My decision to start watching this show was based on some advice, or rather a command, from Kristin. I love her column for many reasons, but if I ever meet her, the one thing that I will make sure to profess my undying gratitude for was her urging me to watch Friday Night Lights.
I did enjoy the movie from a couple of years ago, and I have liked Peter Berg (writer/director of the film and executive producer for the show) ever since he was a guest star on Alias. But neither of those facts prepared me for the attachment I would feel for these characters, even from the very first episode. My favorites are without a doubt Coach Taylor and his wife, but everyone else, from Riggins to Matt Saracen's grandma, adds something special to the overall feel of the show. I have such respect for all of the actors because of how real they make the people and town of Dillon, Texas, which I'm sure has a lot to do with the fact that they often do scenes without following the script exactly. What comes out ends up being so genuine you just forget that you're watching television.
I do, however, agree with some of the criticism about Season 2. Ken Tucker, a writer for Entertainment Weekly, put it perfectly when he said, "Here’s the thing about Friday Night Lights so far this season: You have to pour everything you know and love about these characters from last season into these hollow versions of the same characters this season, because the show has become all about its melodramatic subplots, and not about people. Remember when we could happily spend whole segments just watching Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton debate, argue, make up, and crack each other up? Remember when a high point of an FNL hour was overhearing Landry and Matt (Matt Saracen! How much we miss you and your shy, halting talk this season!) bicker and joke about silly things? No one behind the scenes is writing that kind of dialogue anymore, or letting enough time play out in any given scene for us to become emotionally reinvested with these people."
Here's hoping that this season regains some of its old life- one that's full of heart. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!
Last scene of Season 1
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