Last night, after what felt likes years, Friday Night Lights returned to NBC for season 4. For those who aren't familiar, NBC planned to cancel Friday Night Lights until the fans rioted. The network decided to air season 4 on Direct TV only and then re-run the season over the summer on NBC. We've been waiting an eternity for our weekly fix of Tim Riggins and last night the season premiere delivered!
The show opens with Coach Taylor checking out his new field at East Dillon High. You can tell immediately this is going to be a long, painful, up hill battle. Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly composed a brilliant review in which he wrote, "You can almost feel the grit getting into the eyes of Kyle Chandler's Coach Eric Taylor, and that red cap sits heavily upon his head."
After the first practice and the first game it is clear coaching the East Dillon Lions epitomizes the expression "starting from scratch." In fact, is there something that comes before scratch? After half time we watch Coach Taylor forfeit the game, a decision you could see resting on his shoulders like a ton of bricks. One of the primary reasons I am madly in love with this show is they don't rely on Disney movie-like happy endings. The show is honest, even if it leaves us on a depressed note. The writers take that risk in the name of realism.
Speaking of realism, our two heart throbs from past seasons are struggling. Tim Riggins leaves college behind, tossing his textbooks out the window as he heads back to Dillon. He wriggles out of those chains of expectation before they have the chance to weigh him down. When he arrives back home, his brother Billy is preparing for the arrival of his first child and gives Tim the boot.
Matt Saracen gives up art school to stay in Dillon and take care of his grandma. Naturally, he's become the pizza delivery guy and has to make a run to new QB1's house, JD McCoy. I am not sure where JD gained such confidence, but he has morphed into an arrogant jackass.
On the homefront, Eric and Tami's relationship is as strong as ever. Their chemistry is another factor that keeps me tuned in. Tami winds up with a target on her back for signing off on the Dillon redistricting. Something tells me those angry parents are going to continue to harass her.
Dependable Landry is still around and now playing for East Dillon. Although I sometimes find it hard to look at him in close shots, his character is integral to the show.
A new character has been introduced this season, Vince. He joins the team as part of the Cops 'n Jocks program to lead him back on a positive course. In the season 4 preview we learn that Vince ultimately becomes the quarterback for the Lions. I look forward to seeing how his character develops and if he can fill the shoes of Smash Williams.
This episode Buddy Garrity was pretty quiet, Lyla was nowhere to be found, along with Tyra and Jason Street. I'm incredibly fond of this cast and I hope we continue to follow each of their stories.
One of my college girlfriends co-founded the Friday Nights Lights fan blog and its absolutely incredible. They have interviewed more than half of the cast members, have podcasts, share media coverage of the show and much more. Follow the blog and follow them on Twitter: @FNL_Fan.
Tune in to Friday Night Lights every Friday at 8:00pm on NBC. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
