Friday Night Lights - "I Knew You When"

My first reaction to the FNL season premiere was I NEED MORE! Why couldn't we have a 4 hour - 2 night event like "24" had? I mean it has been a year...

Here are some of the highlights of the premiere episode:

1) Tami Taylor is the new principle of the high school. A step up (or down - depending on your point of view) from the school counselor job she has held in seasons past. This job will inevitably mean less time spent with the students, a well as her family. I just love Tami, played brilliantly by Connie Britton. One of my favorite lines of the night, from the new principle to the Coach, "is that a new computer?"


2) Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) has been working with Smash (Gaius Charles) to get him back in shape after his knee injury from last season. Smash has already lost his scholarship, but is hopeful for next year if he can get back into top form. Smash gives up after his doctor pronounces him "cured" and says he may never be able to be the player he was. Coach Taylor guarantees Smash a scholarship and football, if he wants it. He will work with him to get it. When asked why - "because I need something good to happen".


3) Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) and Landry (Jesse Plemons) have "broken up", or are "taking a break", depending on who you ask. After all of the work Tami put in last season with Tara, the Vice Principle tells Tara to give up on her dream of going to a state school. Her grade point average will never get her in. Deflated, but not wanting to end up like her mother and sister, Tara turns to Tami and Landry for help. The girl can't go wrong with those two on her side. PLUS, she has a new "hairdo"!


4) Lyla (Minka Kelly) and Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) are back together (sort of), much to her father's chagrin. Partying together over the summer was fine, but now that they are back to school they are having some difficulty adjusting. It wouldn't be a recap without a picture of Riggins right??


5) Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) is not happy with the commitment of his new full back (Riggins), who has replaced Smash since graduation. Lurking also is the new kid in town, a freshman with the arm of Jason Street and a father with a lot of influence. His father owns the largest beer distributorship in Texas. Money and influence will not budge Coach Taylor from keeping Matt as the starter, but given a game situation where Matt isn't getting it done, you can bet he will put the new kid in the game. Even if he does so with a heavy heart.


Have I covered everything? I did say it was the highlights right? But, isn't it great having the people of Dillon back? And...so begins the wait for next Friday.