{television} friday night lights; season one (2006)

In rural Texas, there's not much in life that matters more than high school football -- a point this series drives home searingly as it chronicles the ups and downs of a team that carries the heart and soul of its town on its players' backs. First-time coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter) lead a stellar team, but the pressure is enormous in this drama adapted from the hit movie of the same name.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** (Actually 3.5) At first this show bugged the heck out of me. The kids seemed somewhat vapid and empty. I mean, the characters in the show didn't have much depth at first, but the show eventually grew on me and I really started to enjoy it. I guess I was just expecting more from a show that's been getting so much attention. I guess the things that bothered me the most were how stupid the kids seemed at first over such a stupid game. I mean, come on, throwing rocks through the opposing team's coach's window, destroying their opposing team's quarterback's car, all over a stupid game. Get a life! Ignorant, no-life rednecks. Why don't they educate themselves instead of putting all their dreams into one basket. I just remember the movie having more depth and not being so damn frustrating. However, as I said, the show grew on me. The storylines are decent. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are amazing, but it took me awhile to really get into the characters and the young actors who portray them. That being said, Scott Porter and Taylor Kitsch are cute as hell. I have to give the show much respect for their best episodes of the season, "Blinders" and "Black Eyes and Broken Hearts" the racism episodes. Jae Head, as little Bo Miller, Tim Riggins new neighbor's son, is adorable and was totally me as a kid.