The writers had quite a task in Season 4 in a short 13-episode season. Unlike so many of the teenage shows, FNLs actually allows its key young actors to move on, sometimes come back ... just as in real life. And it introduces new characters into the lives of the people of Dillon. This coming and going of people in their lives is just as it is in high schools across America.Season 4 centers around Coach Taylor's exile to dilapidated East Dillon High school, while his beloved wife, Tami, remains Principal of Dillon High. The re-districting creates a schism between the Taylors, the Panthers and the Lions, the students of the 2 schools, the Boosters, and the town make for some interesting story-telling. It also creates a further schism between the races and economic classes ... the "haves" and the "have nots." This season mirrors the Great Recession where everyone but a very few struggles. Tami is now the major breadwinner in their family, Coach is still out on a 2 year "non-compete" from his contract with TMU, there are no jobs in Dillon. Buddy is no longer the richest man in Dillon, as his car dealership struggles. The richest man is now Joe McCoy, the Stud of Suds. (In real life, beer sales are in fact at an all time high during this recession ... so this seems very fitting). McCoy is oblivious to the suffering of others, as his family is unaffected and his eye remains on making his son the greatest quarterback in the history of Texas.This divide is going to cause the same conflict that so many re-districted towns experience ... all anchored this season by the Coach and his family. The writers throw everything but the kitchen sink at Taylors this season(as well as some other key characters). As Coach said in the Pilot episode, now, they will all be tested. In the backdrop of this unrelenting economy ... I thought the writers did an excellent job of tapping into what is happening in America today ... how we are all being tested.This season plays special homage to Matt Saracen and Tim Riggins, in the same thoughtful way that Smash and Jason Street were showcased in special episodes. Compelling new characters are introduced, most noteworthy: Vince, Jesse, and Luke. An episode called "The Son," is one of the stand out episodes of the entire 4 years of the show.This was a lot for the writers to take on in 13 episodes. For the most part, I thought they were very successful! In fact, I put this season on par with Season 1 in terms of story-telling, acting, casting. In my very honest opinion, Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, and Zach Gilford (for 'The Son') are deserving of the Emmy for their performances in Season 4 ... not the nomination, but the actual statues themselves. They turned in outstanding performances, time and time again. Taylor Kitsch, Brad Leland, and Amy Teagarden also turn in some very, very fine performances.
