Expectations (Friday Night Lights)
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Episode 1
| "Expectations" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Michael Waxman |
| Written by | David Hudgins |
| Cinematography by | Todd McMullen |
| Editing by | Margaret Guinee |
| Original release dates | October 27, 2010 (DirecTV) April 15, 2011 (NBC) |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Expectations" is the first episode of the fifth season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger. It is the 64th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer David Hudgins, and directed by producer Michael Waxman. It originally aired on DirecTV's 101 Network on October 27, 2010, before airing on NBC on April 15, 2011.[1]
The series is set in the fictional town of Dillon, a small, close-knit community in rural West Texas. It follows a high school football team, the Dillon Panthers. It features a set of characters, primarily connected to Coach Eric Taylor, his wife Tami, and their daughter Julie. In the episode, the Lions prepare for the first game of the season. Meanwhile, Julie and Landry prepare to leave for college, while Becky faces problems with her stepmother.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 3.57 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, storylines and themes.
As the football season begins, Julie (Aimee Teegarden) prepares to leave for college. Tim (Taylor Kitsch) is still in prison, with three months left before a possible release. Billy (Derek Phillips) is considering a coaching job, while Tami (Connie Britton) adjusts to her new job as the guidance counselor at East Dillon.
Billy convinces Eric (Kyle Chandler) in hiring him as a coach for the Lions, despite the low funds for the football program. Buddy (Brad Leland) also introduces Eric to Hastings Ruckle (Grey Damon), a talented basketball player who might be a potential football team member. However, Hastings is not interested in football, downplaying it as a celebration of violence and aggression. Eric then turns to Vince (Michael B. Jordan) and Luke (Matt Lauria), asking them in convincing Hasting in trying out. At a party, Hastings is finally convinced in trying, despite some protesting that he should stick to basketball.
Becky (Madison Burge) stays with her father's new family because her mother is away for a job. However, even though she tries to bond with her infant step-sister, her stepmother is uncooperative and does not allow her to help in taking care of the baby. Vince and Jess (Jurnee Smollett) are now a couple, although Jess is frustrated that her father left to expand his franchise and left her to take care of her brothers, and his brother Andre is not respecting her. Landry (Jesse Plemons) prepares to leave for Rice University, and invites Julie to join him at a concert for his band. Afterwards, Julie takes him to a strip club, where they bid each other farewell before they both leave Dillon.
The Lions face the Croft Cowboys, the reigning champions, on the first game. While the Cowboys win 28-14 by halftime, Luke severely tackles their quarterback, impacting the performance in the remainder of the game. With 28-27 in the last second, the Lions go for a two-point conversion and Luke manages to score, surprising the media. Later, Vince asks Andre to give Jess a break, knowing that his father's absence is affecting him. After overhearing her stepmother talking badly about her, Becky asks Billy to allow her to move in with him, which he allows. Julie hugs her parents farewell, and then drives off to college.
Production
Development
The episode was written by executive producer David Hudgins, and directed by producer Michael Waxman. This was Hudgins' ninth writing credit, and Waxman's eighth directing credit.[2]
