Nikki Finke says the show is saved through a partnership with DirecTV that would put telecasts on both DirecTV and some part of the NBC universe. (NBC, as of Thursday afternoon, was not commenting.) We're seeing more of these cross-platform deals, like DirecTV's carrying the former NBC soap "Passions," or "Criminal Intent" airing on cable before going to broadcast. And, as long as I get to see shows I love, I'll take a deal.

Notes on tonight's episode, after the jump …

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I took an early peek at tonight's episode thanks to an advance (but very rough) copy sent out by NBC. Some comments after the jump …

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This, I fear, is where Landry and Tyra have gone.

Notes on tonight's and next week's telecast after the jump. Some spoilers …

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Notes after the jump …

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I don't want to talk about it. …

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More with characters like Smash and his mom, please. This can be such a great family drama.

I'm a little late to the discussion about last week's "FNL," but let me add my unease to that being felt elsewhere in the blogosphere.

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It wasn't a crazy weekend, just one of those where I was busy when I felt like blogging, and tired when I wasn't busy. Did some shopping, went to the Akron tree festival (which was too cramped into its space), a little work, some family business.

But let's have a cheery note or two. I've been getting the occasional letter asking about "Hold on Tight" in the Honda commercial, so for grins here's Electric Light Orchestra/ELO doing the song:

And, since I have now stuck "Monday Monday" in my brain, here's a little video of the Mamas and the Papas:

I have done some TV watching that does not involve YouTube. Will get to "Friday Night Lights" a little later today, I expect, and describe both my joy when watching Smash's mom and my dismay over the separate paths being taken by Saracen and Julie. Caught up with the last couple of weeks of "Heroes" over the weekend, and will have something to say after tonight's telecast.

Also saw "The Amazing Race," which was fine but does not call for extended comment — just a brief acknowledgment that once again the show has revealed how there are still Ugly Americans, sneering at the way others have to live.

I have some friends who will not watch the promos for upcoming episodes of their favorite shows. I don't blame them a bit …

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Notes and spoilers after the jump …

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Anyone care to comment on last night's "Friday Night Lights"? Are we in better territory than at the start of the season, or worse?

As for Thursday, was that the worst "Office" episode ever or what?

Also, in case you missed them, you can link here to my reviews of "Things We Lost in the Fire" and "Gone Baby Gone."
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"Have you seen our ratings? We may need these fast-food jobs as a fallback."

Those of us who have fretted over the changes in the second season of "FNL" take no comfort from the latest Nielsen ratings. Variety reports here that the drama lost considerable audience from its season premiere to last Friday's telecast.

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Many in this part of the world spent last night watching the Indians and Red Sox. Some others probably gave "Friday Night Lights" another chance, so feel free to post your comments on that below.

The bride and I went over to the University of Akron to see younger son in Lanford Wilson's "Hot L Baltimore."

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I spent much of last night watching Indians-Yankees. But, as you know, I saw the season premiere of "Friday Night Lights" quite some time ago. And I have been waiting for all of you to see it, so we can discuss one of the plot elements. Discussion begins after the jump …

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Perhaps because of concerns already expressed by criticsh who have seen the season premiere, NBC sent out the second and third episodes of the new season. And it's tearing me apart. … (Possible slight spoilers ahead.)

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