FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Returns to its Glory

(The following contain minor spoilers for tonight’s episode so stop reading if you don’t want to know)

Tonight is the first of the final three remaining new episodes of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. If you were one of those people who felt FNL had lost its way at times during the season, be prepared to be reminded of the glory of yesteryear (or at least last season), because I’ve seen these next two episodes and they are some of the best we’ve ever seen (especially next week’s episode which left me in uncontrollably sobbing).

You know how I roll – I don’t like spilling the beans too much and ruining the fun for everyone else, but that doesn’t mean I won’t tease you a bit to get you excited for tonight’s episode, titled “Humble Pie” airing at 9/8c on NBC.

It seems that many of our friends in Dillon, TX have made some decisions that have led to rather surprising consequences – some good, some bad, and some that are just unexpected.

For Brian “Smash” Williams, his decision to let the temper get the best of him at the movie theater has consequences more far reaching than I’m sure he ever imagined – the least of which is being led out of his house in handcuffs while a confused and pleading Momma Smash looks on. Smash struggles with his pride versus making this matter go away, but when his emotions once again take over he finds himself facing consequences that unfortunately might have a lasting effect.

Sometimes it’s as if Tim Riggins can’t wake up in the morning without dealing with the fallout of his life decisions. Whether it’s the hangover from the boozing the night before, the decision to steal money from his meth-dealing ex-roommate, or his past treatment of Lyla – Riggins seems to always be looking for a do over. Despite his rough (and extremely hot) exterior, we all know that inside Tim Riggins is a scared little kid who was abandoned by his parents and is out to prove to the world that the doesn’t need anyone. But this season we’ve seen Tim grow and reach out to people with a sincere vulnerability that makes his struggles all that more sad. Riggins is a good guy that, like his teammate Smash, makes bad decisions in the moment. But he’s trying to do better and be better. And I think Tim thinks salvation lies in Lyla Garrity. He’s hellbent on righting his wrongs and getting her back into his life. And if that means Tim Riggins needs to cook chicken and buy flowers, than so be it. But how much rejection can one kid take before he just gives up…perhaps more than we give Tim credit for.

Over at the Taylor’s, Tami reluctantly agrees to help out Eric by taking over as head coach for the flailing girl’s volleyball team. Tami taking to the court led to some of the funniest scenes of the episode, especially after she recruits Tyra to play on the team. But it seems that Julie is less than thrilled about the amount of time her mother is spending with the team, and especially Tyra. In typical Julie fashion, there’s a lot of snarky comments and rolling of the eyes – ah teenagers.

Speaking of Ms. Collette. Her pretty little blonde head starts to turn green with jealousy when Landry starts spending time with a new girl, Jean. Landry and Jean find an instant kinship in their love of alternative grunge rock music and obscure movies. Despite all of Tyra’s passive aggressive moves to insert herself smack in the middle of these two, they really seem to hit it off – which leaves Tyra hurt and confused. Has Tyra finally realized what she missed out on in Landry Clarke, or is she just in it for the chase?

And finally, ladies and gentlemen, we have the return of #6 himself…JASON STREET!!! It’s been a while since we’ve seen more than just a cameo from Jason, and tonight he actually has his own storyline. Frustrated and defeated over what life has offered him, Jason takes Buddy up on a job offer and becomes a new salesman at Garrity Motors (is there no where else in Dillon that is hiring. Is everyone going to work at Garrity Motors at some point?). Jason’s excitement over his first day dissipates rather quickly when he learns that his co-workers are less than thrilled not only to have another salesmen on board, but also a former worshiped Dillon Panther who is now in a wheelchair. Street tries his best but keeps running into walls (well not literally…bad wheelchair joke? Yeah, sorry). A few inspiring words from Buddy helps to turn things around and Jason thinks he may have found his niche (and the writers may have found an actual storyline for Jason Street).

So that’s a lot to take in, but believe me, I didn’t even scratch the surface of what you’ll be seeing tonight. And as I said before, as good as tonight’s episode is, get ready for next week’s emotionally draining (yet at times absolutely hysterical) episode. It’s a doozy.

Is anyone excited to watch?