Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Cant't Lose
Way back in 2008, I discovered a TV show that I would faithfully watch all the way until the series concluded last week. This post, which I wrote at the time I unearthed this gem, doesn't even do justice to the show and I never really followed up on it. With the series now over, except for the April re-air of the last season on NBC, it seems like a good time to reflect and explore the best thing on TV that most people are probably unaware of.
From the very first episode until the very last scene, FNL takes your emotions on a mind-bending, soul-shattering roller coaster ride. On countless occasions , I found myself either Tiger Woods fist-pumping or getting misty eyed. The show did almost everything perfectly. The characters are so real, so easy to relate to and associate with yourself or some one you know. The acting, writing and directing are of the utmost quality and the score is breathtaking at times.
The show is a drama. It's also about high school football, about growing up and relationships. Its about life and it doesn't pull any punches. Seriously this show is not for the faint of heart as it will put you through the ringer. You will experience higher highs and lower lows than you would think a TV show would be possible of creating. I think that's a big reason why the show never really achieved mainstream success despite its critical acclaim. Most people just want mindless and empty entertainment out of a TV show. While FNL is certainly entertaining and laugh out loud funny at times, its also very heavy and deep.
The show ran for 5 seasons. if I had to rank them it would be as follows: 1, 5, 3, 4, 2. Season 1 is simply amazing and practically flawless. Season 2 has two major issues that make it the weakest of the five; the writers strike that happened that year an an ill advised story line that substantially derailed the first half of the season. Season 3 was brilliant in the sense that it rectified all the wrongs of the 2nd season, was gripping in its own right and set the stage for future seasons despite the fact know one knew if there would be more seasons. Season 4 saw a departure of the majority of the characters from the first 3 seasons and an influx of new ones. Season 5, while being the last season, is only rivaled by the first season in terms of greatness.
The center piece of the show is the Taylor family, specifically the relationship of husband and wife, Eric and Tammie Taylor. Essentially, the entire show flows through the two of them (a fact that is more fully embraced starting in Season 3), though there are many many other characters who play prominent roles in the show. Without the Taylor's however, this show would not be what it is and if you watch it you'll understand what I mean. They have a daughter, Julie, who also plays a major role in the series and provides many an interesting moment. I don't want to divulge really any other info about the cast and I'm not going to get into any story lines or anything else. My goal here is to get people to go watch.
The first 4 seasons are available on DVD and season 5 will be out on DVD in April plus its airing on NBC starting April 15th. If you haven't seen any episodes or season before, I really wouldn't recommend starting with the last season as your first experience because you won't have the proper perspective about anything. Go buy or Netflix the series. Its worth the time and you'll thank me when it totally consumes your life.
