I've posted about a ton of movies and tv shows over the years.. but I must say upfront that "Friday Night Lights" the tv series is one that I truly cherish. I watched it when it originally aired from the start because I'd seen the movie and then decided to research the real story story behind the book. What I got in return was a brilliant show that touched my heart forevermore.
Unfortunately, "Friday Night Lights" the tv series drifted under the radar in obscurity while only slowly developing a cult like following by its few devoted fans.
I encouraged Ronnie to watch it recently and I'd love to hear her thoughts on this amazing show. She is actually closer to it currently because she went on a FNL marathon that was incredible to experience in its own right! Maybe 'an experience' is the best way to describe "Friday Night Lights" actually.
I know some people are not interested just by the title because they think FNL is all about Texas high school football, but I still ask you to please give the show a chance .. I promise if you stick with it there is something in it for everyone.
So what is FNL about?
"Friday Night Lights" gives you a glimpse in the lives of folks in the small town of Dillon, Texas where football rules in every way. The show centers around Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his wife Tami (Connie Britton) who have a relationship that you will grow to appreciate on so many levels. Another reason that I watched this show was because I've been a Kyle Chandler fan for years starting with his role in "Pure Country" and then later in his tv series "Early Edition". Also, It was fun to see him in the film "Super 8" recently. And crazy as it sounds to me now, Connie Britton was actually in the movie "Friday Night Lights" in a much different role.
However, Eric and Tami are only two of the characters in FNL, so I gotta say that in no particular order.. Matt, Tim, Landry, Tyra, Smash, Jason, Buddy, Billy, Vince, Jess, Luke, Becky, Julie, Mindy, and Lyla all play an integral part in making this show so freaking good.
In my opinion, the difference between "Friday Night Lights" and most shows is the fact that it grabs you by the heart in the very first episode and doesn’t let go even after the series ends five seasons later. This show is so successful at creating a depiction of life, you almost forget you’re not watching real events. I truly think of the characters as real people and actually miss them now.
Some other things you will definitely notice that make this show special are the wonderful camera work and the entertaining music. The show was shot in a very intimate way that allowed the actors/actresses to improvise based on their ever-growing knowledge of their characters. This gave the show the sense of realism that I mentioned. Also, the music always seemed to be played at just the right moments and never felt like it was there to make you feel something, but just to enhance what you were already feeling.
I sincerely believe "Friday Night Lights" is a hidden gem of a show that devoted fans will still be discussing 10 years from now. It is currently available on Netflix Instant watch .. Texas Forever!!
[ 28. April 2012, 06:20: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posts: 7845 | From: Smiling and glancing in awe in the back of a limo | Registered: Mar 2003 | Site Updates: 22
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Great post Val! This show was recommended to me by several people. I had watched the pilot last summer and liked it.. but when I finally went back to watch the rest of the show, it had only taken 2 or 3 episodes and I was hooked. I ended up watching episodes back to back for days, and within less than 2 weeks, I had finished the entire show which contained 5 seasons total. This show had a lot of heart! So many endearing moments between the main family characters and the team mates. I'm not sure you have to be a fan of football to really appreciate this show, but I happen to enjoy the sport, and I literally found myself caring for all of the characters. Some seasons were better than others, but the first season was just awesome, pulling you in with all the character development.. I can imagine watching the show as it ran on tv.. investing time into those characters. But even the little time it took me to watch the whole series, I still grew to really appreciate them. Even the people you really aren't fond of.. you get their story and watch them grow. I wasn't too familiar with towns that are so involved with high school football, but it's definitely a sport that brings people together in the best way and can bring out the worst in people as well! The writing is superb. I am baffled as to why it didn't make it as a long running show.. but perhaps it had to do with the fact that it aired on Friday evenings.. seems like a bad time slot.. or just a bad day!
Very moving show.. powerful story lines, it's about family and doing the right thing.
Thanks again, Val for recommending! You know I was so excited while I watched it.. crying and cheering..what a sap, I know. Ha! Seriously, one of the best shows I've ever seen!!!
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Valley Dated Julie From 'Valley Girl' (allegedly!)
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If you have Netflix Instant Watch.. I really believe you should give "Friday Night Lights" a chance, but be prepared for an incredible ride of emotions as we have both warned above.
I still have the final Directv episode with cast comments saved to my DVR .. and that space is normal only allocated for my precious out-of-print 80's films.
Posts: 7845 | From: Smiling and glancing in awe in the back of a limo | Registered: Mar 2003 | Site Updates: 22
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Maybe 'an experience' is the best way to describe "Friday Night Lights" actually.
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