THE BEST NEW TV SHOW--FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT)

Now that it's been moved from Tuesday night. I liked the book, I liked the movie, but I was ready for disappointment when I tuned in. Not so.

Oh, it's not great tv like the old Hill St. Blues, St. Elsewhere, Mash, Seinfeld, American Dreams, but it's good. And in this blogger's opinion it far outshines any of the other new tv shows. I know, I touted Jericho in an earlier blog, but I haven't watched it after the third week or so. No Deal or Deal, as my youngest grandson calls it, has fallen the way of so many flash in the pan game shows.

Sure, some of the characters are predictable. And sure, the Dillon Panthers win nearly every football game, but the actors help overcome some of the writing. Number 33, the alcoholic who lives predominately by himself is maybe my favorite. Along with the coach. The quarterback dating the coach's daughter is genuine and real to me. Always there to bring im back to earth, the coach's wife is good, too.

The one character who is not a stereotype ( ok, I'm ready for a difference of opinion here) is Lila Garrity. Head cheerleader, social climber, dater of former star qb injured in a football game accident, Lila cheated on her paralytical boyfriend with the alcoholic. But she seems to have grown and still dates the former quarterback. Lessons she learns the hard way, and seeing her parents marriage dissolving, she doesn't seem as concerned about social status anymore.

After having 19 seasons behind the microphone announcing high school football on Friday nights, is it really any surprise that I like the show? I just wish the Rams would have won that much.