I do not understand football.

Since I was a kid, the only reason I ever watched football was during the Super Bowl because my mom makes the most amazing spread of game-day snacks. However, three years ago, one show made me actually care about the game – a little show called Friday Night Lights.

No, I am not talking about the 1990 nonfiction book written by H. G. Bissinger or the 2004 movie starring Billy Bob Thornton. I am talking about arguably one of the best television shows to ever air on NBC, now in its fifth and final season.

Haven’t tuned in? Truth is, most people haven’t. Because of its Friday night television slot, most people would rather go out than stay in and watch this television drama. I am the exception.

I say this loud and clear – Friday Night Lights is not a show just about football. It is a show that portrays the emotional struggles of a small group of people living in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas.

Friday Night Lights premiered in 2006, with the first two seasons airing on NBC. However, because of low ratings, DIRECTV began running the seasons from the third season on, with NBC rebroadcasting afterwards.

During the first four seasons of the show, writers have put viewers through an emotional roller coaster – paralysis, sexual abuse, jealousy, betrayal, death and even murder are all elements that are explored. I know this may sound like a daytime soap opera, but all of these obstacles are portrayed in a very realistic, emotional setting.

These emotions are anchored by the fantastic cast. During production, actors follow the written script, however, the blocking of the scenes and the characters’ mannerisms are left up to the actors. Often the editors will use the first take of a scene to make it feel more organic.

The characters are not cookie-cutter caricatures often portrayed in primetime dramas. They are flawed, they have issues and they are anything but cliché.

The heart and center of the show is football coach Eric Taylor, (played by Kyle Chandler) and wife Tami Taylor (played by Connie Britton). The strong bond between the two characters is one of the most heart-wrenching facets of the program. They fight, they clash, but at the end of the day there is an undeniable respect between the two that is rarely seen in television couples.

In 2010, both Chandler and Britton were nominated for the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress awards for a drama series. Unfortunately, neither took home the award they deserved.

Football serves as the backdrop for the show. The characters eat, sleep and breathe Texas football. It’s the blood that pulses through each of the characters’ veins, but it does not define them. The show is truly about family and what it means to be a part of one.

I have laughed and cried with these characters and although the final season has already aired on DIRECTV, I can’t bring myself to finish it. The series finale will air in July on NBC and I know I’ll most likely be in the fetal position after watching it.

I know it is kind of ridiculous to get so emotionally attached to a show, but after watching it for years, it has become a big part of my life.

Do yourself a favor – rent it from Netflix, watch it online or steal it from a friend. Regardless, catch up and give this show a chance. As my favorite character Tim Riggins (played by Taylor Kitsch) says on the show, “Let’s make some memories.” So please, as a long-time advocate for the show, give it the recognition it deserves.

Shelley Holmgren can be reached at 581-2812 or denverge@gmail.com.