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!
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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!
I had a felling that Smash was leaving the show. He was about to graduate and Coach T took him to see a friend so he could go to play with him onces he graduated. So unless he quit football and got himself a job Smash was leaving the show.
As for Jason, I am sorry to see him go too. He has a great new story line after he is going to be a dad. It would be very nice to see how he copes with being a dad …..
Both actors gave their all to the show and I want to thank them! Great job guys.
While I’ve grown to care about both characters, them leaving is organic. It will be nice to see an update on how Smash is maturing under the tutilage of his new coach. As for Street, when he quit his assistant coaching job, I had a feeling he wouldn’t be around for long if the show returned. I seriousl hope, however, they at least graduate Riggins because being held back twice would seriously put a dent in his “hottie” status.
I had a feeling Smash would go, and I hate to see him leave. His character was awesome and funny and well protrayed. And NOT my Jason!!!
I’m going to miss him SO much!!! I wanted him to get back together with Lyla, but I guess that’s not happening now. 
I’m going to miss Scott/young Matthew Fox. 
How is this exclusive. I just read it on TVguide.com
I agree with the decision to let Jason and Smash go. It makes total sense for the storyline. I do hope that we at least see a resolution of the Jason/baby-daddy plotline, however.
Hard to imagine the show without them.
i understand but that doesnt mean i like it… but whatever keeps it from going and growing is fine with me.
I don’t mind Street leaving, but Smash! He is the show! At least we still have Tyra and Landry, but honestly, should I give up hope on this show? Is it just dying a slow death?
Losing Smash is gonna be hard, but as long as we get more Riggins to fill the extra airtime I’ll be a happy camper
OMG! How long does that mean we have Riggins for. Hopefully he’ll get left back a couple of times;).
Not a shocker – I don’t understand the outrage, people. It’s a show about high school football and the small town the school is set in. Smash graduated and left and Street could conceivably leave as well. Life moves on, and now so does the storyline. And they’ll be back, like most high school graduates, for the occasional visit. Art reflecting life.
On one hand, it’s tough to say that a character has “run his course” on a show like this because the writers have (for the most part) come up with fantastic ways of expanding all the show’s characters. Jason Street was a fantastic character, and Scott Porter was superb in showing us a trapped kid trying (sometimes failing) to become a man. On the other hand, Jason is no longer a central character. He’s out of high school, he’s not in college, and he doesn’t interact with any of the main characters on a regular basis. This was always an ensemble program and as such characters can fall out of the limelight without damaging the storylines. Jason will be “around”, but he doesn’t propel the drama anymore. As for (ahem) THE SMASH, he probably won’t interact with most of the main characters either now that he’s in college. However, he’s closeby, so he’ll show up occasionally, but can we REALLY expect a college running back to keep appearing @ high school? Even that would be a stretch
I understand, but I’m disappointed. I hope that the producers are serious about having them recurring, and I hope the actors have enough respect for the show and the fans to come back when they’re asked.
I’m really sad about losing Gaius Charles though, he was so phenomenal last season and I think he brings a lot to the show.
I’m not sad to see Street go. He was likable but not essential. Very sad to see Smash go. I loved that guy. But really, as long as Riggens is still there, I’ll be a loyal viewer.
As long as Riggins fails I will be JUST fine.
I will sincerly miss the street/riggins riggins/smash banter, but I think the Riggins/Landry Saracen/Riggins combo (as illustrated beautifully last season by the Fridays drunken tuesday skip day) will fill that void.
also people,people, we still have Buddy Garrity and the trusty Taylors.
woohooo! go Panthers!