troubled. She is also Riggins' ex, and the object of Landry's und
ying affection. Her desire to have a better life is one of the continuing story lines and you find yourself rooting for her even as she is sabotaging herself along the way. Her mother is a mess, her sister is a stripper, and she doesn't want to end up like either. The back and forth between Tyra and Landry is great. Her best friend is the coach's daughter, Julie. Befriending Julie is a major key in her life because it puts her in direct contact with Tami. Her relationship with Principal Taylor is one of the most endearing ones on the show. Tami's mentoring is key in Tyra's development as a student and a person.Buddy Garrity and Lyla Garrity
Father and daughter. Buddy is a little too obsessed with High School Football for a man his age. Actually, for a man of any age. But, he seems so realistic. He provides quite a bit of comedy, but is also the catalyst for a lot of the drama in the show. The show is always better when he is around. Lyla, on the other hand, may be the most annoying character on the show. She's super hot, no denying that, but something about her character is grating. I don't know whether it was when she quit being a cheerleader to become church obsessed, or her constant nagging of Riggins that bugs me the most. Maybe it's everything. I started liking her more in Season 3, but it was a long road.
I could keep going, but you get the point. At least I hope you did. Television can be so enjoyable and an excellent escape. Please don't make the only escapes available garbage like NCIS. We deserve better. Set your DVR's tonight at 8 on NBC. Clear Eyes...Full Hearts...Can't Lose.
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