The Duster Today

Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: www.nbc.com/Friday_Night_Lights Chandler (right) and Britton play crucial roles in TV series.

There is so much trash on television these days that I hardly ever turn mine on. Basically my six-inch flat screen is there to accommodate the DVD player, which I use excessively. The silver screen is full of so called "stars" that got their start by eating bugs or dating a rich attractive man. This bugs me. Yes, there are some high caliber series' out there - "House," "The Office," and "30 Rock" - are my favorites, but most of the others can leave my TV for good. There is one series, however, that I love, nay, adore. Late last semester I was supposed to be writing a massive 15-page research paper for a certain professor, so I did what I did best - I procrastinated. Instead of opening books, I pushed the power button on my remote and found myself at the start of a little show called "Friday Night Lights." After that full hour was up, tears were streaming down my face. I cry pretty easily, but never have I cried during a prime-time television series. This one, my friends, got me from the get go. That episode I saw was the fantastic season finale, and since that day I have been hooked. "Friday Night Lights" takes place in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas. A small, West Texas town that lives and breathes football, as most towns in West Texas are wont to do. Coach Eric Taylor (played by the phenomenally good-looking, and terrific actor Kyle Chandler) plays the head coach of the Dillon Panthers, a team struggling after their star quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter) gets paralyzed during the first game of the season, and coincidentally during the first episode. Street was their meal ticket to the state game, but now all hope seems lost. The future of the season lies in the hands of young Matt Saracen (the adorable Zach Gilford), the likes of who has never in his life taken a snap on the gridiron. This little show, however, does not only revolve around football. In fact, football takes a backseat most of the time. The most compelling stories are those of the players and the stresses they go through; Saracen being the man of the house and caring for his Alzheimer's ridden grandma while his dad is over fighting in Iraq; coach Taylor and his wife (the fantastic Connie Britton) and daughter Julie (cute Aimee Teegarden), who make up the greatest family ever portrayed on TV, and the town folk, who are just plain football obsessed. Filmed in Austin, the simplistic beauty that is Texas drapes each episode. The chords of beautiful Texas' "indie rock" strum in the background and continually bring me to tears. The series is shot much like a documentary, the whole shaky camera and close up expressions. I love it! It works because you feel a part of the team, and the whole experience in general. Out of the 22 episodes last season, I cried in all but a handful of them. The acting is superb, the storylines are true and brilliant, and the chemistry between Chandler and Britton is one of a kind. The cheesy dialogue and inarticulate teens make this show different from others like it. I mean, these are real teens, with real problems, and they handle them brilliantly. Nothing seems too contrived and unrealistic, much like the case of "The OC" or "The Hills." I hate to get too specific, but these teens go through a lot … I mean a lot. I think what makes this show work is most definitely the ensemble cast. While Chandler is the primary player, he is not in every scene, and that is a blessing. We really get to know these characters and love them in a very unnatural and unhealthy way. Last year's TV catchphrase was "save the cheerleader, save the world." This year it should be "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," which is the motto of the Dillon Panthers. That phrase should be spoken in our everyday vernacular and, even today, I want to yell that at any high school football game I attend. I also find myself obsessing over the fictional season as many obsess over their favorite teams. So, before the new season starts (October 5th at 9 p.m. on NBC) please go out and rent the DVD's (or buy them), or go to NBC.com and watch the entire first season for free, well unless you are paying for the rental fee. Or, contact me and I'll lend you my already worn copy. Spread the word on one of the best seasons in the history of television. My only slight complaint about season one: too many dramatic football game finishes (but hey, they worked!), Jason Street and the whole quad rugby storyline, and the fact that I did not find this gem until the season was over. Other than that, it was pure cinematic genius through and through. "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!"

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