Friday Night Lights (Season 3)

3.01 – I Knew You When

(January 16, 2009)
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner | Written by: Jason Katims

In the third-season opener, Eric fights to keep his job and helps Smash rebound. Elsewhere, Tami faces new challenges as principal, Tyra frets over college, Billy proposes, and tension escalates between Lyla and Riggins.

3.02 – Tami Knows Best

(January 23, 2009)
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner | Written by: Elizabeth Heldens

Coach supports Smash’s struggle to get a college tryout. Tyra’s tactics disappoint Tami. Matt considers emancipation in an effort to protect his grandma, and in the process meets with his estranged mother (Kim Dickens). Tensions escalate with Lyla.

3.03 – How the Other Half Lives

(January 30, 2009)
Directed by: Dean White | Written by: Patrick Massett & John Zinman

Eric frets over his job security, Tami befriends newcomer Katie McCoy (Janine Turner), Matt reconnects with Julie, and Lyla worries about Riggins, who’s being roped into a moneymaking scheme by Billy.

3.04 – Hello, Goodbye

(February 6, 2009)
Directed by: Michael Waxman | Written by: David Hudgins

Smash is given the scholarship by Texas A&M and bids farewell. Julie supports Matt during his struggles with his mom and grandmother. Tami embarrasses herself with the superintendent. Tyra dates a new guy (Zach Roerig).

3.05 – Every Rose Has Its Thorn

(February 13, 2009)
Directed by: Jason Katims | Written by: Kerry Ehrin

Matt grapples with his mother, his emotions, and Coach Taylor as J.D. garners more attention. Elsewhere, Tyra sees a new side of Cash, and Jason is disappointed by Erin’s decision.

3.06 – It Ain’t Easy Being J.D. McCoy

(February 20, 2009)
Directed by: Patrick Norris | Written by: Bridget Carpenter

Coach is furious with Tim and the team for a freshman hazing. J.D. wins the respect of the town and team. A late night swim at the lake turns into more for Julie and Matt. Tyra is shocked when a woman shows up claiming Cash owes her child support.

3.07 – Keeping Up Appearances

(February 27, 2009)
Directed by: Chris Eyre | Written by: Brent Fletcher

Eric and Tami try to calm Jamarcus’ angry parents; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc, and the Riggins brothers receive good news.

3.08 – New York, New York

(March 6, 2009)
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner | Written by: Kerry Ehrin

Jason’s plan to leave Dillon worries Tim, Tami and Eric butt heads over financial matters, Julie champions Matt’s idea to her dad, and Tyra turns to Cash during a difficult time.

3.09 – Game of the Week

(March 13, 2009)
Directed by: Michael Waxman | Written by: David Hudgins

Surprises await Tim when he returns to Dillon, Tami helps Tyra deal with a problem, Matt clashes with his mom, and Lyla and Mindy work together.

3.10 – The Giving Tree

(March 20, 2009)
Directed by: David Boyd | Written by: Elizabeth Heldens

Coach is emotionally challenged both on and off the field, Lyla turns to Riggins when Buddy reveals a secret, Tyra has a plan to repair her relationship with Landry, and J.D. has no interest in his father’s advice.

3.11 – A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall

(March 27, 2009)
Directed by: Michael Waxman | Written by: Bridget Carpenter & Patrick Massett & John Zinman

Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team, Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident, Tim sees another side of Lyla, Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry, and tensions escalate between J.D. and his father.

3.12 – Underdogs

(April 3, 2009)
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner | Written by: Elizabeth Heldens

As the team prepares for the state championship game against the undefeated South Texas Titans, the Taylors make a decision that could shatter what is already a fragile friendship with the McCoys, Landry helps Tyra with her college essay, and Matt frets over telling his grandmother about his college plans.

3.13 – Tomorrow Blues

(April 10, 2009)
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner | Written by: Jason Katims

Eric’s contract is reviewed, Billy and Mindy’s wedding day arrives, Tyra awaits word on her college wait-list status, Matt prepares to leave for college, and Tim and Lyla consider their future.