Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose… So started the FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Paley Panel last night and if ever a show had the heart, the quality and the drive to make it, it’s FNL. TV Guide’s Pooper Scooper Michael Ausiello moderated the night honoring those down to earth, frighteningly realistic, and always lovable Dillon Panters.

In attendance were Exec. Producer Jason Katims, Jeff Reiner (Co-Exec. Producer/Director), Ms. Tami Taylor herself the flawless Connie Britton, Scott Porter (#6 Jason Street), Minka Kelly (Lyla Garrity), Aimee Teegarden (Julie Taylor), Zach Gilford (Saracen), Adrianne Palicki (Tyra Collette).

That’s right folks, no Coach Taylor. Kyle Chandler was scheduled to be there but the film he’s shooting in Vancouver ran long and he couldn’t get in. And gals, Taylor Kitsch, Mr. Tim Riggins was MIA as well (probably off having a beer). You’ll all have to swoon later.

Kath and I did a podcast so I’m not going to write up much but I would like to comment on how incredibly sweet and honest this crew was. They seem beyond appreciative of the support the fans have given them, NBC’s determination, and the ability to be on a once in a lifetime show like Friday Night Lights. From the writing process to the shooting style all the way down to the casting of bit parts, FNL goes for authenticity and almost always succeeds.

Jason Katims was quick to own up to the fact that there was no pressure by the network to create the Landry/Tyra/Rapist Murder plot. It was all his own. While he understands folks frustrations (and is honored by the level of commitment and love for the show it brought out) he and the rest of the cast agree that the outcome was well worth it. Adrianne and Jesse Plemons worked their asses off this season and have given us fans one of the coolest TV Couples in recent history.

Everyone on stage was great. Connie Britton is beyond stunning and had cleavage for miles! Minka Kelly was gorgeous (as you can imagine). Adrianne Palicki looked classy and was very fun. She talked at one point about how when she read the script about the rapist, she loved Tyra so much that her first instinct was to kill the bastard (rapist). How’s the for honesty? Zach Gilford was quiet and seemed really nervous about the panel but was more open and entertaining in person during the signing. Aimee Teegarden is so young but adorable (that dress though?). Scott Porter’s shirt put Will Truman’s skin tight shirts to shame and fans of that hideous movie with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant will be pleased to know he performed some dance moves for the crowd.

Overall such a different panel than the nights before but no less interesting, insightful and fulfilling.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS PODCAST:
Another late night, another Paley centric podcast. Again, this one is short (20 min). LISTEN TO OUR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS PODCAST.

MY PICTURES:

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 20th, 2008 at 9:54 am and is filed under Connie Britton, Paley Festival, Kyle Chandler, Podcast, Friday Night Lights, Ducky Does TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.