March
4 Saving More Than Just "Friday Night Lights"

The Save Friday Night Lights movement has taken a philanthopic turn, with more than $2,000 in raised funds already donated to such charities as the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the U.S. Quad Rugby Association. The grass-roots organization has also sent DVDs of "Friday Night Lights" to troops stationed overseas.

Now, Save FNL has turned to helping out the family of David Edwards (right), who passed away last week, four years after suffering a paralyzing injury that "FNL" creator Peter Berg used as the template for the show's Jason Street character. Save FNL is aiming to help defray Edwards' medical expenses. 

Approximately 2,500 people, including Berg, attended Edwards' funeral Sunday. Video of Edwards can be found at KSAT.com.

In its most recent update, Save FNL said it has raised nearly $20,000 overall. Much of that amount, to be sure, has gone toward advocating for the return of the two-year-old show, through such means as sending mini-footballs to NBC honchos Ben Silverman and Jeff Zucker. (Inscribed on the footballs: "Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose This Show.") The movement's spokesperson added that Save FNL has also sent DVD compilations to CEOs and presidents at several networks that Josef Adalian of Variety reported could offer an alternate home for the series.

"FNL" lost some of its luster when the Landry-Tyra storyline at the start of the show's second season disappointed a swath of critics and fans, but the series remained one of the best on television. In the wake of Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins) being cast in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," some also wonder whether "FNL" can keep its appealing cast together long enough to get that third campaign.

Nevertheless, the show's quality (from its acting and writing to its top-notch but thrifty production values) and its passionate following bolster the case for keeping the show alive, even if cable is to be its ultimate home.

— Jon Weisman