Image Credit: Paul Drinkwater/ NBCFriday Night Lights is finally giving Tami Taylor some friends. Well, a friend. Hey, it’s a start.
Sources confirm to me exclusively that theater vet Lynn Blackburn (Noises Off, Valley of the Dolls) has been cast in the recurring role of Laurel, a smart, tough, and dedicated teacher at East Dillon who befriends [SPOILER ALERT!] the school’s newest hire, Tami.
Blackburn joins a season 5 cast that also includes relative newcomer Grey Damon as Riggins 2.0 the Lions’ new wide receiver.
Production on FNL’s fifth (and likely final) season is now under way in Austin.
At least its a start, although I’m not sure the show will be able to redeem itself after losing practically all its original cast members
Redeem is definitely not the right choice of words.
Once you see Season 4 you’ll change your tune. Best season since the first one.
ok, ill hold out for it
AGREED!
It was great, but a little dark. This casting looks good, though! Finally some good news for Tammi.
So, the students shouldn’t graduate? They should stay at Dillon High forever?
When does FNL season 4 come on TV for thse of us without Dish?
kana, the new season starts May 7 on NBC
Best. Show. Ever. Season 4 was incredible – Michael B. Jordan was great and the old guard were as amazing as ever. Looking forward to Season 5.
I can see FNL moving without the old cast of kids … it was time for them to move and give us a new class. This is a great show that NBC is kicking around like a bully … I hope the people of FNL see how good that cop show … hhmm Southland? is doing now that it move … maybe FNL needs to move to keep giving us one of the BEST shows on tv.
The transition of characters has been as easy as it could have been for a show that had 2 seasons with an outstanding cast. I’m looking forward to Season 5 and I’m hoping that NBC wakes up (fat chance) and realizes this show’s brilliance and potential. The addition of a BFF for Tammi is long overdue. Superwoman needs a sidekick already.
I hope TPTB realize that Coach is Tami’s BFF, and she is his (His is certainly not Buddy! A bud, by not a BFF).
But yeah … she could use real a gal pal.
Normally if a show were to slowly get rid of their entire original cast (especially such great ones like FNL’s has had) it just wouldn’t work. However when you have a show that’s as well written as this one – it does work. For me every new person they bring on just ‘feels right’ and fits right in as if they had been on since the beginning. Such great writing and acting by every single person. Hands down the best show and this season was no different.
Someone tell me that Big Tim is still on the show. I dont care if he doesnt go to college, I will support him. Can’t wait til May 7th!
In my opinion it just won’t be good, the original FNL was like ER, fast-paced, action packed, for guys to watch, all about football, every season the drift more away from football and the “life-changing decisions” I don’t think I will like season 5 much, season 1 was gold, everything after that just wasn’t that goood…
What are you talking about? In seasons 3 and 4 there was just as much football as ever.
I feel that this show NEED TO BRING BACK SOME OF THE ORIGINALS! The first three seasons were so incredible and those characters are so beloved I wish we could have followed them to wherever they went! I miss the Buddy/Lila/Riggens storylines, as well as Tyra and Landon hijinks. The fresh class is not doing it for me, and neither are the Dillon Lions! Please go back to the original concept fast FNL!
Friday Night Lights just keep on getting better. It is my favorite!!