The Night The Lights Went Out In Texas

I stood in front of my TV taking it all in with a heavy heart. I put my remote down tenderly like Tim did his cleats after he played his last game. As a fan I gave this show my emotional all and it was returned to me ten fold. Eric Taylor's Lions had to fight and claw to stay in their final game just like this show's fans fought to keep it on air. A last second Hail Mary proved to be the winning play, but no matter the outcome of that play, the series finale was a win in my book.

I'm glad the team won it all and the final play appeared to go from Vince to Luke. They were the two who held the team together through all the trials and tribulations. I was sad to see Luke go off to the army, but it was a very realistic option for someone in his position and was a good fit story wise. The most widely debated part amongst those I talk about the show with has been whether Eric was coaching a high school team or a college team in the end. I am quite sure it was a high school team with little funding and talent from the looks of it. He had to take a step down career wise to emphasize the sacrifice he was making so that Tami could have her shot. Also note that Tammie's clothes changed from when she was walking around her college campus to when she showed up at Eric's field.
The final scene with Billy and Tim was special. One of the most memorable moments came in the first episode when Tim toasted to God, football and living large in Texas ten years from then.  He ended the series finale with the same words he finished his toast with in the first episode,  "Texas Forever." It was great closure. This show, like high school football for many, became a sort of religion for me. I was a devoted follower. I looked for the good in every episode, knowing how lucky we were to have the show air at all.

The amazing acting has been recognized in the form of several Emmy nominations, but if Kyle and Connie come away empty handed once again it won't mean they didn't deserve it. If there was an award for best TV couple it would be theirs hands down. Their on screen chemistry is not easily conjured and their interactions with one another were the most genuine I've ever seen on television. Their struggles and their triumphs were palpable.

From the opening kickoff to the last whistle,  the final season was a triumph.  We were treated to two great performances with the return of Tim Riggins and the emergence of his brother Billy as a leading character. Vince had a lot to live up to on and off the field following in the footsteps of Jason Street and Matt Saracen, but he was terrific. I'll never forget the scene where he sat by his mother's side as she recovered from an overdose. Grandma Saracen became everyone's grandma. She was a special character and was among the many supporting roles that made this show better than the rest.

Thank you Peter Berg for all the memories. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose.