FNL is my favourite US TV drama of recent years. It had an innovative shooting style that brought stellar performances from the cast. [Just compare how good Taylor Kitsch is in FNL to his efforts in films like John Carter.] It tackled big issues in a smalltown setting, but never felt parochial. Ostensibly after American football, it had one of the best protrayals of a marriage seen on TV. But most of all it had heart - and a lot of that came from the writing.

Thanks Tom. Good stuff. Always look forward to your insights. Did you see this shot of Abe? Stunning! http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/08/07/first-look-daniel-day-lewis-lincoln/

I hate football but for some reason I was tuned into this show from the very beginning. Everything felt genuine and real, particularly the marriage between Coach Taylor and his wife. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton were flawless. The show truly never got the recognition it deserved. Yeah, season two got off track with the murder storyline. But from season three on, things recovered and the last season had some of the show's best moments. Wish I could take Tom's TV Pilot Writing Class this time around but the timing just doesn't work out right now. Next time.