Friday Night Lights is an American television series adapted by Peter Berg, Brian Grazer and David Nevins from a book and film of the same name. The series details events surrounding the Dillon Panthers, a high school football team based in fictional Dillon, Texas, with particular focus given to the team's coach, Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his family. The show uses this small-town backdrop to address many issues facing contemporary Middle America.
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CHARACTERS:
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As a show about the community of Dillon, Texas and how the football team affects the town as a whole, Friday Night Lights has an ensemble cast. While screen time of characters varies from episode to episode, the show is most focused on Panthers' football coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler), who strives to balance his emphasis on family, his status in a sometimes confrontational community, and his personal ambitions. His family - wife Tami Taylor (Connie Britton), a guidance counselor turned principal at Dillon High, and teenage daughter Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden) - are also central to the show. When Tami becomes pregnant and gives birth to Gracie Taylor, tensions within the family increase and Julie becomes more rebellious.

Outside of the Taylor family, the show focuses on the respective lives of the Dillon's high school football players. In the series' first episode, star quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter) suffers an injury that leads to an end to his football career and a wheel chair-bound life which Jason resists and learns to cope with throughout the series. Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly), who at the time of Jason's injury was his girlfriend, parallels his story, as she goes from a Panther cheerleader to a Christian youth leader.

As a result of Jason's injury, shy and nervous Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) becomes the Panthers' starting quarterback and eventually dates Julie. It is also revealed that Matt's father is serving in Iraq and that he must therefore care for his grandmother Lorraine Saracen (Louanne Stephens) by himself, with help only from his best friend Landry Clarke (Jesse Plemons), and eventual live-in nurse and love interest Carlotta Alonso (Daniella Alonso). Brash star running-back Brian Smash Williams's (Gaius Charles) quest for a college-football scholarship and full-back Tim Riggins' (Taylor Kitsch) tale of on-and-off alcoholism and party-life are told as well. Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) also stars as a town vixen who goes from Tim's occasional girlfriend to Landry's lover following Landry's defense of her from a rapist.
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SEASON ONE
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Season one revolves around two main events: the ascension of coach Eric Taylor to the position of head coach and the paralysis of star quarterback Jason Street. These two events set off a chain reaction that leads the series through its first season.

Coach Taylor's career depends on his ability to get the Dillon Panthers to the state championship. If the team suffers a losing streak, he knows his family, which includes daughter Julie, will no longer be welcome in Dillon.

Meanwhile, Tami Taylor lands a job as a counselor at the local high school. Over the course of the season, she becomes a support and a mentor to many of the students and her position plays a pivotal role in the season finale, which leaves viewers wondering whether Eric will leave Dillon to accept a coveted coaching job with a university.

Matt Saracen and Jason Street must struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. Street must learn to live without the use of his legs in a town that seems to be moving on without him, while Saracen must rise to be worthy of the position he has inherited. As Street's friendship with Herc, his rehab roommate and wheelchair rugby teammate, grows stronger, so does his will and independence. The new role of QB1 is an unenviable task for the timid Matt, as he also must care for his ill grandmother while his father is fighting in Iraq. Causing further headaches, Matt falls in love with Coach Taylor's daughter, Julie, who loathes Texas life and dislikes football. She nevertheless falls for Matt because of his bumbling awkwardness and, above all, his modest decency. Their relationship slowly blossoms over the course of the season,

Also explored is the pressure on the cocky, driven Brian "Smash" Williams. Easily the most promising player on the Panthers' roster, he works hard to achieve excellence and sees his future career as instrumental in providing his family a better life. Life has been hard for Williams' family since his father was killed in a car accident, and financial constraints have led his mother Corrine to take multiple jobs just to get the family by. At one point, he decides that he's willing to risk his health by using performance enhancing drugs to make sure he gets a college football scholarship.

Tim Riggins is an unfocused alcoholic with absentee parents and no prospects beyond high school. However, he is shown to be a loyal friend with a good heart. Unfortunately, his good intentions seem to be repeatedly derailed by his own missteps.

Tyra Collette, like many of the other characters, comes from a broken home, where her mom falls in and out of abusive relationships. Tyra begins the season as Tim’s girlfriend, but as Season One progresses, thanks to Landry Clark — the school math geek and Saracen’s best friend — she starts to see the faintest glimmer of hope that she might get out of Dillon and discontinue the cycle that her mother and her sister (a stripper) seem destined to continue.

Meanwhile, Lyla goes through some of the biggest changes as she begins the season as a bubbly, optimistic, sweet-natured girl. Faced with the heartbreaking reality of Jason's injury, Lyla sleeps with Jason's best friend Tim Riggins. Though Jason and Lyla reconcile, Jason begins growing closer to another woman and at the same time Lyla learns about her father's many adulterous affairs. It is at this point that Lyla moves past her dependence on other men to grow into a more independent woman.
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SEASON 1 EPISODES: 2006-2007
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S01E01 (1) 	"Pilot"
October 3, 2006
The first episode tells the story of new coach Eric Taylor, who finds himself coaching high school football in Dillon, a small Texas town deep in a tradition of winning. However, the first football game of the season harbors dark tidings for star quarterback Jason Street. 
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S01E02 (2) 	"Eyes Wide Open"
October 10, 2006
As the town turns to faith and prayer to deal with star quarterback Jason Street's serious injury, Coach Taylor turns to an untested backup quarterback, Matt Saracen, to anchor the team. Meanwhile, tensions reach a boiling point between teammates Tim Riggins and Brian "Smash" Williams, and Jason's girlfriend, Lyla Garrity, provides support to her fallen boyfriend. 
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S01E03 (3) 	"Wind Sprints"
October 17, 2006
When the Panthers are out of sync without Street in a game against underdog South Millbank, Coach Taylor is subjected to the wrath of the community, the media, and players' parents. As team morale plummets, he goes to drastic measures to unite his players. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor is pressured to recruit a new quarterback, and Jason and Lyla get into a fight. 
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S01E04 (4) 	"Who's Your Daddy"
October 24, 2006
The Panthers prepare for a fierce battle against their archrival, Arnett Meade. When their field house is vandalized, apparently by Arnett Meade students, the team plots retaliation. Meanwhile, cool and intimidating new quarterback, Ray “Voodoo” Tatum, showcases his athletic prowess, Jason gets an obnoxious new roommate at the hospital, and Coach Taylor holds the traditional team dinner at his house. 
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S01E05 (5) 	"Git 'Er Done"
October 30, 2006
As the town and team anticipate a big Friday night game against Arnett Meade, Coach Taylor weighs heavily whether to start Matt or Voodoo. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Tyra and a young businessman from Los Angeles, Jason begins rehabilitation exercises, and Lyla's secret relationship with Tim begins to sizzle. 
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S01E06 (6) 	"El Accidente"
November 7, 2006
Pressure mounts over the Texas High School Athletic Administration's investigation into whether Dillon illegally recruited Voodoo. Meanwhile, player Bobby Reyes brutally assaults one of Matt's brainy buddies, and Tim and Lyla spring the injured Jason out of the hospital for a surprise trip. 
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S01E07 (7) 	"Homecoming"
November 14, 2006
Homecoming at Dillon brings back a throng of alumni, including the quarterback from the 2000 state champions, Lucas Mize, who harbors dark secrets. Meanwhile, Tyra and Billy, Tim's brother, plan a killer postgame party, Smash focuses on impressing a college recruiting expert, Tim tries to quit drinking, and Jason grows more suspicious of Lyla's relationship with Tim. 
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S01E08 (8) 	"Crossing The Line"
November 28, 2006
Disheartened by his ineffective performance on the field, Smash resorts to drastic measures to strengthen his game. Along the way, he takes a job at the Alamo Freeze, working alongside Matt. Meanwhile, Tim and Tyra rekindle their dormant relationship, Jason prepares to participate in a rugby scrimmage for paraplegics, and Julie contemplates going out with Matt. 
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S01E09 (9) 	"Full Hearts"
December 5, 2006
Tension escalates as the Panthers anticipate a game with highly touted Gatling High, which has special meaning for Smash. Tami and Buddy negotiate with Gatling boosters for an acceptable hotel for the visiting Panthers. Meanwhile, rumors spread about Lyla and Tim's forbidden relationship, Smash continues to go to extremes to strengthen his gridiron performance, and Julie and Matt's first date is plagued with problems. 
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S01E10 (10) 	"It's Different for Girls"
December 12, 2006
The Dillon cheerleading squad preps for a championship as rumors spread about Lyla's forbidden affair with Tim, causing Lyla to fall victim to merciless harassment. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor stands in the way of his daughter's budding relationship with Matt, Jason adapts to life at home, and Smash inches closer to the preacher's daughter. 
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S01E11 (11) 	"Nevermind"
January 3, 2007
Matt's father makes a surprise return visit from Iraq for two weeks, only to emerge as a man far removed from the heroic figure Matt remembered. Meanwhile, Jason and Lyla begin to rekindle their relationship, and Landry tutors an academically challenged Tim. 
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S01E12 (12) 	"What to Do While You're Waiting"
January 10, 2007
During a bye week, the Panthers' seasonal destiny rests on the outcome of a game between two rivals. Meanwhile, Matt's father, far removed from the violence in Iraq, adapts to life at home, the Streets continue to push for a lawsuit against Coach Taylor, and Tyra deals with her mother's dysfunctional relationship with her boyfriend. 
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S01E13 (13) 	"Little Girl I Wanna Marry You"
January 24, 2007
Tension builds as the Panthers find the playoffs only one game away. Off-field dramas continue when Smash's mother makes a discovery that could destroy her son's gridiron dreams. Meanwhile, Tyra confronts her mom's insecurities, and Jason ruminates on his relationship with Lyla. 
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S01E14 (14) 	"Upping the Ante"
January 31, 2007
The Panthers' postseason destiny becomes clearer as they play a crucial game. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor deals with Smash's personal demons, a mismatched Tyra and Julie connect in an unexpected friendship, Tim reunites with his estranged father, and Buddy makes a discovery about Jason and Lyla. 
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S01E15 (15) 	"Blinders"
February 7, 2007
The Panthers savor their crucial playoff win---until race issues emerge and sorely test their bond. Elsewhere, Tami frowns upon Julie's newfound friendship with Tyra, the Riggins brothers adapt to life with their recently returned father, and the girls play a game of powder-puff football. With Julie at quarterback, and Tyra as linebacker, all bets are off. 
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S01E16 (16) 	"Black Eyes & Broken Hearts"
February 14, 2007
Racial tensions are at an all time high as the black players on the Dillon Panthers won't play unless Mac McGill is fired for his comments. While Coach Taylor deliberates between firing one of his best coaches and succumbing to his players' demands, Julie's friendship with Tyra becomes more and more destructive. Meanwhile, Jason makes a life-changing decision and Matt does whatever he can to win Julie back. 
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S01E17 (17) 	"I Think We Should Have Sex"
February 21, 2007 (2007-02-21)
The Panthers claw their way deeper into the playoffs. Off the field, Julie shocks Matt by telling him that they should make love—but numerous fumbles ensue when Matt works to find the right time and place for the special moment. Meanwhile, Tim's relationship with his father begins to shatter; and Street bonds with a pretty tattoo artist. 
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S01E18 (18) 	"Extended Families"
February 28, 2007
The Panthers make a push for the state semifinals; a banished Buddy moves in with the Taylors after his affair is exposed; Waverly uncharacteristically takes Smash on a sexy midnight swim, and Smash discovers that she has stopped taking her mood-disorder medication; and Riggins and a neighborhood boy strike up a friendship. 
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S01E19 (19) 	"Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes"
March 21, 2007
With TMU knocking on Coach Taylor's door, Julie decides to make it very clear to her parents that she does not intend to move away from Dillon and Matt. Meanwhile, Jason gets some devastating news from the quad rugby recruiters in Austin. Elsewhere, Riggins befriends a single mother and her son. 
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S01E20 (20) 	"Mud Bowl"
March 28, 2007
With the final game before the state championships looming, an unforeseen event jeopardizes the Panthers' home-turf advantage. Meanwhile, Taylor fears his players are losing grasp of the true spirit of football, so he tries to instill in them a love of the game. 
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S01E21 (21) 	"Best Laid Plans" 
April 4, 2007
Coach Taylor contemplates taking a position at Texas Methodist University and makes a rash decision that could turn his family topsy-turvy. As the Panthers gear up for the State Championship game, Tyra's secret is finally revealed. With tension off the field reaching a boiling point, everything comes to a head at the annual Panther Roast. Meanwhile, Jason Street plays a major role in helping Matt Saracen prepare for the state championship. 
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S01E22 (22) 	"State"
April 11, 2007
In the Season 1 finale, the Panthers gear up for the big game—the state championship—as rumors swell about whether or not Coach Taylor will accept a job at Texas Methodist University. Meanwhile, Tami receives some surprising news.
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SEASON TWO
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Season two begins with Coach Taylor in Austin with a new college-coaching job at fictional TMU, while Tami is in Dillon with their newborn baby. However, as the Panthers experience internal difficulties with a new coach, and as Tami forges a new relationship with her replacement counselor at the school, Eric decides to return to Dillon. Even with his return, his daughter Julie begins to frustrate her mother, as she ends her romantic relationship with Matt and begins one with an older man. This trend continues as she begins a friendship with a teacher that her mother feels is inappropriate.

Meanwhile, Taylor begins to attempt to win games with the Panthers but faces a number of issues. Tim is banned from the team as a result of missing a game to convince Jason to not have stem-cell surgery in Mexico. This leads to difficulties for Tim, who eventually ends up homeless before being taken back onto the team and returning to live with his brother. At the same time, Smash is courted by a number of college recruiters, leading to tension between him and his mother. Smash accepts a scholarship to the prestigious TMU. However, Smash punches a white teenager who sexually harasses his sister when they're at the movies. This turns into a blown-out-of-proportion racial incident, and Smash is deemed someone to have "character issues". His scholarship to TMU is revoked. He later commits to Whitmore University, a very small local school with a coach who has a strong relationship with Eric.

Matt, on the other hand, begins a relationship with a cheerleader before leaving her for his grandmother's new live-in nurse.

Additionally, the early season follows an arc where Landry kills and hides the body of a man who attempted to rape Tyra, leading to a romance between the two. Eventually, guilt builds within Landry and he confesses. Charges are not pressed, although tension between him and Tyra remains.

Jason Street impregnates a woman in what was supposed to be a one-night stand at the end of season two. The season ends on a cliffhanger as Jason pleads with the woman to keep the child and promises to take care of the two.
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SEASON 2 EPISODES: 2007-2008
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S02E01 (23) 	"Last Days of Summer"
October 5, 2007 (2007-10-05)
In the second-season premiere, Coach Taylor returns to town when Tami goes into labor and realizes how much things have changed. Elsewhere, Julie flirts with a guy at the pool; and Tyra appoints Landry as her protector. 
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S02E02 (24) 	"Bad Ideas"
October 12, 2007 (2007-10-12)
The start of the school year finds Tami struggling without Eric's parenting help. Elsewhere, Matt and Landry have difficulty adjusting to new lifestyles. Smash, on the other hand, basks in accolades from coaches, scouts and fans. 
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S02E03 (25) 	"Are You Ready for Friday Night?"
October 19, 2007 (2007-10-19)
Smash and Matt bring their animosity for one another to the field during the Panthers' first game of the season; Coach Taylor makes another trip home; Riggins finds himself looking for comfort in an odd place; and Street explores his options in dealing with his paralysis. 
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S02E04 (26) 	"Backfire"
October 26, 2007 (2007-10-26)
Riggins and Street head to Mexico as Street hopes to explore experimental surgery. Riggins, who is concerned about Street, turns to Lyla who is busy trying to help a new comer to Dillon. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor makes a huge career move that will change his life. A big development in a police search instills more trepidation in the lives of Tyra and Landry. 
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S02E05 (27) 	"Let's Get It On"
November 2, 2007 (2007-11-02)
Coach Taylor returns to Dillon as head coach of the Panthers. He has to deal with a disheveled team, led by the conflict between quarterback, Matt Saracen, and star running back, Smash Williams. Meanwhile, Tim Riggins turns to Lyla for help in changing Jason Street's mind about experimental surgery. Julie asks Matt to hang out. However, Matt is really hurt about Julie's cheating on him and says no. Landry plays his first game for the Panthers. 
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S02E06 (28) 	"How Did I Get Here"
November 9, 2007 (2007-11-09)
Building pressure forces Landry to tell his dad the truth about the killing; the arrival of Tami's sister prompts Tami to reexamine the life she's leading; and Riggins has something to prove after he's kicked off the team. Matt strikes up a relationship with the new girl named Lauren, upsetting Julie. 
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S02E07 (29) 	"Pantherama!" 
November 16, 2007 (2007-11-16)
Smash's college options are revealed on the first official day of recruitment; Coach Taylor focuses on a new athlete; Matt is tempted by his grandma's nurse even though he has a new girlfriend; Julie befriends a new teacher; and Lyla and Tyra work on Patherama together at Tami's bidding; Tim moves in to Tyra's because of Billy and Jackie. 
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S02E08 (30) 	"Seeing Other People"
November 30, 2007 (2007-11-30)
Smash visits a college that's recruiting him; Matt considers an open relationship; Tami lashes out at Julie's teacher; Eric is jealous of Tami's relationship with her colleague; and Tyra's attacker's brother asks to meet with her. 
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S02E09 (31) 	"The Confession"
December 7, 2007 (2007-1S02E07)
Landry continues to struggle with his conscience when he confesses to the murder of Tyra's attacker; Street contemplates his future as Herc sets him up with an online dating service; tension continues to build between Tami and Julie. 
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S02E10 (32) 	"There Goes the Neighborhood"
January 4, 2008 (2008-01-04)
The Panthers host a rival team whose school was hit by a tornado. Tami, Julie and Riggins adjust to their new living situation. Lyla's mom plans to remarry, and Landry and Tyra attempt to put the murder behind them. 
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S02E11 (33) 	"Jumping the Gun"
January 11, 2008 (2008-01-11)
Smash faces pressure from colleges who are looking for a verbal commitment. Tension continues to run high between Coach Taylor and Tim Riggins, with regard to Julie. The Panthers prepare to take on Laribee in the biggest game of the season. Tami and her sister continue to see things differently. 
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S02E12 (34) 	"Who Do You Think You Are?"
January 18, 2008 (2008-01-18)
Coach and Tami look into day care for Gracie, but find themselves having a tough time letting go. Lyla begins working as a DJ on a Christian radio station and, despite being ridiculed by Tim, she is able to strike a chord with him. Matt discovers that he is actually in love with Carlotta, and Smash learns that those close to him may not be ready for interracial dating. 
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S02E13 (35) 	"Humble Pie"
January 25, 2008 (2008-01-25)
Charges are pressed against Smash after a confrontation, Jason finds a new career, Tami is hired as the new volleyball coach and turns to Tyra for help, Tim faces a tough time trying to express his feelings for Lyla. 
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S02E14 (36) 	"Leave No One Behind"
February 1, 2008 (2008-0S02E01)
Matt reaches a tough point in his life where nothing seems to really matter to him anymore, Tami’s relationship continues to grow with Tyra, as Julie becomes more and more jealous. Landry's new friend may screw up his relationship with Tyra, and Smash begins his 3-game suspension. 
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S02E15 (37) 	"May the Best Man Win"
February 8, 2008
Smash is determined to get a football scholarship, despite the recent events that have taken place, and is shocked when the most unlikely place gives him an offer that will change his life. Coach becomes jealous after Tami runs into her old high school boyfriend (Peter Berg). Jason receives the biggest news of his life since his accident. Tim continues his pursuit of Lyla by getting his own radio show. 
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Season Three
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The season began with Coach Taylor having failed to lead the Panthers to another State championship the year before, meaning the pressure was on for him, in a town where many clearly had a "What have you done for me lately?" outlook. Quarterback Matt Saracen's position is threatened by the arrival of Freshman J.D. McCoy, an amazing natural talent who comes from a rich family with an overbearing father, Joe. Matt moves to wide receiver after Coach Taylor names J.D McCoy the starting quarterback, but Matt is pushed back into his former role in the playoffs. He and Julie reconcile and rekindle their romance.

Smash Williams, who injured his knee during the previous year's playoffs, rediscovers his love for the game, gets a tryout with a college, and succeeds in winning a spot on their team. Tyra starts dating a cowboy named Cash, leading to complications in her relationship with Landry. Tim and Lyla start dating, and Tim pursues a college football scholarship. Billy Riggins gets engaged to Tyra's older sister Mindy. He, Tim, Herc, and Jason decide to flip Buddy Garrity's house for a profit. Tami Taylor takes on the Principal role of Dillon High School and fights with Buddy Garrity about the allocation of funds toward a Jumbotron.

While Coach Taylor and Buddy Garrity were making a visit to a possible recruit who just moved into town, the coach learns of a plot to have him replaced as head coach of the Dillon Panthers. They learn that Joe McCoy wants Taylor replaced with Wade Aikman, J.D.'s personal coach. After the school's administration meets to decide who gets the coaching job, Aikman is offered the job at Dillon High School, while Taylor is offered the job of coaching the Lions of East Dillon High, which is reopening after years of being closed.
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SEASON 3 EPISODES 2008-2009
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S03E01 (38) 	"I Knew You When"
October 1, 2008
In the third-season opener, Eric fights to keep his job and helps Smash rebound. Elsewhere, Tami faces new challenges as principal; Tyra frets over college; Billy proposes; and tension escalates between Lyla and Riggins. 
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S03E02 (39) 	"Tami Knows Best"
October 8, 2008
Coach supports Smash's struggle to get a college try out. Tyra's tactics disappoint Tami. Matt considers emancipation in an effort to protect his grandma and in the process finds his estranged mother (Kim Dickens). Tensions escalate with Lyla. 
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S03E03 (40) 	"How the Other Half Live"
October 15, 2008
Eric frets over his job security; Tami befriends newcomer Katie McCoy (Janine Turner); Matt reconnects with Julie; and Lyla worries about Riggins, who's being roped into a moneymaking scheme by Billy. 
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S03E04 (41) 	"Hello, Goodbye"
October 22, 2008 
Smash bids farewell. Julie supports Matt during his struggles with his mom and grandmother. Tami embarrasses herself with the superintendent. Tyra dates a new guy (Zach Roerig). 
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S03E05 (42) 	"Every Rose Has Its Thorn"
October 29, 2008 
Matt grapples with his mother, his emotions and Coach Taylor as J.D. garners more attention. Elsewhere, Tyra sees a new side of Cash and Jason is disappointed by Erin. 
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S03E06 (43) 	"It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy"
November 5, 2008 
Coach is furious with Tim and the team for a freshman hazing. J.D. wins the respect of the town and team. A late night swim at the lake turns into more for Julie and Matt. Tyra is shocked when a woman shows up claiming Cash owes her child support. 
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S03E07 (44) 	"Keeping Up Appearances"
November 12, 2008 
Eric and Tami try to calm JaMarcus' angry parents; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc and the Riggins brothers receive good news. 
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S03E08 (45) 	"New York, New York"
November 19, 2008
Jason's plan to leave Dillon worries Tim; Tami and Eric butt heads over financial matters; Julie champions Matt's idea to her dad; and Tyra turns to Cash during a difficult time. 
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S03E09 (46) 	"Game of the Week"
December 3, 2008
Surprises await Tim when he returns to Dillon; Tami helps Tyra deal with a problem; Matt clashes with his mom; and Lyla and Mindy work together. 
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S03E10 (47) 	"The Giving Tree"
December 10, 2008
Coach is emotionally challenged both on and off the field. Lyla turns to Riggins when Buddy reveals a secret. Tyra has a plan to repair her relationship with Landry. JD has no interest in his father's advice. 
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S03E11 (48) 	"A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" 	Bridget Carpenter, Patrick Massett, & John Zinman 	Michael Waxman 	December 17, 2008 (2008-12-17)
Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team. Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident. Tim sees another side of Lyla. Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry. Tensions escalate between JD and his father. 
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S03E12 (49) 	"Underdogs"
January 7, 2009
The team prepares for the State game. The Taylors deal with the McCoys. Matt frets over telling his grandmother about his college plans. 
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S03E13 (50) 	"Tomorrow Blues"
January 14, 2009
Eric's contract is reviewed. Billy and Mindy's wedding day arrives; Tyra awaits word on her wait-list status; Matt prepares to leave for college; and Tim and Lyla consider their future. 
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MAIN CHARACTERS

Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) — The varsity football coach of the Dillon Panthers. He is based on Coach Gary Gaines. Like Gaines, Taylor is the new coach who is having somewhat of a hard time adjusting to the intensity that Dillon shows for football. Also both Gaines and Taylor are often given advice by the locals on how to win. After taking the Panthers to state, he accepts a higher level job coaching college ball, only to return to Dillon. He loses his job at the end of season 3, and goes on to coach the East Dillon Lions in season 4.
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Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) — The wife of Eric Taylor, mother of Julie Taylor, former guidance counselor and now principal of Dillon High School. *
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Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) — The shy and stammering quarterback/wide receiver of the Dillon Panthers and also the boyfriend of Julie Taylor. He has issues with abandonment, once summing it up as that he was left by Coach Taylor for a better team, left by Julie Taylor for a better guy, left by his father for a war. Beyond this, his mother is also known to have left him around age ten. Saracen is based on Mike Winchell (Lucas Black). Like Winchell, Saracen is very good but is somewhat awkward and stammers often.
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Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden) — Daughter of Eric and Tami Taylor. Junior at Dillon High School, and girlfriend of Matt Saracen. The typical American teenager experiences phases of rebellion (drinking, getting a tattoo, dating around, etc.).
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Buddy Garrity (Brad Leland) - Owner of a popular Chevrolet dealership in town, father of Lyla Garrity, and an influential booster. He ends up having an affair with Angela Collette, Tyra's mom, which causes stress with his family and ends with a divorce. Buddy is based on John Aubrey, a character Leland himself played in the film. Like in the film Buddy gives Coach Gaines advice.
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Landry Clarke (Jesse Plemons) - A somewhat nerdy and geek-worthy character. Best friend of Panthers quarterback Matt Saracen, but wasn't on the football team in Season 1. Joined the team to impress his father in Season 2. He has his own band and is in love with Tyra Collette, who he lost his virginity to. Landry is based on Brian Chavez (Jay Hernandez). Like Chavez, Landry is best friends with the quarterback. Both characters have very good grades and await a life outside of Dillon /Odessa.
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Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) — The town "vixen." Her dating history includes Tim Riggins (Season 1), Landry (Season 2), and a cowboy named Cash (Season 3). She is seen developing throughout the show and hoping to rise above the stereotype of the blonde, oversexed female in Dillon. She was admitted into University of Texas in Austin after graduating from Dillon High.
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Jason Street (Scott Porter) — The former star quarterback of the Dillon panthers and former fiancee of Lyla Garrity. Street was paralyzed from the chest down during the first game of his senior year and has developed an interest in quad rugby. He was briefly an assistant coach of the Dillon Panthers. Now resides in Northern New Jersey with his girlfriend Erin and their son Noah.
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Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) — Former fiancée of Jason Street and former Panthers cheerleader. She is now dating Tim Riggins, off and on. The drama of her story arc included a slip in judgment when Jason was initially paralyzed, which ended with she and Riggins hooking up. He eventually caught feelings for her, and the two spend quite a lot of time going back and forth with their decision to be with one another. She has gone through a religious phase, as well, in season 2.
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Brian "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) — Former running back of the Dillon Panthers. Now plays for Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Smash is based on Boobie Miles (Derek Luke) because both are the star running backs and both are very cocky. Smash is suspended from the team once for fighting in a movie theater and in the first season, he is benched by coach Taylor for using steroids. He is Injured between the second and third season.
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Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) — The fullback/running back of the Dillon Panthers. He is the troubled best friend to Jason Street. He is the ex-boyfriend of Tyra Collette and now dates Lyla Garrity, with whom he has an off and on relationship. Of course, both were stops in quite a long line of girls, as Riggins is known as a bit of a womanizer. He solves many of his problems through promiscuous sex and heavy drinking. Tim is based on Don Billingsley (Garrett Hedlund) from the film. Both Tim and Don have rocky relationships with their fathers. Both are very good players and heavy partiers.
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