"FNL" Highlight Reel

(Apologies for the radio silence, I was having Internet connection problems yesterday.)

TCA PRESS TOUR NOTES:

The cast and producers of "Friday Night Lights" expressed gratitude and joy on Tuesday about their renewal for a second, full, 22 episode season.

While emphasizing again that "FNL" is "not a football show," the tough ratings have not necessitated a shift in the distinctive tone or style said executive producer Jason Katims. The Dillon Panthers will, however "not play quite as many full out games as we did last year."

The season will pick up eight months after the finale with Tami (Connie Britton) and Coach Taylor living apart- she in Dillon he in Austin coaching at "TMU." The long distance relationship will be resolved by the sixth episode, however, and they won’t be apart for too long as Tami gives birth in the premiere.

Jason Street (Scott Porter) has become an assistant to the new coach in Dillon, continues to adjust to his paralysis and gets a glimmer of hope in that regard. Tyra’s assaulter will return and spur an event that will draw her closer to Landry. In a separate interview with Gaius Charles who plays star running back “Smash” Williams, I learned we have not seen the last of “Voodoo” Tatum and his offer to Smash to switch schools.

SARAH RODMAN