At the beginning of summer, I finally started watching the TV series Friday Night Lights, starting from the first episode of Season 1. Just this week, I finished the last episode of the fifth and final season; 76 episodes in about 2 months. As cheesy as it sounds, this show has become a part of me. On the surface, it seems like a typical TV show about football, high school, and more football. But let me tell you, it is so much more. Every single character is fighting a long list of struggles: paralysis, drug abuse, prison, jealousy, murder, unrequited love, false accusations, lost family members, long distance relationships, affairs, divorce, budget cuts, college, unexpected pregnancies, you name it. But the thing is, you grow to love each and every character despite their problems. With every episode, you root for their success more and more. At first, I despised Tim Riggins, the long-haired alcoholic football star who slept with everyone and didn't seem to care about anything or anyone. But so much changed. We eventually got to see the loving, sympathetic, selfless Tim Riggins. The guy who voluntarily went to jail for his brother's wrongdoings. The guy who put his life on hold to go to Mexico with Jason for his surgery. The guy who acted like a father figure to little Bo. The guy who saved Julie's life during the hurricane. The guy who helped Becky when she had no one else to turn to. Tim Riggins is now one of my favorite characters. Friday Night Lights depicts the good in everyone. It lets you see the vulnerable, kind-hearted side of people. No matter how harsh or manipulative they may seem, everyone has a good side. Everyone. You just have to be willing to look past their tough skin and give them a chance. This show brought me to tears countless times, and watching the final episode was like reading the last page of your favorite book or eating the last cookie in the jar; I didn't want it to end. My life is forever changed after watching this show. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Texas forever.
The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post about the final montage in the last episode. Took the words right outta my mouth:
"I loved every thing about the show’s final moments.
I loved that we never saw the completion of the play that won the East Dillon Lions its state championship.
I love the song they used in the montage, Delta Spirit’s "Devil Knows You’re Dead."
I loved that Vince became QB for the Dillon Panthers, Coach Spivey, an African-American, became the coach of the once racially divided team, Billy Riggins got to be an assistant coach, Tinker landed on the team and Buddy Garrity was zooming around the field in a golf cart (suck on that, Joe McCoy), reminding everyone that “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” All was right with the world on the superteam.
I loved, even though it broke my heart, that Luke Cafferty joined the service and left his championship ring in the hands of his sweetheart Becky.
I loved that Matt and Julie found their own Chicago, together.
I loved that Jess was still working toward her coaching dream, with clipboard in hand.
I loved that Jason Street’s name remained scrawled on the locker room walls at Dillon High.
I loved that Tim and Billy Riggins were building a house together even though I have zero faith that it will actually be up to code.
I loved that Eric was molding men in the home of our Founding Fathers, but not quite ready to rely on familiar catch phrases. “Clear eyes, full hearts ... we’ll deal with that later.” Perfect.
And I loved that the last shot of this fine, fine series was of Eric and Tami Taylor on a football field, partners, always. Who the hell was watching Gracie Bell? Who cares?
Out go the lights."
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/friday-night-lights-the-final-farewell-a-champion-finale-in-always/2011/07/15/gIQAcD86GI_blog.html)
Did you watch Friday Night Lights? Who was your favorite character and why?
xx Kristin
P.S. I aspire to have the relationship that Eric and Tami Taylor had. Epitome of a perfect marriage.
