There are some fantastic moments in this hour — personal moments. And there are some not-so-fantastic moments as well. "Friday Night Lights" has done a superb job of crafting its football scenes until this hour — until tonight.

But the writers have done one thing exactly right. "Friday Night Lights" is a continuing drama about characters the show's fans have really come to know. And we're not left hanging, frustrated because we don't know what happens next.

We will know if the Dillon Panthers win the game. We will know where the characters stand, for the most part.

Not that everything is tied up in a neat little package. There are plenty of storylines that could be picked up next season. If there is a next season. If we're that lucky.

If we're not, how about a rousing cheer for NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly for keeping this show on the air for all 22 episodes despite its low ratings? How about a rousing cheer for everyone involved for crafting such a fine series?

And how about a rousing cheer to the writers and producers for showing respect for the show's fans and not leave them dangling with a cliffhanger that might never be resolved?

Would that more series showed their fans that kind of respect.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com