Friday Night Lights "Keep Looking" Review

"Keep Looking" continued the average trend of episodes in the fifth and final season of FNL. I like certain parts while I disliked certain parts and found other parts unnecessary. I'm trying to get a grasp on what the season's about--what the writers want to say about its show, its character and its town in their final season. So far, I don't have a good grasp of what season five's about. The first four episodes have reminded me of the storytelling in an ordinary family drama, with arcs full of guest stars who won't matter, or even be seen, in the series finale. I dare compare FNL to Dawson's Creek because the storytelling so far reminds me of that show.

Of course, there's plenty of stories with the current core of East Dillon; however, I don't have a sense for where any of the stories are going or whether they're worth the time the show spends on a story. For example, Jess' new job as equipment manager for the Lions. Last season, she clearly danced for the East Dillon dance team, who performed at every Lions home game. Her arc, so far, revolved around her limited connection through the team. The writers haven't mentioned why Jess doesn't dance anymore. She just doesn't. The unexplained change is fine by me (obviously since I didn't bother to mention it yet). I just hope the story extends beyond Vince. The story's shifting focus from Vince to Jess herself, which would be great because I'm more interested in how the job affects Jess as individual apart from her boyfriend. She explained to Vince the importance of her job in terms of college applications. The part with the most potential going forward was her smile when Billy told Eric about what's wrong with Tinker. Jess loves football, and if the story can celebrate that, then I feel good about it.

Epyck (or is it Epic?) returned after a one episode absence. Tami continued her mission to improve the education and college chances for the students of East Dillon high. Levi continues to resist Tami's enthusiastic plans but with reason. I wonder how many fans who watched the DirecTV run, and critics, felt angry with the character of Levi or if they sympathized with his unthankful job as the principal in a public school system that is broken. Levi tells Tami that there's only so much he can do to help her because the budget just got slashed by 25%. Tami, ever sanctimonious and righteous, ignored Levi and reminded him that it's about the students. Tami should know, as a former principal herself, how difficult things are for schools. Of course, she came from the wealthy West Dillon, Texas where the school's in top form. Last season, the show received criticism for its iffy portrayal of the ghetto side of East Dillon compared to West Dillon. Levi and Tami's exchange suggests the writers haven't entirely corrected that season-long faux pas. I'm continually interested in where the story goes, especially Levi's role in the story.

Vince's father issues continued. He's moved beyond anger because of his dad's lack of involvement throughout his life but he's concerned about his father's influence on his mother. Through a conversation Eric had with one of the boosters, we learned that Vince's father dealt drugs and abused his wife. Vince makes it clear that his dad cannot bring his mom anywhere near drugs for as long as he remains in East Dillon. Vince's father gives him his word. His father remains a wild card. He says the correct things but his behavior at practice suggests that some plan's formulating in his head. He might not even be harmful to his family but he may emerge as the fictional equivalent of Cam Newton's father.

Amazingly, Coach Taylor's a man without an arc. Sure he's coaching the football team, imparting valuable life lessons but he has no actual arc, which is disappointing. If the writers carved out time for Buddy and his son then they should've found an arc for Coach Taylor beyond getting the team back to State.

Elsewhere in "Keep Looking," Mindy brought Becky into her house full-time after witnessing the treatment she received from Doreen and her father. Becky's decision to live with the Riggins gave her dad the opportunity to return to Seattle. Billy looked fearful of being one of Becky's role mode. I have nothing else to write about the new domestic situation other then I'm a fan of it. Also, the episode spent 45 seconds with Julie and the TA. What a waste.

Bridget Carpenter wrote the episode. Todd McMullen directed it.

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