Editorial Staff
Friday Night Lights
Last week the sun set on small (fictional) town Dillon, Texas forever.
Why would you care about a series that showcases the most boring sport in history (sorry, but do they actually play, or just stand around chatting about it)?
Why would you care that Dillon, Texas is no more? Why would you care about Texas, period?
The most obvious answer would be: Taylor Kitsch
The less obvious answer: ”Friday Night Lights” was one of the most beautifully filmed, written and acted TV shows…ever.
A realistic portrayal of marriage, family, community and growing up, not nearly as glamorous as a 1960s ad agency or as sexy as small town filled with vampires, but one that captured the little moments in life so well. Look back below to see some highlights from the series, and then look forward to where this show may take some of its very talented stars.
Highlights:
The pilot
Setting the high standard that it (mostly) maintained for another 5 seasons, the documentary style footage quickly set the scene that this was no ordinary High School drama, leading the Panthers star quarterback and viewers down a road they had not gone before.
The Son
Late in the game in Season 4, this was the best television hour to deal with the death of a parent since Buffy’s ‘The Body’, which is a compliment (by me) of the highest order.
The evolution of Billy and Mindy Riggins
What show could be the siblings of the main characters to the forefront in later seasons as they get married and begin parenthood, and make them so enjoyable to watch?
Buddy Garrity will always care about the Panthers
His life a shambles, kicked out of his home by his wife and children after his infidelity is discovered, Buddy takes it upon himself to investigate whether Coach has been offered a college level coaching position away from Dillon.
When Coach Taylor points out he might have more important things to worry about, Buddy replies: “Pam can cut off my head n’ stick it on a pike, but I’ll always care about the Panthers!” And that just sums it up right there.
Tim Riggins
Except for Tim Riggins. I couldn’t leave him off the list.
Lowlight: The murder plot in Season 2. Every interview with Jason Katims tries to get him to fess up to the mis-step that was this story line, and he has pretty much relented. That the show recovered so quickly with characters still intact is a testament to the skills of those involved.
Where to from here?
Taylor Kitsch: Sure to be identified as an up and coming talent next year, there will be no label but ‘Movie Star’ to attach to the actor who played Tim Riggins. John Carter of Mars and Battleship will showcase on the big screen what we’ve seen for years on the small.
Zach Gilford: The high school quarterback with heart has already transformed into a plastic surgeon in the South America-set Shonda Rhimes produced medical drama, “Off The Map”.
Minka Kelly: Currently getting stalked in cinemas everywhere in The Roommate, this gorgeous actress will evolve from a cheerleader to an angel in the television reboot of “Charlie’s Angels”
Aimee Teegarden: Also (potentially?) getting stalked in Scream 4, the eldest Taylor daughter is about to go to PROM in Disney’s latest high school movie outing.
Connie Britton: From “Friday Night Lights” to FX? Wherever she goes we will follow.
Kyle Chandler: Has a small role in the new Spielberg/Abrams collaboration “Super 8”.
