Friday Night Lights by Kyler Kring

            “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose” is the motto repeated several times throughout the seasons of Friday Night Lights. It’s mostly said by Coach Taylor before football games to motivate his players to use their hearts to play to their fullest potential. You can also apply this statement to anything in life, not just sports, which is why any high schooler could relate to this show. Friday Night Lights is a very emotional show that covers all the aspects of life that everyone goes through.

            The show takes place in a small town in Texas called Dillon. It’s a fictional town where everyone knows everyone, so everything gets around. Football is probably the most important thing in this area. Friday’s are the most important day of the week, not because it is the start of weekend, but because that is when the football games are. The Dillon Panthers are expected to be the best team in the state, but when one of their best players goes down with an injury, no one is sure if they can continue with their previous level of success. The main question the town is asking is: will the back-up quarterback, Matt Saracen, be able to lead this team to greatness?

         Although you may not be a big fan of football, that does not mean you wouldn’t love the show. The actors who play the characters are very talented and make the games easy to understand. There are also other elements to this show besides football like romance and the problems the characters may face in their home life. The main love interest is between Julie Taylor, the coach’s daughter, and Matt, the new quarterback. This relationship makes for some very awkward but funny conversations. It is surprising how well the actors seem to get along and make the show feel so realistic, as if it’s actually happening.

            The chemistry between the characters is phenomenal and is what keeps the show fresh for so long. With continuously new concepts arising in the show, nothing seems to get stale. The writers for this show have obviously done a fantastic job with creating an original setting while still making it feel like home. It is extremely relatable as well. There are many situations where characters go through something that the viewer could easily relate to. These can range from various things like learning to drive or studying for the ACT. The characters' different ages and situations make all of them unique in their own way.

            Overall, Friday Night Lights is an amazing and relatable drama that has an abundance of positive aspects with minimal flaws. The characters develop well as they grow up throughout the seasons. The show will continue to appeal to young adults for years to come. Friday Night Lights is an essential viewing for everyone regardless if you are a fan of football or not. It is a must-see.

Go here to view another blog with similar content:
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2012/feb/13/friday-night-lights