Friday Night Lights

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Very strong episode last night. Caught myself getting a little teary eyed a few times. The episode wasn't so much about different stories this week. It was more about how much it meant for the team to get to State. And how much the main characters have grown in the past 2 years (3 seasons). And the sub plot about the McCoys aided that plot line.

One of the great stories was about Tyra, and Landry. Tyra was working on her college essay and Landry ended up helping her. And the way that developed, and the way the final product came out was just outstanding. When you have a show, any show, with growing kids in it you have to deal with the fact that they are growing up. You can choose to ignore it (which is how sitcoms normally handle it). Or you address it. And one of the things that FNL did in this episode was point out how much they have had the characters grow and change. And Tyra is a prime example. One of the first stories about her was her getting picked up in a diner by some sleazy salesman with a story of 'I'll get you out of here'. And now she is the strong, mostly self assured young woman.

They chose a very interesting tack to deal with the same thing with Matt. His grandmother walks in on him discussing going to art school with his Mom. At first she freaks out a little and pulls the traditional fear driven: 'you can't go there and leave me, who would care for me?'. But later on she is talking with Julie and in a lucid moment start to realize the Matt has grown up, and does want to be an artist. And makes the statement that she doesn't want to hold him back. Again there is a realization that Matt is and has grown up.

The McCoy story is a splendid counter point. Eric and Tammy realize that they have to call DHS to report a parent striking their child. And the resultant fall out shows J.D.'s immaturity, he is just a scared freshman after all. And also Joe's immaturity as well, he's not going to let Eric get away with this humiliation.

Which of course leads into what happens at State. J.D. displays his youth and inexperience with how he handles pressure. Leading to 2 big interceptions returned for touchdowns, resulting in a big halt time deficit. And Eric turns to his Senior leaders: Matt and Riggins (with some help from Landry). And they lead a magnificent comeback to take the lead. Only to have the game snatched away with a last second field goal.

One of the comments Kim made at the end was: "one of the things about this show is they don't always win". And this is so true and what makes the show so outstanding. Because then the people have to deal with the reality of you can't win them all. But you can learn from adversity and grow. And that is what this episode was all about: growth.

Of course there will be repercussions from the failure to win (although no one thought they would) and the benching of J.D.. You can be sure that Joe McCoy won't let his humiliation (which he brought on himself) and his son's humiliation (again brought on himself) go unpunished. It should be interesting how it all turns out.