A Little Television... Friday Night Lights

Why you should read this post:
1.  I don't like TV very much
2.  I don't like football very much
3.  I don't know that I like Texas that much (only because it is sometimes hard for me to find something vegetarian to eat!!! My sister lives there and I love many things about Texas but it doesn't mesh with my eating style!)
4.  I want you to watch a TV show about a high school football coach, his wife, and family in a small town in Texas.  

I ADORE THIS SHOW.  It has made me cry more times than I care to admit.  The fact that I am writing a blog post about it should let you know how highly I esteem watching this show, and endorse it as a way to spend your precious down time.  It is worth it.

I know of few shows that focus on POSITIVE HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS (the football seems to be more of a sidenote!)  Many shows rake in viewers due to the the draw of being a voyeur and a desire to judge others (fictional characters included).  Friday Night Lights is refreshingly different in that it is centered around Coach Eric and Tami Taylor - and their relationship is functional, healthy, and interesting.  They are trying to raise their family with dignity and contribute to their community in faith.   It is inspiring!  It hits home!  It is excellently written and acted!

My sister-in-law is very conscientious (wonderfully so) about what she allows her teenagers to be exposed to in the media, and their family watches this show all together.  Another wholehearted endorsement.
One little historical tidbit about the show... the show was almost cancelled midway through the 2nd season (the 2nd season ends really abruptly and the 3rd season begins after having skipped a chunk of storyline).  The fans rallied to get it put back on the air and we now have 5 beautiful seasons.  The fans rallied for a reason - this show is fantastic!
One of our contributors, Katie, on "A Little Great," turned me on to this show.  She has a blog where she has written some really wonderful things about it, and I am reposting one of her "nail on the head" explanations for why you should WATCH IT ALREADY.  Start with Season 1, of course.  No skipping around.
Nabbed (and slightly edited) from Katie's blog:

It's Not About Football!

I have always believed that what makes this show so special-in addition to the powerful acting and the good writing and the great location and the music-is that the core of the show is just people trying to live good lives and take care of each other. The storylines treated teenagers like three dimensional people not snotty sterotypes, faith was treated like a normal part of life but there wasn't exessive attention called to it, the Taylors made marriage look awesome, and that funny little town in Texas somehow managed to feel much seemed like every other city or town in America. 

 

 
If you are already a fan of FNL, comment and share the love.  If you aren't a fan yet, let us know when you become one.
Texas Forever!
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts.

Much love.

A Little Perspective... Learning from the Bachelor

by Aly

 

Photo: LA Times

 I watch The Bachelor.  There, I said it.  I have watched it for years.  It feels good to get that off my chest.  I watched it on Monday when Jake (who, I think, is a total dork) proposed to Vienna.  Here's the thing... I actually learned something from watching The Bachelor.  I know, hard to believe, right?  I actually gained some perspective.  I realized, again, that am really very blessed; blessed to not be on The Bachelor!

 As I watch those people and listen to their drama, I look over at my husband on the other couch (we each have to have our own couch) and I am thankful.  When I hear those women talk about what a good man is, how a good man is so hard to find, how they have been hurt and cheated on over and over, I am relieved and thankful to be in my shoes, and not theirs.  Although, some of them have some pretty fantastic shoes, they don't have what I have.  A husband who is loyal and good.  Amazing children.  A home where I know I am always loved.  And I'm glad it's not me on National television in a ball gown crying about how I want a husband (give me a break).  I am more than happy to settle for my Target PJs laying (seven months pregnant) on the couch adjacent to my adorable husband.  I'd rather play, "guess which hand" with my three-year-old than mud wrestle in St. Lucia... wait, that I might actually consider.  As long as my cute husband is the one I'm wrestling.

A Little Television... GLEE

by Erin S.

Huge, huge, HUGE Glee Scoop!  As many of you might already know, Joss Whedon (TV GENIUS!)  is guest directing an episode of Glee some time next season, and as if this news isn't enough, it's about to get a whole lot better!

Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly is reporting that musical darling and star of CBS's How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris is in serious talks with the creators of the show to guest star in the episode that Joss Whedon will be directing.  It seems Mr. Whedon and Mr. Harris are anxious to recreate the brilliant magic they made with Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog,  NPH himself told Ausiello at the Golden Globes that the only thing keeping it from being a done deal is CBS, who has to give their star permission to stray to Fox Network.  So cross those fingers, because how awesome would this be!  I mean picture it! Or if you can't, watch this!

A Little Television... Shows back on in 2010

by Erin

photo: Ausiello Files

I took the very last of my Christmas decorations down today. I know. SAD. I guess it really is time to let go of the holidays and settle fully into January. Wa-hoo. (You could cut my enthusiasm with a knife couldn't you?)

One nice thing about settling back into reality is that actually decent television returns. (I don't know about you, but I can only watch Rudolph so many times before I start wondering what Yukon Cornelius would look like without his head...)

And just so you don't miss the return of all your favorite shows, I've provided you with a list! (Thank you Michael Ausiello @ EW.com for doing the research!) Those with a star next to them are shows I really enjoy, and think you should enjoy too! (Some of these dates have already passed, but that way you will know that your show is already back and you better get caught up!)

And now it's your turn to comment back! Let me know which shows you love, and I'll do my best to keep you posted on all the latest news. My post will only be as interesting as you make them, so the ball is in your court people! Otherwise you're going to be hearing a whole lot about Bones, and Chuck, just sayin'!

Sunday, Jan. 3
Desperate Housewives returns (ABC), 9 PM
Brothers and Sisters returns (ABC), 10 PM