Friday Night Lights 5X13: Forever

I'd like you guys to know that as I'm typing up this description, I'm still crying. It's been a rough day for me and TV. Nearly everything I watched today was worthy of tears. And so much of this reaction is me ugly crying. I'm sorry. I do not want to let this show go. Maybe the last two seasons were not as good as the first three, but fuck, this show burrowed it way into my soul. And this series finale was beautiful.

So, Eric and Tami are still at odds about what to do next year. We find out that the contract Eric was given was for five years, and it's a lot to give up. But Tami counters with the fact that she's sure their life in Philadelphia would good too. They end up arguing (while putting up Christmas decorations, mind you) until Matt shows up at the door.

Turns out, he's ready to propose to Julie. (In a parking lot. Okay). She says yes, and is curious about what Eric said when Matt asked him. Turns out, he didn't, and Julie insists he does. You know that's not going to go well. And of course, it doesn't. Eric literally laughs in his face. But eventually tells him 'no.' Repeatedly. And loudly. Matt counters by saying he doesn't need his permission, but he'd like his blessing. Eric refuses.

He and Tami put their fight aside for a second to deal with this. But it just turns into Eric getting mad at Tami and repeatedly calling Julie 'her daughter.' Like he's had nothing to do with her. 🙄 Later, Tami tells Julie that they'd like to take her and Matt out for a 'conversation dinner.' They agree. During the dinner, Eric tries to stress how young they they are. But Julie counters that they were the same age as when her parents got married. Eric tries to claim it was a different time. And he's probably right. But then he starts to talk about what marriage consists of; and it's all the things he and Tami are not doing right now. Tami excuses herself and leaves.

The next day, Eric wakes up to a phone call telling him the Panthers want him to sign the contract that morning on his way to State. As he's on the phone, he peruses some of Tami stuff from the college. Tami tells him she's taking Gracie to see Santa.

Eric shows up, just as Gracie is about to get her picture taken. He tells Tami he turned down the contract. It's her turn now. It feels like we knew this was gonna happen, but it doesn't make it any less sweet.

The Lions are down at state by six points (maybe?) with 3 seconds to go. They need a 63 yard TD from Vince. We watch the ball soar for a heart stopping amount of time before cutting to eight months later. AHHHHHH.

But, we do get a nice epilogue. Eric is coaching what I think is a high school team. (I don't think it's the college that Tami is working at, but feel free to correct me). Tami seems to be happy and thriving in her role. Matt and Julie are living in Chicago. Tim and Billy are building his house together. And Eric and Tami are still in love.

I don't even know what to say. This show is going to leave a hole. It doesn't seem like a show that's good for rewatching, but I can't imagine never watching these characters again. I so badly want good things for Tim. I hope he gets a happy Texas forever life.