I'm going to start by quickly overviewing some shows I have loved over the years before I get to the big, life-changing, all consuming passion of mine that has taken over the last two years of my life. Don't worry, you will know which one it is.
I think my first TV love affair was with Dawson's Creek when I was probably way to young to be watching it.
I remember "recording" it on Wednesday nights on VHS tapes in my bedroom and watching it after I was supposed to be asleep because my mom would have never let me watch it. Don't worry, I have already admitted this to my mom. I have long wanted to go back and watch this show to see if it is actually good television or if I was just intrigued by the drama and scandal. Anyway, thus began my obsession with hour-long soap/dramas.
Next came The O.C.
This was really serious. I was mildly obsessive about this show. I think I could still tell you the episode names of the entire first season, down to Episode 27: The Ties that Bind, which I still contend is one of the best season finales and singular episodes of a TV show ever. I was in love with the characters, the drama and the music, oh the music. I bought every "Music from..." for years and years, and would memorize them. Thus also began my somewhat spiritual connection to the song "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley/Leonard Cohen. (I personally prefer the Jeff Buckley version.) This song played in multiple episodes of The O.C. and served to tie certain themes together. I ended up playing this song at a local pageant (go ahead, make fun) and I still to this day stop whatever I am doing whenever I hear it. It is a wonderful, haunting, beautiful song. The end.
I guess next would be Glee.
Man oh man, I don't think I'd ever experienced joy at watching a show until I saw the first season on Glee. I won't get into what's been happening lately, but I just remember cheering at the end of episodes where the gang would end with a big group number, like the episode with "Somebody to Love" as the finale. Woah. This was powerful, exhilarating stuff. I don't know what's been happening recently, but I haven't gotten that feeling much... but alas, Season 1 stole my heart and I will undoubtedly be watching at least until my faves graduate.
And that brings us to THE BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION IN THE HISTORY OF TELEVISION. I'll fight you about that if anyone would like to disagree.
Why I just discovered this show a couple of years ago is beyond me. This show was made for me. Or maybe, people like me. I shouldn't be selfish.
I don't even know where to begin in describing my love for this gem. I'm sure a large part of it is due to the fact that I grew up in the realized version of Dillon, Texas, I dressed the way many of the characters dress, I talk the way they talk, I cared about the things they care about, and I generally adore the fact that the seemingly small lives of these characters is more beautifully portrayed and deeply felt than many shows involving people as relatively important as the President of the United States.
Also, I want to be Tami Taylor.
Seriously. I love this woman, and I have to remind myself often that she doesn't really exist. I think that if I ever met Connie Britton, I wouldn't be able to control myself and talk about the weather like I do with every other star that I meet. I met Ronald Weasley the other day for Pete's sake and managed to not utter the words "Harry Potter" in any sense. But the second I met Connie Britton, I'd probably start gushing about Texas and gold hoop earrings and her awesome hair.
Did I just say that? Okay, confession time. I actually started wearing gold hoop earrings a couple of years ago due in large part to the fact that Tami Taylor wears gold hoop earrings on a daily basis. And I still wear them, almost every day. Now I feel like they are a part of me, and I'm slowly evolving to be more Tami-esque.
I probably shouldn't admit stuff like that, huh?
Wow, this is starting to sound weird. I also love, adore, and admire the relationship portrayed between Tami and Eric.
I've never been married so I'm not a great judge, but I feel like the relationship here is the most realistic marriage I have ever seen portrayed on the small screen. The frustrations, joy, hardships and the commitment are all portrayed in the tapestry of everyday life and the way they are woven together is incredibly moving to me. I feel like the Taylors are my TV family, and I hate when there is distress or tension. It's kind of strange, actually, to sincerely want everything to work out so badly. I should stop now...
And finally, the cast of kids isn't half bad. Actually, they are kind of amazing. I will say that I wanted to strangle Minka Kelly for about 5 episodes with that strange lilting voice of hers, but I grew to love Lyla Garrity like a friend. That friend that sometimes you wish would just shut up, but a friend just the same. And Zach Gilford, I mean, wow. The acting in this series honestly takes my breath away. And what the acting doesn't take care of, this fella certainly does.
Texas Forever.
Clear Eyes Full Hearts Can't Lose.
... And cue the tears...
P.S. There is hope on the horizon. Read on for further information... and then we can start cheering and signing petitions to make this happen.
Friday Night Lights: Movie
Love Friday Night Lights! Steve and I started watching it when it first came out and even watched ahead when they (gasp) took it off regular television and sent it to the DirecTV channel. Thankfully, they realized they were totally WRONG for that! Doesn't have to be Texas, although I get what you're saying. It easily translated to small town Arkansas where football is king as well! LOVE IT!
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