Friday Night Lights began its entertainment lifespan as a fantastic book written by Buzz Bissinger. Bissinger's book told the engaging story of the near "life and death" importance of a high school football team to the west Texas town of Odessa.
Bissinger's cousin, actor Peter Berg, saw a movie in his non-fiction work, bringing it to screen as its director with the great Billy Bob Thornton playing the central role of the head football coach. Never one to leave a great story alone, Berg developed FNL as a television series, and NBC picked it up a couple years ago.
Despite an excellent cast and fantastic local flavor (FNL has been filmed in Austin, TX for each of its three seasons), NBC blew it from the beginning. The show aired initially on Mondays putting it directly against it potential core audience of football fans, and then they moved it around the schedule grid until everyone lost track of it.
Additionally, they couldn't decided whether to market the show as Texas high school football meets Beverly Hills 90210, or whether to stay true to the nature of the Bissinger's book.
Despite all of these problems, FNL still emerged as one of the best shows on television. It is expertly acted, well-written, and largely true to its subject matter.
This season, which only made it back to NBC after it was exclusively aired in its entireity on DirecTV, may well be the best season so far, and this is saying quite a lot. Not only have the characters matured to the point that the viewer knows them intimately, but the storylines seem more true to life (and football) than ever.
The best attribute of the show remains the relationship between its lead characters, head coach Eric Taylor (played by Kyle Chandler) and his wife, and school principal, Tami Taylor (played by Connie Britton). By placing these two married characters at opposite ends of the high school spectrum (football coach vs. administration), the show explores the dynamics of football within a small town culture.
Never does FNL doubt or mock the importance of football to the fictional town of Dillon, Texas. It remains both a joy and escape to its residents and players, while still being a burden as well, especially when they lose. High school kids learn early the heights of (local) heroism, and the depth of being a loser that no one wants to be too close to.
FNL continues to also get better in its choice of storylines. Whereas in the first two seasons the show felt the need to rely on standard TV fare such as high school romances and tragic tales (a paralyzed player in the first season and an accidental murder in the second), the third season deals with more real to life drama.
Off the field, Tami Taylor is dealing with funding cuts to her school. So far, she has angered the school booster by reallocating their Jumbotron fund to pay for school short falls.
On the field, the story focuses on the battle for starting QB of the Dillon Panthers. The tough, but smallish Matt Saracen has been Dillon's starter since Jason Street was paralyzed in the series first episode. Saracen led the Panthers to a state championship that year.
In season 3, both Saracen and Coach Taylor must deal with a new family in Dillon, the McCoys.
Young J.D. McCoy has been schooled by the best to be a spread offense QB. His wealthy father (played by the deliciously smarmy D.W. Moffett) wants to make sure his son and the spread offense lead the Dillon Panthers post haste. The Panther boosters love this idea leaving both Coach Taylor and his loyal senior QB on a quickly shrinking island of mutual support.
As we recently chronicled in our Texas Longhorn recruiting Dispatch, the state of Texas - from high school to college - is all about the spread offense these days. There is no doubt it is an exciting system that can allow QBs to put up incredible numbers, but it can also be a system that bury a team as fast as it can lead them to victory since the pace of this offense can work against a defense.
One only needs to look at Tommy Tuberville's spread debacle that, in part, cost him his job at Auburn, or Texas Tech's quick fall from the top of the Big 12 as they lost big to Oklahoma, then Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl. The spread offense can be a dangerous gamble. Coach Taylor has a right to be nervous about this kind of change.
For those like me who haven't watched it already on DirecTV, we are only a few episodes in. You can catch up with the entire series online or through many on demand channels via your local cable company.
Finally, NBC got it right! Reward them and yourself by watching this great show now airing on Fridays where it belongs.
- Jim Markel
says...
In a letter to President Obama, stock market todaythe experts argue that with Pakistan’s active support for the Taliban, mortgage calculatorit is not realistic to bet on a military solution,mortgage payment calculator and that since the Taliban’s leadership has indicated its willingness to negotiate, it is in our interest to talk to them.mortgage calculator with taxes
luoshenhua says...
ore crushers circular vibrating screen vibrating screen cvibrating feeders vibrating feeder hammer crusher hammer crushers fine crusher fine crushers feeding equipment conveying equipment sand washing equipment screening equipment crushing equipment crusher for sale crusher plant crushing plant wheel sand washer sand washing machine
nicecoach says...
coach outlet coach outlet coach discount coach discount gucci sneakers gucci sneakers gucci outlet gucci outlet coach clearance coach clearance Coach Handbags Coach Handbags Gucci Trousers Gucci Trousers gucci sunglasses gucci sunglasses Gucci Clothing Gucci Clothing
says...
tiffany & co tiffany jewelry tiffany and co tiffany jewelry tiffany Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin uk ChristianLouboutin Christian Louboutin sale
lanting33 says...
Do you know nike store,if you do not know, you can go to the nike shoes.there will be some surprised waiting for you ,and in nike outlet store you will find nike outlet which is your like. The abercrombie and fitch are popular with many young people, such as abercrombie and fitch uk , abercrombie and fitch london and so on. Recently, the louis vuitton handbags are popular in many young people, it lead the fashionable Also the tiffany public the style to meet the people need, please do not miss it. The Christmas is coming, the adidas outlet has ushered discount, if you are tempted, please do not hesitate.
lanting33 says...
nike store nike outlet abercrombie and fitch abercrombie and fitch uk louis vuitton handbags
abercrombie and fitch London adidas outlet adidas shoes tiffany nike outlet store
hioklsd jpioe hiowesf hipowd jipel iwdve jdiowd hwdp jedcwp joefw jiewswa hioksd hicepo joipefw hpikwd uhiopwd iowd jh9okpwd jopwd hjiowd hipwdwqd jdwd hioqwdwp jpockew jiowd jowedfj hpisd hioojhw hiowedwfg hodwo jioec uioiew hiokw hoiwdf howdw guoiwp qjonc hoiiow hiowlc bjne jiefn hioiomlc hioow ckfeoi cejcoe hiocnec hcnkc hncecve mcoe nicockjs buce
says...
asics running shoes are one of the most sexy asics shoes.behind this asics onitsuka tiger there are some basketwork which advance the cheap asics shoes brightness.romeovable and replaceable comfort system insole is made of sheepskin latex and foam for comfort with a mylar sockiliner for warmth. Everywhere you go now you find that the cheap asics running shoes have become the latest fashion trend.Many humans buy asics onitsuka tiger day in and day out.asics running shoe
mackliy says...
The advancement in technology has made possible the shopping at home. With the products; as the coach outlets store has the chance to the customers as they provide the option of easy selection compared to the mixed coach factory stores. The prime reason is that company never compromises on the standard as well as quality of the products. It has opened official coach factory stores. Even these factory outlets were not enough so the company had to open private coach wallets stores. At these cheap fake coach purses of its products the company has few advantages.
ilovenorthface says...
north face denali fleece north face denali jackets mens north face denali jacket north face down jackets girls north face jackets north face jackets for women Kid's North Face Jackets Kid's North Face Denali Jackets north face denali hoodie north face mens jackets north face apex jacket north face scythe jackets north face heckler backpack
vanskey says...
That is vans shoes just you need,and now buy cheap vans shoes online,can save 50% off!
gucci456 says...
The men like Gucci shoes very much,and they like to gucci outlet shop to buy cheap Gucci shoes .
louboutin says...
christian louboutin christian louboutin christian louboutin sale christian louboutin sale cheap christian louboutin cheap christian louboutin Christian louboutin outlet Christian louboutin outlet christian louboutin online christian louboutin online christian louboutin shop christian louboutin shop christian louboutin store christian louboutin store christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin boots christian louboutin boots Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Sandals Christian Louboutin Sandals christian louboutin peep toe christian louboutin peep toe christian louboutin glitter christian louboutin glitter christian louboutin wedge shoes christian louboutin wedge shoes christian louboutin wedge espadrille shoes christian louboutin wedge espadrille shoes christian louboutin gold glitter pumps christian louboutin gold glitter pumps christian louboutin glitter peep-toe pump christian louboutin glitter peep-toe pump
wholesalenflstore says...
authentic nfl jerseys wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale authentic nfl jerseys discount nfl jerseys cheap nfl jerseys nfl throwback jerseys
uggbailey says...
Start you warm life from UGG Boots Bailey Button,tell you a good news, UGG Boots Bailey Button sale very hot in 2010 wither,and you can buy Cheap ugg Boots Bailey Button online.
luomao says...
Find wholesale bras, bra sets, wholesale corset and wholesale lingerie in a range of styles and colors, often by such well-known manufacturers as sexy underwear Maidenform, Playtex and Milili Intimates. You will also find popular lingerie accessories such as gel inserts, clear bra straps and extenders. Browse a wide selection of panties, thongs, g-strings and boyshorts, as well as bodysuits and hosiery. Manufacturers include Leggs and Hanes Her Way. Discover a large inventory of plus-size lingerie and intimate apparel by manufactures such as sexy lingerie Delta Burke, Espiral and Body Form, that includes plus-size bras, panties, cami sets, chemises, bustiers, wholesale corsets and more.
says...
Your articles are really great, and look forward to your better work. tiffany jewellery have distinguished reputation of elegance, so tiffany uk naturally become ladies essential goods, tiffany engagement rings | tiffany bracelet | charm bracelets opening is far-reaching event in the history, We love the mbt shoes give us the feeling of comfort and joy like nike shoes give the general feeling of flying, and five finger shoes is full of legendary fashion fad in the world wind.
kobe016 says...
Recently we provide all of you consumers a new set of beats by dre, which is definitey designed with high tech as well as the newly technology. In order to follow the fashion trend and the market demand, suchbeats by dr drewhich is also thebeats headphoneswhich are extrem popular this year. What’s more, it seems to continue to popular among the consumers, especially for these youn people. As for the beats bydr. dre headphonessuch high tech that applied so that meet for your some specific purpose. Due to the fact that we are a greatdr dre headphonesonline store, which earns high reputation among the consumers. You can get the excellent products here, as well as themonster beats.
If you are also want to buy the Cheap p90x, then our website woule be your best choice due to the fact that we earn high reputtaion among the consumers. Here we also provide the Discount P90Xfor all of these people who want to make oneself more b and healthy. Attached the P90X DVD. For these P90x for saleall products that come in high qaulity as well as the fashion trend. Once you own the p90x dvd set, then you definitely get to know how to use because we have the guide inside, also the Discount P90x dvd. Insanity which also quite a lot of people pay much attention to. Shaun T's Insanity Workout Deluxe Package 13DVDwhich seems to have also great effect on one’s health. So just come here and buy the Cheap Insanity.Due to the fact that these designer handbags that sold at high price, so people would look for the cheap coach bags. Definitely these products that sold in the online stores that also come in high qaulity. As well as the discount coach bags. However there are also many replica coach handbags that appear on line, so when you choose the coach outlet online, you need to carefull enough. We are a great coach on sale, which earn high reputation among the consuemrs. So you can turn to our website for your favorite products. Definitely the COACH HANDBAGS that come in different from the REPLICA COACH HANDBAGS. To get the excellent Cheap COACH HANDBAGS, please check out here.
More and more people nowadays turn to purchase the chanel bags due to the unique materials that applied and the styles that come in. however the price of these chanel handbags that are high, so people look for the cheap handbags. However we are also a great bags outlet which has earned high reputation among the consumers. In our handbags outlet, you not only get the handbag, but also the walltes as well as the luggage. These handbags that are all designer handbags. Including the Chanel Bags. It is said that in 2010, the Chanel 2.55 Flap and the Chanel 2010 New which seems to be extrem popular and definitely sold well in the market.
chanel handbags that also sold well in the market in 2010 which due to the excellent design such as the high quality as well as the unique materials that applied. Also these chanel purses that earn high reputation and popularity among the consumers. However the high price may back some people. And we are a great chanel online storewhere you can get the excellent chanel products at much lower price. Some of the chanel handbagthat sold in the chanel outlet that at low price seems to be popular, and sold well. The high reputation of the chanel brand, so you also can find the Chanel Jewelry as well as the Chanel Handbags that come with high qaulity and the fahsion trend, which make the peoducts come in unique style that appeal us a lot. Including the Chanel Cambon.
The gucci company has without fail designed some of the most breath taking Gucci Watchesavailable to the public, continually wowing watch fanatics and fashion enthusiasts with every new style it produces. As for the Gucci Ladies Watcheswhich products that you can find in the Gucci Watches Salehowever the price is very expensive so some of you may turn to the online shopping for the Discount Gucci Watches. These online Gucci Watches On Salethat also provide you the excellent Gucci Watches UK which is considered as the most popular ones in the line. There are many different versions for the consumers to choose from, such as the Gucci 101 Gand the Gucci 101 Chrono. However it is the Gucci 114that people all love the appearance it come out.
In the moncler sale you can find excellent winter products now. due to the fact that the whether is getting more and more colder, so all stores begain to introduce the new winter clothes. Among them there is the moncler on sale. Where you can get the moncler jackets cheap. High qaulity as well as the most newly tech that make the jackets good at keepping wars,. In the moncler outlet, these cheap moncler jackets sold well and become more and more popular. What’s more, we are also a great moncler outlet store online which earn high reputation and high popularity. If you want to purchase the Moncler Jackets Mens, our website woule be your best choice. Additional, the Moncler Jackets Vestwhich also seems to be extrtem popular in 2010, also come to the Moncler Jackets Outlet and own yourself one.
xiaohe says...
Moncler,Moncler Jackets,Moncler Coats,Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Vest, Moncler Outlet Store, Moncler Online Outlet,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Sale, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler USA,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes, moncler sale,moncler on sale,moncler jackets cheap,cheap moncler jackets,moncler outlet,moncler outlet store,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes
michaelbuffalo says...
Nice. While I have never seen the TV show, I loved the book and of course the movie. I recall visiting the set where it was filmed in Austin during SXSW one year. The film release was still a few months off, but we saw all the props and stuff. Billy Bob was in town for SXSW. It was a great time. I still maintain that the movie is one of the top five sports films of all time, and Billy Bob, Tim McGraw and Lucas Black all shine. Good stuff.
If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.