The writers for the hit NBC show Friday Night Lights had just as tough of a job as the writers who penned the episodes for the hit show Lost with its dynamic storylines. Armed with a huge cast with revolving characters, the mission still stayed the same. How could they make the characters relatable to the viewers?
Friday Night Lights centered around high school kids in a small town overshadowed by the rough sport of football. As each character searched for their purpose, the viewers were given an up-close look into proper character development.
10 Eric Taylor (Grew)
Eric Taylor was all about football. While he enjoyed the time with his family, those moments were few and far between. His real kids were those of the Dillon Panthers. Coach Taylor had to be the coach and father figure to a lot of the kids who may have had issues off the field in their own homes.
As far as growth goes for Taylor, it wasn’t until the end where his character shined. When Tami came to him with her offer to teach in Philadelphia, Eric wanted no parts of it. But he changed his mind and finally did something nice for his wife and family.
9 Julie Taylor (Didn’t)
Julie wasn’t as spoiled as Lyla or as reckless as Tyra but her demons were put on full display throughout the entire run of the show. With her mother and father always at odds, Julie took that time to explore her social standing. And fans should not forget, how far she could push her parents’ buttons.
Julie wanted to rebel throughout Friday Night Lights and by the end, she still carried that same mind frame. Her character showed very little in terms of character development over the seasons.
8 Brain “Smash” Williams (Grew)
“Cocky” is the best way to describe Brian “Smash” Williams during his time on Friday Night Lights. The gifted running back viewed himself as a star and often played as one. But it was his attitude that stunted the growth of his character in the early goings.
Smash went through many setbacks and in those obstacles, he was forced to learn humility. His coming to coach Taylor for help was the best and smartest move of his life and football career. He went from a boastful youth to a man with his decision.
7 Tami Taylor (Didn’t)
Tami Taylor wanted more than what the Town of Dillon had to offer. It wasn’t about football for her, it was about the kids in the community. She wanted them to aspire for more than the bright lights of Friday Night Football. From the players to the average student, Tami wanted to help them all.
But along the way, she grew tired and while her main focus was always her family and their happiness, she knew she had to reach for hers as well. Tami always placed the interest of others first.
6 Jason Street (Grew)
Jason was the star player who went down with an injury, his emotional Friday Night Light impetus for change, that cost him his dream of playing in the NFL. Now paralyzed, he had to find something deep within himself to get out of the darkness that consumed his life. Jason was lost and understandable so. Drinking and bad decisions led him down a path he wasn’t ready for.
But he changed; he had no choice but to do so after receiving news that he was set to become a father. Following a stint as a car salesman and then on the Panthers’ sidelines, Jason made his way to the ranks as a sports agent.
5 Matt Saracen (Didn’t)
Not all characters need growth to stand out. Matt was one of them. The quiet kid turned Dillon hero made his sacrifices on the show but he calmly remained the same. While change is going to happen, especially for teenagers, Matt handled his pretty well most of the time.
He stayed loyal to his friends and family but what Matt wanted most was to keep his integrity in check. While Julie toyed with his emotions often, Matt still held a torch for her.
4 Vince Howard (Grew)
Viewed as a troubled kid, Vince (Michael B. Jordan) was given more than one chance to turn it all around. All he had to do was commit to it. Vince joined the Panthers angry. He was angry at everyone and in his mind, he had good reason. As a young kid forced to look over his addict mother, Vince joined a gang and things went wrong.
His position on the Panthers finally changed from RB to QB and from there, his perspective on life changed. His dad returns and things went sour again. Benched, Vince realizes that it’s about the success of the team and not him.
3 Landry Clarke (Didn’t)
While Landry began the show as the weird best friend of Matt, Landry found a way to make a path of his own. His time on the show was a wild ride but it was done mostly off the football field. Landry, considered a nerd to everyone in Dillon, tried to make his way as a member of the team.
However, his character wasn’t given much room to grow. He was already headed to college. What stood in his way was his love for the wild Tyra; she almost cost Landry everything. He was not a bad guy, he was just caught in a bad situation.
2 Tyra Collette(Grew)
As wild as Tim Riggins was, Tyra matched him mistake for mistake. Her home life was a complete mess that defined her life in and out of school. She wanted a way out of Dillon but didn’t have the same options that Julie or Lyla had. Tyra wanted college but was told she didn’t have the grades to get in.
She struck up a relationship with Landry which turned deadly and almost cost both whatever future they had in front of them. Tyra changed her ways and let go of the pettiness she held against her peers and found a way out of Dillon.
1 Lyla Garrity (Didn’t)
Lyla Garrity began the show labeled as the spoiled brat of Dillon. Her father Buddy Garrity was a success and Lyla portrayed the life of the perfect teenage girl. She was a cheerleader with a highly coveted relationship with Jason Street but after his injury, Lyla makes a huge mistake by beginning an affair with Tim Riggins.
Lyla is led by her faith in God and because of that, she sees the good even in those who have caused her harm. All Lyla wants is to attend Vanderbilt University. She knows that none of the guys she’s dated in Dillon have the same dreams she has.
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