The Morning After: John from Cincinnati Milwaukee

I buy the May-September angle to FNL, simply on the grounds that Dillon's whole identity is so wrapped-up in these high school football players that the adults are bound to be a bit out-of-whack in their relationships with them.

As for Julie's new teacher (did I read correctly that his character's name is Noah Bennett - as in HRG from Heroes?), I think the story fits the character. Julie has always had a love-hate relationship with Dillon and football culture (hardly a surprise, given it's impact on her life), and a young, liberal-type teacher might reach out to another kindred spirit in his class, even if the relationship is ultimately inappropriate (where the show is clearly going here).

As for Matt and Carlotta, I guess I buy that one too....she's not that much older (could be 19 or 20?), and with her living there, they have so much contact that it's hardly surprising sparks might start to fly.

The best storyline, though, continues to be the tragic story of Riggins....kicked off the team, kicked out of his house by his brother dating his former older lady love interest, kicked out by Tyra because she doesn't want the entanglement (not to mention Tim hitting on her stripper sister), and now living with a fat shirtless dude with ferrets - let's just say that Tim needs to get back on the team in a BAD way. Getting a little "religion" in the form of Lyla wouldn't be a bad idea, either...

Still, FNL continues to deliver. And in one of the most unintended benefits of the strike, FNL's improvisational style and low cost production may HELP FNL down the stretch...FNL has FAR more new episodes than any other network drama in the can, and thus will finish about 15 episodes, I believe, before they run out. If the strike continues too long, FNL might actually be a winner....that is, if NBC figures out how to market it.

(Wow, a whole FNL post WITHOUT mentioning the awesome acting of Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler ("don't you whisper-yell at me")? See...this show is phenomenal!)

My father has more Big and Huge for Friday Night Lights

I'm pretty sure that the teacher's last name is Barnett, which I remember because that's also the last name of the guy Shane West was playing last year on ER, and Nichols looks an awful lot like him. My question about him is: NYT J school to Milwaukee to Dillon High School? Really? How'd that happen?

I just want to say a quick thank you to James, Chaddogg, and anyone else who has mentioned FNL on this blog. After reading all the positive mentions, I had to go see for myself what all the fuss was about. I watched the first season in about two weeks and I have to say it surpassed even my highest expectations. I love it. Amazing. So thanks and keep those great recommendations coming!

"Don't you whisper-yell at me"

Yes!! I heard that line, and it just reminded of how real this show is. I'm not married, but I can imagine many a husband I know saying that, and many a wife whisper yelling. It's these little bits of real life, easily missed, that make this show such a gem.

I think the teacher's name was Noah Barrett, unless I heard it wrong. I do hope the relationship between Julie and Noah B. stays in the realm of mentor-student and doesn't develop a romantic aspect. It just seems a bit stupid to me, just after Julie stopped things with the Swede after realizing an older guy, however exciting he might seem, wasn't such a great option for her.

As a whole, though, I'm being pleasantly surprised by season 2, after being completely thrown by the season premiere. I still think the murder was a totally unnecessary plot point, but at least they're dealing with it in a reasonably skilled way.