Game of the Week (Friday Night Lights)
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Episode 9
| "Game of the Week" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Michael Waxman |
| Written by | David Hudgins |
| Cinematography by | Todd McMullen |
| Editing by | Ron Rosen |
| Original release dates | December 3, 2008 (DirecTV) March 13, 2009 (NBC) |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Game of the Week" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger. It is the 46th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer David Hudgins, and directed by co-producer Michael Waxman. It originally aired on DirecTV's 101 Network on December 3, 2008, before airing on NBC on March 13, 2009.
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, Tim is given an offer while learning bad news about Billy. Meanwhile, Matt struggles with his grandmother, and Tyra has second thoughts on her life with Cash.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 4.40 million household viewers and gained a 1.5/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and character development, although some criticized Tyra's subplot.
Tim (Taylor Kitsch) returns to Dillon, finding that Billy (Derek Phillips) crashed his truck. As Tim scolds him for his hangover, Billy reveals that his engagement with Mindy was called off. As the Panthers prepare for the regional playoffs against Arnett Mead, Buddy (Brad Leland) announces that their incoming game has been announced as the high school game of the week, which will be broadcast on national television.
Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) accompanies Cash (Zach Roerig) in his new rodeo in Dallas, where he is respected by the crowd. However, Cash actually owes money to another man and he promises that he will pay him with the first place finish. Cash ends up in second place, and is angry that his $2,000 prize is not enough to pay his debt. Tyra leaves her motel room after an argument and talks with Landry (Jesse Plemons), not having told him her real location. Landry asks her to return, as she must help with the incoming winter's formal as she must pick a theme as president of the student council. When Cash scolds her during a card game, Tyra decides to leave him.
Matt (Zach Gilford) gets into an argument with Lorraine (Louanne Stephens) as he states his plans in leaving for college. When Matt comes up with the idea that Shelby (Kim Dickens) can take care of her, Lorraine angrily dismisses it and insults Shelby, calling her the devil and prompting her to leave the house. Tim is contacted by a San Antonio State college representative for an interview, and he reluctantly agrees to go when Lyla (Minka Kelly) offers to take him. On the car ride, Tim downplays the importance of the interview, causing an upset Lyla to kick him out of the car before reaching his interview.
The Panthers struggle during the first half of the game, with Arnett Mead winning 7-3. Eric (Kyle Chandler) decides to put Matt into the game as a wide receiver, which causes Lorraine and Shelby to quickly attend the game. Thanks to Tim and Matt, the Panthers manage to win the game with 10-7 and moving forward in the playoffs. Eric then takes Tami (Connie Britton) to a hotel room for a romantic evening for her birthday. However, the evening is ruined when Tyra calls Tami, asking her to pick her up in Dallas. Tami leaves for Dallas, annoying Eric.
Lyla meets Mindy, finding that she dumped Billy after he asked her to quit her job at the strip club, even though he has not found a job. They decide to hang out at her house, where they talk badly about Tim and Billy. However, Billy arrives apologizing to Mindy and asks her to pardon him. To Lyla's disappointment, Mindy forgives him and they reconcile. Eric and Tami pick Tyra from Dallas, despite Cash's angry pleas. Tim visits Lyla, confirming that he met with the representative and he was enrolled in college, delighting her.
Production
Development
In November 2008, DirecTV announced that the ninth episode of the season would be titled "Game of the Week".[1] The episode was written by co-executive producer David Hudgins, and directed by co-producer Michael Waxman. This was Hudgins' eighth writing credit, and Waxman's third directing credit.[2]