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.
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