Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights: Family Time

In last week’s episode, Coach Taylor’s advice to Smash Williams was just another example of how great his parenting skills are.  It also got me to thinking:  how would all the fathers on Friday Night Lights rank?  Well, it’s a good thing I have time on my hands, because here is the list I came up with. 

1. 1. Eric Taylor.  To a certain extent, I feel that being a head football coach is a direct extension of family life.  A good coach knows how to lead men, and a good father knows how to motivate, encourage, and inspire his children.  I am at the point where I am literally taking notes every time he talks to Julie or lectures his players. 
   Pros: Julie likes him more than she likes Tammy, he disciplines and loves AT THE SAME TIME, doesn’t jump to conclusions unless the situation involves Tim Riggins
   Cons: he uses his coaching as an excuse to avoid family responsibilities, can love football too much (note: this may also be listed as a Pro)

2. 2. Landry’s father.  The sheer fact that Landry’s father is Aaron from 24 should win him immediate points.  But it’s the loving, caring family man that really scores him the points.  I bet the two of them have some good times when dad sits Landry down and tells him Jack Bauer stories.  And I bet the times when Landry tells his dad stories about that time he killed a guy aren’t too bad, either.
   Pros: helped his son cover up a murder
   Cons: helped his son cover up a murder

3. 3. Buddy Garrity.  Life has not been good to Buddy lately.  His ex-wife is remarrying, his refrigerator can only hold so much steak, and his real name is Buddy.  But through it all, he continues to be a family man—at least the kind of family man who tries to buy back the love of his children with go karts and pop-a-shot.
   Pros: has money, provided a home for troubled child and budding football star, willing to repair his broken marriage, friends with Eric Taylor
   Cons: he cheated on his wife and lost the trust of his children and family, he’s a little desperate, loves Dillon football more than family

4. 4. Matt Saracen’s dad.  The episode arc in season one with Matt’s dad was uncomfortable to say the least.  The scenes with him and Matt felt awkward, and neither ever really seemed to appreciate the other.  In fact, I was kind of relieved when he left, and I think Matt was, too.
   Pros:  fighting for our freedom in Iraq
   Cons:  may or may not be capable of showing real emotion

5. 5. Tim Riggins’ father.  Not much screen time has been given to Riggins’ dad.  There was an episode in season one that featured him prominently, but he blew things and hasn’t been heard from since.  Come to think of it, he should probably be lower on this list.
   Pros:  showed up to that one game
   Cons:  an absentee father, one son grew up to be a deadbeat and the other is an alcoholic

6. 6. Matt Saracen.  Although he’s not a father just yet, I’m sure that the inappropriate relations he is having with the live-in nurse will result in children sooner or later.  Maybe that would help Julie to move on.
   Pros:  can support family with job at Fake Dairy Queen, no plans for college, shows leadership on football field…sometimes
   Cons:  probably doesn’t love the mother of his child, is 17 years old, has girl problems

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