'Friday Night' Divisions

One of the greatest things about Friday Night Lights is its realism.  The show prides itself on it and its small, but devout, audience praises it.  And one of the greatest aspects of its realism is the relationship between Tami and Eric.  What couple hasn't fought over money?  And what spouse hasn't "forgotten" to tell the other (the one who keeps the books) about a check they wrote (or a check card transaction), and consequently, messed up the other person's budgeting?  We've all been there.  But in this case, Eric didn't so much forget about the $3000 check he wrote to Under Armour for new team uniforms (after burning the old ones in a symbolic gesture), he just sorta-kinda failed to mention it to Tami.  Probably because he knew it would illicit the exact reaction it did, and frankly, Tami was completely justified.  And in a nod to the beautiful complexity of this show, so was Eric.  The Taylors have a very good relationship, so after discussing the matter further (and when Eric was a bit more sober), Tami wound up supporting Eric's decision.

Unfortunately, things weren't quite as honky-dorey on the East Dillon Lions' sidelines.



But hey, at least they finished the game this week.  And scored a touchdown!  But, the team has to come together and gel if they want to start winning some games.  Right now, they're letting their differences and their egos divide them.  In the case of Luke Cafferty, he's allowing his incessant need for constant stroking and pats on the back from Coach get in his way of being a fantastic player at East.  He did seem to finally get it at the end (after a house call from Coach Taylor).  Can I just say, again, how much I'm loving Riggins helping out Coach Taylor and the Lions??!!  Best idea of the season!

Meanwhile, it seems that Crazy Artist is helping Matt while Julie may be holding him back.  Ultimately, if art makes Matt happy, and it seemed there at the end that it does when he had that "Ah ha!" moment with the sculpture, then staying in Dillon isn't the best option for him.  But, Julie is in Dillon and will be for at least the remainder of the school year.  It's the classic dilemma of whether to follow your heart or your inner drive to pursue your dream.  Some times, the two are congruent, but most of the time they are not.  Matt will have to decide, but something tells me that Julie may decide for him.  I think Crazy Artist had a bigger impact on her than Matt realizes.  Whatever happens, this show is sure to make is realistic and well-written.

Friday Night Lights is all-new and commercial-free Wednesday nights on DirecTV's 101. The fourth season will be seen in its entirety next year on NBC.