Friday Night Lights

For those of you who have patiently anticipated a post on Friday Night Lights, here it be! Friday Night Lights is without a doubt one of the most under publicized shows in TV history! It could be argued that it is also one of the most underrated shows in television history but that would not be true--those who watch the show, critics and fans alike, cannot give it enough praise! From filming that gives it a realistic quality to its acting and superb writing (nothing on this show seems forced or unrealistic), this little show about Texas and high school football is one of the best out there! Perhaps the reason Friday Night Lights is unfortunately under the radar is because NBC does not give it the publicity it deserves and it has always been given a horrible time slot--this season it airs on Friday nights in the summer (the past couple of seasons have aired earlier on for DirecTV. These viewers only hope that it continues to get revived despite the everlooming threats of cancellation.

The most recent episode, which aired on NBC two weeks ago, was entitled "I Can't". Even if you had never watched this show before, this is definitely an episode you do not want to miss. Mika Brzezinski, an MSNBC personality and a self-professed non-television watcher, happened to turn the TV on the night that "I Can't" aired and the following Monday could not stop talking about the episode it was that profound. This episode is the prime example of why FNL is not simply another television drama, but is gritty and real.

Now, this blog is not here to talk about politics but unlike other, lesser dramas (yessss, I am referring to The Secret Life of the American Teenager), FNL takes a serious look at teenage pregnancy and all of the decisions and consequences it entails. Madison Burge plays 15-year old Becky Sproles, who finds herself pregnant after a one-night-stand. Not only is Becky young and not in love with the baby-to-be's father, she is also poor and finds herself facing the same future as her unhappy mother. Rather than simply resolve the issue at hand, this decision is a real struggle for Becky and for those wishing to help her: Tim Riggins (played by Taylor Kitsch), Tami Taylor (played by Connie Britton), the boy who got her pregnant-Luke Cafferty (Matt Lauria), and of course her mother. Regardless of your beliefs, pro-life or pro-choice, I think it is difficult to argue that FNL takes the subject of teenage pregnancy lightly.

Another issue which this quintessential episode deals with is that of addiction. Star football player at East Dillon, Vince Howard (played by Michael B. Jordan), is forced to handle his mother's substance abuse--a problem that almost gets her killed. Unfortunately for Vince, his mother is unable to go into state-sponsored rehab because there is no room and of course as is the case in many states (especially in poor areas), not enough funding. Vince, being only 16 or 17 himself, cannot continue to take care of his mother while focusing on school and football. With the help of Coach Taylor, Vince is back on track to doing well and staying out of trouble. His quest to be respectable is compromised when the cost of rehab is $4,000 upfront. Much like Becky's pregnancy, the solution to Vince's problems are not easy.

Needless to say, FNL is pretty heavy stuff. The characters and story are both things viewers can easily relate to. Although life here in Indiana or wherever you are may not be Texas high school football (which to outsiders definitely seems surreal), everyone has family issues and relationship woes. When the story, the cast (both good actors and good looking people), and everything else is in perfect sync, it makes for an awesome viewing experience. To watch "I Can't" click HERE! And be sure to watch tomorrow night's new episode, "Injury List", on NBC at 8/7 Central!

Ohhh, and one final word of warning! For those unaccustomed to Friday Night Lights, beware that it might start out slow--but keep watching! You will find yourself captivated and truly invested in these characters. There is no extra "fluff" and by the time you give it some time, you will find you don't need it anyway!

Channeling out!
Erin and Emily

(photo from Hulu)