With ABC Family’s GREEK and HBO’s Entourage off the air for a number of months, I’ve turned my attention to a different television series. This one involves the sport of American football.
While the Hilltoppers don’t play a home game until the end of October, this member of Elson’s Entourage can support another team from the living room.
Friday Night Lights returns to NBC for a second season starting on Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. central time. Last season, the fictional Dillon Panthers won the Texas football state championship under the guidance of Coach Eric Taylor, who strangely resembles Hilltopper coach David Elson without the red towel in his back pocket.
The drama already had 22 episodes broadcasted and earned positive reviews and awards. Character and storyline development are strong points of the series, and the show also deals with a variety of issues from alcoholism and academic stress to racism, parental abandonment and the use of performance enhancers.
The show also boasts remarkable acting from many cast members. Kyle Chandler has had notable performances as Coach Taylor, but the character has the most depth on the show. Chandler has to play a coach, father and community mediator. Players from his team have been accused of assault, lying to school officials and infidelity. He must also be aware of his role of father of his high school daughter Julie, who is played by Aimee Teegarden.
Jesse Plemons plays Landry Clarke, the best friend of the reluctant star quarterback Matt Saracen. Plemons has ties to another football project, Varsity Blues. Some feel Plemons could be the next Matt Damon, but his ramblings in the show are enough to warrant a viewing.
Last season, Scott Porter had the task of playing Jason Street, the former star quarterback who was tragically injured and left paralyzed from the midsection down to his legs. While in the hospital and later a rehabilitation center, Street is visited by his unfaithful cheerleader girlfriend Lyla Garrity, who is played by Minka Kelly. Kelly will star in the film “The Kingdom” later this month with Chandler.
FNL returns next Friday for the premiere. Mark your calendar and believe the hype.
The opinions expressed in this commentary do not reflect those of the Herald or the university.
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