“Texas Forever” and “Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.” are the two phrases that come to mind when someone mentions Friday Night Lights, aka the best show in existence. These sentences are what epitomizes the show and are spoken all the time throughout the series. The characters have so much pride for their team, the Dillon Panthers, and their state and it is admirable.
Friday Night Lights lasted for five phenomenal seasons and unfortunately that’s it. There are days when I wish “Texas Forever” was true and that would mean my favorite show would be on air until the day I die but that isn’t the case. The characters on the show aren’t just characters, they are real people with real stories that you get invested in. I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I call the people of Dillon, Texas my friends and I firmly believe that they really do exist. The show was well written and had a great cast, but these are a few reasons as to why the show is great.
1. Coach Taylor
Coach Taylor is a motivational speech genius and knows exactly what to say and when to say it. He is a great father to Julie when she needs parental support, he is an outstanding coach on and off the field, and is always there for his players. He’s the one that starts the “Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.” chant after his locker room speech and before the team moves out to the field while slapping the Panther “P” on the wall.
2. Tami Taylor
Tami Taylor, Coach Taylor’s wife, is the back bone to the show. Wise beyond her years, Tami becomes the guidance counselor and helps Tyra Collette change her life around and get into a good college. She is a great person to talk to whenever a problem arises and always has a answer ready. Connie Britton, who plays Tami, has flawless hair too so there’s that as well. Tami Taylor is hair and person goals.
3. Relationships
The relationships in this show are all over the place. There are best friendships, marriages, work relationships, parent/child relationships and everything in between. Tami and Eric Taylor are the best television parents in the game and have a very strong relationship. They support one another, even if it they don’t agree at first or are stubborn. They work it out and pull through in the end. All of the romantic relationships are to die for adorable but Tami and Eric are actual relationship goals.
4. Football
The heart and soul of Dillon, Texas is football and the Dillon Panthers. Every single person in the town is a die-hard Panthers fan and counts down the days towards Friday when the whole town gets together to support the football team. It also helps that the team is led by Eric Taylor and the team does well– they’ve gone to “State” and won.
5. The Boys
The players on the Panthers are something else, and almost makes you think about why your high school football team didn’t have as many attractive players as this team. Jason Street is the first quarterback but an injury prevents him from playing. Tim Riggins is the local bad boy that everyone loves to hate, but has a hard time because behind the long hair and delinquent attitude, he has a heart of gold. Matt Saracen is the boy next door who does it all– he takes care of his grandmother by himself all while balancing school, a job, and being the next quarterback after Street. Those are just three of the many heartthrobs this show has to offer.
(Pictured left to right: Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins, Gaius Charles as Brian “Smash” Williams”, Scott Porter as Jason Street, and Zach Gilford as Matt Saracen)
Even though Friday Night Lights may be over, it will always be one of the best shows TV has ever produced because of the storylines, the interpersonal relationships and all the football. I may be from Massachusetts, but Texas has a special place in my heart because of this show. Always remember Collegiettes, “Full eyes. Clears hearts. Can’t lose.”