The Right Hand of the Father
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| "The Right Hand of the Father" | |
|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 3 |
| Directed by | David Boyd |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Ian Ellis |
| Editing by | Scott Gamzon |
| Original release dates | November 10, 2010 (DirecTV) April 29, 2011 (NBC) |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Right Hand of the Father" is the third 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 66th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producers Patrick Massett and John Zinman, and directed by David Boyd. It originally aired on DirecTV's 101 Network on November 10, 2010, before airing on NBC on April 29, 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, Vince is frustrated when his father visits following his release from prison. Meanwhile, the Lions are scolded for a video at the rally party, and Julie continues hanging out with Derek.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.99 million household viewers and gained a 0.7/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, with major praise towards Vince's storyline.
Buddy (Brad Leland) inaugurates his bar, Buddy's, after selling the dealership and intends to collect all the footballs that the Lions win for the season. Buddy also expresses frustration that Pam wants to send him Buddy Jr. over some problems at home, angry that she decided to take the custody. Vince (Michael B. Jordan) is told by his mother that his father, Ornette (Cress Williams), is being released from prison on parole but he refuses to see him.
A video goes viral where the Lions take part on the rally girls party, getting some of the girls intoxicated. This causes outrage at the community, with some demanding that the players are expelled. Eric (Kyle Chandler) promises the principal that he will take action and grounds the players by forcing them to perform community service across town. Tami (Connie Britton) holds a special meeting for the rally girls regarding the alcohol use, but no one takes it seriously. Seeing that Jess (Jurnee Smollett) wants to prove something to the team, Tami convinces Eric in getting her as the new equipment manager.
Julie (Aimee Teegarden) is annoyed when Derek (Gil McKinney) gives her a "C–" on a school report. When she questions him, he states that the paper felt "safe" and that she can do better than that. They take a walk through the park, where Derek explains he has problems with his wife. Suddenly, they share a kiss. After having sex, Julie leaves his apartment in the morning. Vince is annoyed when Ornette appears at the house, and his mother wants him to accept his father in the house. As Ornette tries to get more involved in his son's life, Vince finally admonishes him for abandoning his family for a crime life and warns him not to show up at his games. Vince expresses his frustrations to Eric, who comforts him by proclaiming he has nothing to prove.
During the game, the Lions are losing by a touchdown with just one minute remaining. Vince and Luke (Matt Lauria) lead the team to a comeback, giving the Lions their third victory in a row. At the celebration, Buddy calls Pam, telling her to send Buddy Jr. to Dillon. Julie and Derek agree to not say anything about their encounter and to return to their status quo. Vince returns home to find Ornette, who attended the game anyway, packing his stuff and apologizing for missing the past years. He says he is proud of him and leaves the house, as Vince cries.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producers Patrick Massett and John Zinman, and directed by David Boyd. This was Massett's tenth writing, Zinman's tenth writing credit, and Boyd's sixth directing credit.[2]