Back in December, I mentioned that Matt and I had begun to watch Friday Night Lights. Well, the trend continued and now, 9 months later, we have only one episode of the series left to view.
Seriously? This piece of television entertainment is gold. The storyline is good, the characters are real and believe able...here's a little more background on all my Friday Night Light peeps!
Eric and Tami Taylor. The most real husband and wife on television. Their devotion and honesty with one another mirrors real life wonderfully. And some of the comments that they make to one another in general conversation crack me up.
Buddy Garrety. A car lot owner, football booster for the Dillon Panthers turned East Dillon Lions supporter who owns a bar. Father to Lyla Garrety. He becomes more like able as the series progresses. First he's slimy, then he's sweet. Kind of like a sour patch kid only the slimy part is different. Nevermind.
Julie Taylor. Eric and Tami's daughter. She gives the impression that she's not from Texas. She also gives the impression that she has no interest in dating football players. That all changes when Matt Saracen goes for her. She's smart and attractive, but her attitude upon arrival of Gracie Belle leaves much to be desired. And for having such wonderful parents, she sure can be a brat at times. I'm allowed to have a crush on Tim Riggins because my husband has a crush on Julie Taylor. For that, I guess she's alright.
Matt Saracen. Bench warmer turned star quarter back, this teenager has a lot of responsibility. He fights a lot of demons throughout the series, but does it in a like able way. I was sad to see him move to Chicago when he did, but somehow knew that wouldn't be the last I saw of him.
Jason Street. Original star quarterback turned quadriplegic. He dates Lyla for a time, but they eventually end things. Jason's journey is actually one that is very uplifting, though there are Debbie Downer times. And his friendship with Tim Riggins melted my heart on more than one occasion.
Lyla Garrety. Not my favorite, though she grew on me as time passed. The character development of Lyla was entertaining. I think that overall though, she was a little whiney hiney at times.
Landry Clark. AKA Lance to Coach. He adds some humor to the mix. A nerd, turned star kicker, you find yourself rooting for the guy. More so than any other character, really. Also, can this kid ever catch a break with the ladies???? Geez!
Brian "Smash" Williams. A kid from the wrong side of the tracks who hopes like hell that football will be the thing to take him places. His hopes pay off, but not after some trials and tribulations. I would expect nothing less!
Tyra Collette. She's one of my favorites. First, she's totally gorgeous. Second, she ends the stripper white trash cycle with hard work and determination. The only thing I would change is how badly she treated Landry. Homegirl should have wised up and let the good guy finish first for once.
Vince Howard. A thug who participates in the football program to keep out of trouble. It changes his whole life. I was not a fan when first introduced to this character, but that slowly changed. His story is heart wrenching, and you find a certain pride watching him turn things around.
Jess Merriweather. This chick is cool. She is raising her brothers, loves football, and has a thing for Vince. Coach takes her under his wing as a shadow. She wants to be a coach someday. Her and Vince end up together, and that's a sweet relationship.
Luke Cafferty. My Tim Riggins Jr. He's sweet, he's polite, he's Southern. And he's a damn good football player. I was so glad when he and Becky hooked up, and ultimately worked things out. I hope my will be son turns out like Luke.
Becky Sproles. A Tyra Jr. She is introduced because Tim ends up renting a trailer from her mom. They strike up a friendship, and Timmy helps her through some stuff. You can very much see that Becky just wants a place to be loved, and she ends up finding it in the most unlikely of places.
Billy and Mindy Riggins. They become more a part of the story as the show gets "older". Seemingly white trash in the beginning, they grow up to be a decent married couple. Taking care of Becky upon Tim's request makes them incredibly like able, especially Mindy who has more Momma Bear in her than I thought possible.
And, saving the best for last....
Tim Riggins. Swoooooooooon.....from the beginning there was just something about him. He has everything you could ever want in a good television character - plus he's hot. And making him even more like able is that given life circumstances that aren't the best, he really is a good guy. Someone you could fall in love with or someone who you know you could be friends with for the rest of your life.
Honestly? I want to move to Texas and make Matt become the coach of a high school football team.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
If you have seen this, please do. I promise you won't be disappointed.
