AN OPEN LETTER

Courtesy NBC

TO: NBC
FROM: ESPN The Mag's Media Blitz
Dear NBC,
     Don't do it. Don't you dare. We give you props for renewing critically adored Friday Night Lights, despite lackluster first season ratings, but our good will has run out. Sources close to FNL tell us that last Friday's episode may prove to be the last.
     This can't be.
     We're not naïve. We know many more viewers would rather see what's in the hot chick's briefcase than follow the Panthers. But we can fix this. Together. We can boost the ratings and the storytelling. We can, in short, improve the best show on television.
     You see, cold, uncaring network, it's not over. Not by a Manning-to-Tyree's helmet longshot.
     The subtlety and authenticity that defined season one of FNL won you a loyal and loud following. But you needed more eyeballs. Hey, it's a business. We get it. So you infused the second season with melodramatic subplots worthy of The OC.
     But you could have spiced up the series while remaining true to its milieu. The ingredients for a more riveting, more salacious and even more profitable network series are all right there in front of you:

• (BELIEVABLE) SEX SELLS
  We hated Saracen-Carlotta. The show hangs its hat on realism, yet, we don't remember ever sleeping with the nurse. And as much as it gives us Average Joes hope, Landry-Tyra's Beauty-and-the-Dork romance is a stretch. Instead, reunite our favorite "aw shucks" couple, Saracen-Julie. They gave the first season its most tender moments.
• RACIAL TENSION DONE RIGHT
  You alluded to racial tension in the series premiere, but dropped it. Keep going. We're not suggesting you recklessly bait, but racism is a sad fact of life in many parts of this country—including Texas.
• RELIGION IS TV'S THIRD RAIL … TOUCH IT!
  You've largely ignored the role of religion in the South. Spare us the robotic, surface-only portrayals of devout Christians. Dig deeper.
• MORE SCHOOL
  Want to lure non-football fans? Give 'em something they can relate to: high school. These were unstable times. We remember tests, cheating (all different kinds), alcohol and warring cliques. If you must, rent a 90210 DVD (season 1).
• MORE FOOTBALL (SORTA)
  The focus groups want less football. We agree. But what about more pigskin drama, not action. The movie and book superbly explored how on-field success can bring joy, heartbreak and stress. Where did this go? What happened to the town's irrational obsession with a child's game? Maybe it's time the Panthers lose, and Taylor's job and the players' lives are put back on the line.

Of course, dear network, for these plotlines you'll have to greenlight five to six more springtime episodes, then renew the show for a third season. But if you follow our advice, you'll see it's worth it. If you don't? We'll dump you for any network smart enough to pick-up FNL.
     And as for you, Lights' possible new home, caveat emptor. Consider our suggestions and prove that clear eyes and full hearts …

Love,
ESPN The Mag's Media Blitz

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