For five seasons, “Friday Night Lights” has been the most overlooked show on television. Featuring the most consistently-great acting, writing and emotion, “FNL” consistently failed to make a mark at the Emmys. It failed to capture sufficient viewership and even found itself bumped to DirecTV as part of a deal to keep it on the air.
Now officially done, “FNL” is finally getting some Emmy love. Jason Katims won for writing earlier in the night, and now Kyle Chandler takes home the 63rd Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
Chandler was a dark horse–but the odds were still long. Most had broken the battle down to Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) vs. Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”). Hugh Laurie (“House”) and Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”) didn’t appear to have a chance, but many argued that Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”) was just as likely a dark horse winner as Chandler.
Chandler, however, is the one with the trophy.
well-deserved! five great seasons of performances. and Chandler’s obvious surprise and lack of preparation was in keeping with the show’s lack of pretense and gloss — exactly why we all connected with it.
it’s a shame that Connie Britton and the overall show didn’t win as well — they’re equally deserving. but if we learned anything over five seasons of FNL, it’s that Hollywood endings … belong in Hollywood. FNL went out with class and a dedicated nationwide following. and now a handful of top-level awards from an Emmy establishment that consistently and especially in this case has failed to focus on quality over ‘buzz.’