I’ve been dreading this day. Ever since Friday Night Lights‘
odds-defying renewal (thanks, DirecTV!), pessimistic fans like myself
have been waiting for the other cleat to drop. And now we can stop
waiting. Sources confirm to me exclusively that two of the show’s MVPs,
Gaius Charles (Smash) and Scott Porter (Jason), have been taken off
contract and will only appear on a recurring basis in Season 3.
In a just-released statement, exec producer Jason Katims says, “Pete Berg, myself and our fellow producers have enormous respect for Scott and Gaius both as actors and individuals. In short, we love them. However, both of their characters have now graduated and in the creative spirit of the show, we have decided to give them powerful four episode arcs that will observe their characters as they launch themselves into the next phase of their lives. We certainly will keep the door open for both actors to return in the future, depending on the actors’ availabilities. We know both Scott and Gaius will go on to have enormous success and we wish the best for both of them.”
Total bummer, I know, but not a complete surprise. In the case of
Smash, Katims conceded that finding a way to
justify hanging onto his college-bound running back would be difficult.
“The Smash story definitely creates a challenge for us,” he told me
back in May. “He will presumably have graduated [when we return in the
fall]. It’s definitely going to require some finessing and the right
balance between taking the right amount of poetic license, but not
doing anything that would question the authenticity and believability
that is so important to our show.”
Similarly, maintaining the viability of Jason – the Panthers’
ex-starting quarterback who was left paralyzed by a Season 1 injury –
has also presented challenges. One possible exit strategy has Jason
leaving Dillon to start a new life with his pregnant girlfriend.
One thing you can be sure of: Katims remains committed to bringing both
characters’ storylines to a satisfying conclusion. As one insider
assures, “He has too much respect for the fans — as well as both actors
— to leave them hanging like that.”
I would expect nothing less from Katims. But enough about me, I’m anxious to hear from you, my fellow FNL
loyalists: Sad to see Smash and Jason go? Comforted by the fact that
they’ll at least be around long enough to wrap up their storylines?
Praying FNL gets some long overdue Emmy love when nominations are announced next Thursday? Comment below!
This is ridiculous! I love the show and am so grateful for it’s return but Jason and Smash are vital! It’s a sad day my friends, a sad day.. I think they should have cut a in other areas and left these guys alone!
well, i LOVE this show and am so happy to have it back, that i will make whatever sacrifices necessary to have more panthers, but the two of them will be sorely missed.
CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE!!
NOOOOOOOOOO!!! What a bummer! I can totally understand this decision from a creative standpoint, though. I mean, it would change the tone and focus of the show to keep these two graduated boys around for too much longer. But, it bums me out, especially Gaius Charles. I think he’s so talented and he’s always been one of my favorites on the show.
I just want the writers to start thinking of ways to keep Saracen around after this coming season is over, b/c I can’t even imagine the show without him!!
I hate that they’re closing out the Jason Street storyline. I was always really impressed that they followed through with the aftermath of the pilot episode for so long. As for Smash, I’m going to miss the character–but it’s going to be refreshing to see a TV show sned a character of to college and NOT find silly ways to keep them on the scene.
Definitely not going to miss Smash because it saves me from having to “Sookie” all of his scenes. Although Street seemed like the heart of the show and he made for so many memorable scenes like pushing himself off the boat. Ugh.
Funny, but this is something I made a comment about several months ago. They can’t pull an “Archie” or a “90210″ and keep these kids in high school for a decade, it won’t work in that setting!
This season’s got to represent the senior year for much of the cast, including some guys who I’m sure were already seniors last season.
This begs the question. Is the show about the Dylan Panthers (and thus, we can expect new cast members every year), or is it about the coach (ditto), or is the appeal the particular characters themselves?
If it’s about the characters, then it’s time to expand the show into college…wait. That’s probably where the “creative and financial restraints” come into play. Nevermind.
Sad to see both characters depart! Does this mean we won’t see Smash’s mom anymore either? I loved her character!!!!!!
I’ll definitely miss Street more than Smash. I feel like Smash grew up a lot and changed enough as a person that I’m OK with not seeing him day-to-day…I know he’ll still go no and be “The Smash”. But Street is (maybe) going to be a father, which will be such an amazing journey for him! I would love to see him go through that and deal with everything that comes along with it.
This is a bummer, I like them both, but at least it wasn’t Riggins or Saracen, which would have ruined the show for me. I’m still just so happy FNL got another season, I can’t complain too much.
I will be very sad to see smash go. Last season his storylines were amazing and I was hoping they’d find a way to keep him around for season 3. As for Jason Street, I’m fine with him going. There were episodes when he wasn’t even in them and I never felt like, oh where’s street? I love his dynamics with Tim and Lyla and his buddy (sorry, I forgot his name) and I actually enjoyed when he was an assistant coach, but I’d take smash over street anyday.
Sad to see the characters go, but understandable for the reasons laid out in the article. However, Jason’s name has been rumored in so many different movie projects I’m sure he’ll be just fine.
cx
I had a feeling Smash was leaving after all he was a Sr. … but hey he can visit his mom and friends!
Jason has more to offer … am sad to see him go.
Wish FNL all the best for this new season!
What? No summer season where they all work at the yacht club? Bummer!
It’s hard to imagine the show being the same without Street. He kind of got on my nerves, but his storyline was always interesting. And it’s hard to imagine the team without Smash. As a character, his ego drove me crazy, but I think Gaius Charles is a great actor and it’s sad to see him go. Will still love the show just as much, but I hate to see them go!