Naw, I’m not talking about Kyle Chandler’s Coach Taylor. I mean D.W. Moffett’s Joe McCoy, the blowhard-bully dad of the Dillon Panthers’ new “QB1,” J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter). Tonight’s edition of Friday Night Lights finds the controlling loud-mouth putting even more pressure on his emotionally-squashed son. One of J.D.’s teammates remarks, “Daddy got him on a leash.”
Veteran character actor Moffett looks like he’s having a great time playing this falsely-jovial, mean, petty backslapper, and why not? He’s getting some typically terrific scenes from the FNL writing staff. They’ve taken a pop-culture archetype that goes back at least as far as 1955′s Rebel Without A Cause (James Dean’s parents pressure him to conform) and, combined with Moffett’s shark-smile and intensity, have made every moment of father-son interaction incredibly tense.
We know that the true father-figure for J.D. (as it is for so many of the young men in this series) is Coach Taylor, and the deadly, silent stares Kyle Chandler shoots Moffett when Joe McCoy enters the sanctity of Coach’s locker-room tonight are priceless.
Everyone in this series is first-rate, of course, but I just wanted to tip my hat at this season’s best villain. Take a good look at Moffett’s performance tonight as you watch.
I mean, you will be watching Friday Night Lights, won’t you? Please?
I never miss an episode. It’s as good as anything on TV these days (and there’s some pretty dern great shows on right now).
Hells to the yeah I’ll be watching…or at least DVRing and watching later this weekend. I hated having to wait for NBC to start airing Season 3 (no DirecTV here) but it has well been worth the wait. Just kind of upset about hearing that they have been trimming the eps. Hopefully when Season 3 hits DVD (mark your calendars all–MAY 19!!) it’ll be the extended versions of the episodes. Emmy voters finally take note please!!!!!!!!! Best show on TV along w/ “Lost” and “Mad Men” and “Damages”.
this show is amazing its a pity that the ratings are not good, im sure its due to the time slot. if they change the day people will realize how amazing it is
This show never fails to amaze me. It is right up there with Lost and Mad Men as the best show on TV. Will someone please give Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton an Emmy already????
I absolutely love this show! Sucks me in every time!
Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are two of the best actors on television now, which says a lot because most of the cast also falls into that category. It’s a shame that not one cast member of FNL has been recognized for their hard work. Coach Taylor is the best surrogate dad any one could ask for.
Moffet is so good at being creepy shark while effortlessly charming. And let’s not forget Katie McCoy too! These two complement each other so well! JD obviously fears/looks up to his dad and for him to have another father figure will definitly stir up some teeeension! Usually Coach Taylor is good with the players who are missing father figures but how will he deal with JD when he’s got Joe barking up his tree all the time. Daddy Showdown!
I will definitely be watching, and I am glad for any press EW gives to FNL – the absolute best show on tv.
Oh come on people!! If you don’t watch this show, it’s only because you have absolutely NO soul… You feel that beating in your chest? That’s your heart telling you to give FNL a chance
I LOVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!
My husband is a huge fan of this show and he personally has tried to get everyone he knows to watch it. I’m the tv nut in the family but when he gets hooked on a show he’s relentless. I’m expecting him to start handing out DVD’s before long!
Please watch this show people, it’s fantastic.
Absolutely love this show. Thanks to EW for the continued recognition it gives FNL. No show is more deserving!
I love Friday Night Lights! Never miss an episode!
I absolutely LOVE this show and I try to convince everyone I know to watch. I have even converted a Nielsen Family (although I’m not sure if that is still how ratings are determined). I love EW for their support and recognition of FNL but when can we expect a cover story? Seriously, this is the best looking cast on t.v. right now. Give them the cover!
Love FNL. Rarely does the characters of a drama feel so real and one comes to care for them as family members. Bravo to the writer and actors.