When the show ended last year, Dillon Panthers Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) departed after his first season as coach, and took a cushy job at a college. His pregnant wife Tami (Connie Britton) and perpetually annoyed daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) stayed behind, as did the members of his former team. They're all dealing with the loss of their old coach, and getting used to a new coach. The new leader's style doesn't sit well with everyone. The usually sweet-tempered quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) is particularly upset, since it seems he'll be playing second fiddle to running back Brian "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) in the coming season.
Now, this might not sound like compelling stuff, but "Lights" is so incredibly well-made -- from the big-screen quality photography to the subtle, compelling performances -- that it begs your attention.
The acting is particularly wonderful. Chandler and Britton make a terrific husband and wife -- tender yet bickering, their interactions are so authentic that, if these actors weren't so recognizable from stints on other TV shows, you'd think this was a documentary. The young actors are great as well, and it's a testament to the show's terrific writing that every actor is given a three-dimensional character to play. In fact, three of my favorite characters exist on the show's sidelines -- Saracen's best buddy Landry (Jesse Plemons), former cheerleader Lyla Garrity (Mika Kelly) and trashy yet vulnerable "bad girl" Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki).
Landry is particularly vivid, and reminds of sort of a live-action Bobby Hill. He's gawky and awkward, yet convinced he can win the love of the beautiful Tyra. Look for more interactions between the two of them this season, particularly following a shocking plot twist in this week's premiere.
"Friday Night Lights" is terrific television, and I'm thrilled that NBC is giving it a chance to find an audience. So please, please check it out.