There aren't a whole lot more ways to express just how good Friday Night Lights is -- "best drama on TV right now," maybe? And even after an episode that felt a little uneven in spots, I still sit here a little bit blown away at the quality of the writing and acting on this series.

In particular, Connie Britton has been doing Emmy-quality work these past couple of weeks. (Not that a show like this is likely to get much attention from the Emmys, but still.) Whatever Britton, whose resume before this series was tilted a little more toward comedy work, is tapping into to play Tami Taylor is something to behold.

Not that there's not a healthy dose of humor underlying things with both her and Kyle Chandler. Pretty much the entire scene where she explained to Julie that she'd be home alone with the couch-crashing Buddy was gold, including her tossed-off "Well, I think that's a terrible idea" when Julie suggested she'd rather stick pins in her eyes than hang with Buddy. Chandler capped it with his emergence from the bathroom and this line: "I heard everything your mother said. You listen to her -- she's always right."

Thanks in part to the way the show is shot, all close-ups and stolen moments, Britton and Chandler can do so much with just a tilt of the head, a little pause or a slight inflection in their voices. Case in point: the post-hospital scene with Tyra, who somewhat understandably called Tami out for prohibiting Julie from hanging out with her.

In a lot of other circumstances (i.e., not this show), Tami's lines about trying to stop the freight train that is her daughter growing up could have been incredibly cheesy. Even here, they were a little bit more saccharine than FNL usually is. But somehow, they worked. I really would like to know a little more about what Tami sees of herself in Tyra that makes her so attached to this girl.

Love troubles were pretty much everywhere on Friday Night Lights this week, from Buddy and Pam Garrity to Lyla and Jason to Smash and Waverly, who we learn is bipolar and off her meds. That last one in particular feels a little like one issue too many -- not quite sure where the show is going with that, other than having it be yet one more distraction for Smash as Dillon marches on to state.

And you can pretty well mark it down that the Panthers will make it to the finals, if only because there are four episodes left in the season. It'd be pretty hard to stretch one game week over four shows.

Besides, it also seems fairly certain that Coach's offer from TMU (what? SMU didn't want its name associated with the show?) will leak out and cause more tension in the locker room. Magnum, P.I. fan Buddy didn't seem too thrilled to hear Eric's marital advice, so I'm guessing he'll be pissed off enough to spread the word around town.

Not sure how I feel about Riggins' new little fan next door. The kid was OK, just this side of overly annoying, but I don't think I can buy into his mom (Brooke Langton) falling for a high-school kid, as the lingering looks after dinner seem to imply.

I do, however, think a little more of Drunk Lyla might be fun. And keep the Eric-and-Tami goodness coming.

Are you as knocked out by this show as I am? And if so, do you promise to tell all your friends with Nielsen boxes?

Comments

This show is top-notch in writing, acting, everything. Has there even been a bad episode, I think not! I'm a fan of Lost, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars...yada yada...and while having to listen or read about their lackluster year(s), this series doesn't show any slowing down moments yet.

Jen | Mar 1, 2007 6:58:28 AM | #

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Just about every TV critic has been praising FNL as 'one of the best' network programs of the year, and I have to agree with them. Unfortunately, I don't think this series will ever see ratings as high as CSI, Grey's Anatomy, etc. I think too many people believe it's just another teen drama, like The O.C. or One Tree Hill. I think that FNL should appeal to different age groups, since the show focuses as much on the parents/guardians as the football players/students. Let's hope NBC renews it for a second season!

Sammi | Mar 1, 2007 8:20:22 AM | #

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I only wish I knew anyone with a Nielsen box. I've made a couple of converts, but they don't have boxes either.

This is such a great show, but I agree that last night's episode wasn't quite as good as most of the others. Still, even a sub-par FNL is better than 95% of the shows on television.

Mary | Mar 1, 2007 9:01:23 AM | #

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This truly is the best dramatic series on TV right now. Hopefully a DVD release will help it pick up some fans for next season.

MikeknaJ | Mar 1, 2007 10:15:20 AM | #

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One of The best shows on TV - Character development - segment plots are outstanding - I suspect though this series will go the way of Freaks and Geeks -
outstanding actors/writing/production but a victim of the network numbers. I see it as coming back next year but that's all she wrote. Enjoy it while you can.

FNL_Fan | Mar 1, 2007 10:20:54 AM | #

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Connie Britton is turning in great work. I really like Tyra, I think she is a realistic character from the wrong side of the tracks.
I think Jason's transformation into happy paralyzed guy has been a little quick, though. The team that he was supposed to quarterback is going to State without him. He doesn't seem bitter and he isn't even following the team.

I think Coach Taylor's chat with Buddy about him being too interested in football when his life is falling apart was right on target. And I wish Landry would get more airtime.

Margie | Mar 1, 2007 12:50:40 PM | #

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Without a doubt...THE BEST show on network television right now...I just hope NBC realizes what they have here and give it a shot at a second season...Because, do we really need any more Law & Order's?

JR | Mar 1, 2007 12:56:51 PM | #

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I'm hoping NBC gets behind FNL this summer and does some kind of marathon to promote it.

OTOH, it requires more of the viewer than most shows, so it's not likely to attract the kind of fan base that less subtle shows reach.

But heck, something's gotta be on against American Idol, so bring it back next year and run it on Tuesdays at 8 starting at midseason, without reruns. A loyal fan base will give it similar ratings to anything else you'll run against Idol.

ghostwriter | Mar 1, 2007 1:54:45 PM | #

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FNL is great. I love the shaky-cam. I heard it's the second most expensive to produce show NBC has and I can see why. Yes, more Landry. More Buddy Garrity, too.

LISA | Mar 1, 2007 6:05:03 PM | #

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FINALLY, NBC is turning things around with their programming. This year has been great at the peacock, with such great shows as FNLs, 30 Rock, Hero's, and returning favorites, The Office, SVU and ER. I admit I do like Idol and a few other shows on other networks, but bravo to NBC who has brought quality programming back to TV

Gregg | Mar 1, 2007 7:23:07 PM | #

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best drama on tv... hahaha, good one.

Name | Mar 2, 2007 12:25:22 AM | #

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I would have to disagree. I think the show is just OK. It is still kind of a teen drama in my eyes. I gave it a try and with too many other quality programs on TV I stopped watching it. Besides, its ratings are terrible. Who knows how much longer it will be on TV past this season.

Tom | Mar 2, 2007 7:00:36 AM | #

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Actually, it was already picked up for a second season quite a while ago. If i remember correctly, about december. and it IS the best show on tv. Now that the oc is gone, i think nbc should try and get those viwers to ncb. Nbc has a gem on their hands, lets hope they dont ruin it

David Basilio | Mar 2, 2007 8:50:34 AM | #

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Another awesome episode!! Connie Britton delivers another awesome performance. Please NBC DO NOT GIVE UP ON THIS SHOW!!

STEVE O | Mar 2, 2007 11:26:24 AM | #

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It really is the best show on tv. I totally agree that Connie and Kyle both deserve Emmys. They are my favorite tv couple EVER!

BTW, I am 45 years old and I have never known anyone with a Nielsen box. Do they really exist?

Dee | Mar 2, 2007 5:25:01 PM | #

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Watching how Eric and Tami get along together warms my heart! My favorite scene: he goes to her for advice, at school, about Smash. "I want to talk to the school counselor. ...my wife ...Is there anyone else?" And managing dead-pan humor in a situation that was painful to him was genius. Kudos to Kyle and the writers!

For Lisa or anyone else: Why is the show expensive? Outdoor shots? They contribute a lot to its authenticity.

merryess | Mar 4, 2007 8:54:01 AM | #

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You are right on the mark about FNL - best show out their.

Why is NBC not promoting this show more? If it was on any other network it would be a top rated show.

What gives NBC? - promote, promote, promote.

Petrina | Mar 4, 2007 9:21:31 AM | #

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FNL was not aired last night (March 14) in our area. What is going on? I thought that a new episode was coming last night. Dateline was on instead. I just hope it will be back next week.

fan in nc | Mar 15, 2007 6:45:52 AM | #

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This is a wonderful show! My husband and I are in our 50s and we wouldn't miss it. I know nothing about football and didn't think I would get into it, but it really is not about the footbale team! The high school sport is only the vehicle to bring all these great characters together. Each character is so well developed that the show is great no matter which characters are portrayed each episode. We love it and hope it comes back for a second season. Don't forget, some of the biggest and longest-running shows started off slowly, but picked up a huge following when given a little time. Give the people what they want...give the show a chance!

Lyn | Mar 15, 2007 11:03:18 AM | #

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Love Friday night lights. Even watch the reruns. with all the reality shows & what not it is refreshing to watch this show. Please don't cancel Friday night Lights.

Thank you

Patricia Freeman | Mar 24, 2007 4:53:40 PM | #

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Friday Night Lights is the best show on TV. Great acting, great story line and great characters. Peter Berg is a talented professional and I hope that we see FNL on the calendar for next year. We have enough reality shows, it's about time there is quality TV. Thanks NBC

AAA | Mar 29, 2007 10:29:20 AM | #

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Friday Night Lights is the best show on TV. Great acting, great story line and great characters. Peter Berg is a talented professional and I hope that we see FNL on the calendar for next year. We have enough reality shows, it's about time there is quality TV. Thanks NBC

AAA | Mar 29, 2007 10:30:11 AM | #

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LOVE this show- please bring it back next season!!!

sarah | Apr 15, 2007 10:15:57 AM | #

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