State (Friday Night Lights)
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| "State" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 22 |
| Directed by | Jeffrey Reiner |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | David Boyd |
| Editing by |
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| Original release date | April 11, 2007 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"State" is the 22nd episode and season finale of the first season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger. The episode was written by executive producer Jason Katims and consulting producers Patrick Massett and John Zinman, and directed by co-executive producer Jeffrey Reiner. It originally aired on NBC on April 11, 2007.
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 Panthers prepare for their final game and win the State Championship.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 6.26 million household viewers and gained a 2.2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received universal acclaim from critics, who praised the closure to the season, tone and performances.
Dillon is celebrating the Panthers as they prepare to leave for their State Championship game in Dallas and face the West Cambria Mustangs. During this, Tami (Connie Britton) goes to a clinic for a pregnancy test. When she relates how she and Eric (Kyle Chandler) have been trying for over a decade in having another baby, she is delighted when she is told that she is pregnant.
Eric is annoyed when Julie (Aimee Teegarden) tells Matt (Zach Gilford) about the TMU offer. Despite their relationship over, Tim (Taylor Kitsch) gives tickets to Jackie (Brooke Langton) and Bo (Jae Head) if they want to see it. Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) invites Landry (Jesse Plemons) to join her on a car ride to Dallas. He is delighted in spending time with her, until he finds that she has invited her family to come along. On the way to Dallas, they notice Lyla (Minka Kelly) near the road after her car broke down. Tyra and Lyla have a heated argument in which they finally express their reasons behind their mutual disdain, but they reconcile and leave together for Dallas.
The Panthers arrive at the Texas Stadium, which was leased for the game. They start practing just as the Mustangs arrive, with Voodo (Aldis Hodge) leading them as the quarterback. However, tensions arise when Eric is questioned in the press about a possible TMU offer, with him finally confirming that he accepted it. Players like Matt and Tim are disappointed with the news, but others like Smash (Gaius Charles) support his decision. As he talks with Tami at their hotel room, Eric finally learns of her pregnancy and is overjoyed.
During the game, the Panthers have an awful start as Matt fails to make a single complete pass, which results in the Mustangs going 26-0 by halftime. At the locker room, Eric motivates the Panthers by not letting people write them off and to do it for everyone who loves them and came to see them. During the second half, the Panthers improve by scoring 21 points. Despite getting a dislocated shoulder, Smash refuses to be benched and continues playing. With only six seconds left, Matt uses a trick play in order to mislead the Mustangs and pass the ball to Riggins who laterals it to Smash. Despite being tackled, Smash manages to reach the end zone, and the Panthers win the championship.
That night, Eric tells Tami that he wants to be present for his child and that he will stay in Dillon. They then argue, as Tami says she does not want to dampen his dream of taking the job. Back in Dillon, the Panthers have a parade to celebrate their victory. As Eric returns to his office, he overhears Jason (Scott Porter) speaking to the team about their incoming season. Eric enters the room, where he is met with applause.
Production
Development
In March 2007, NBC announced that the 22nd episode of the season would be titled "State".[1] The episode was written by executive producer Jason Katims and consulting producers Patrick Massett and John Zinman, and directed by co-executive producer Jeffrey Reiner. This was Katims' fourth writing credit, Massett's third writing, Zinman's third writing credit, and Reiner's eighth directing credit.[2]