How happy are you to see those 'Friday Night Lights' again?

Now that the high school football drama has returned to free network television, my Friday night television schedule seems to be vastly improved (especially because other faves of mine, like Lipstick Jungle, are no longer on).

Last night’s season 3 premiere was raw, emotional, and captivating—basically, it was everything and then some that we’ve grown to expect from FNL (you know,the kind of stuff that makes you want to scream, “How the heck have NONE of these actors ever been nominated for an Emmy??”).

I am so pleased to see that Tami (Connie Britton, pictured left) has been promoted to school principal. Her new power role is sure to provide lots of conflict— and head-butting— with Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler, right), a.k.a. her husband. I think it’s safe to say that there will also be lots of opportunity for conflict with the new superstar quarterback, freshman J.D. McCoy, and his uptight, controlling father.

For more recap and commentary on last night’s episode, be sure check out Ken Tucker’s TV Watch. And in the meantime, share your thoughts below on the series’ return to NBC. Were you able to hold off on reading spoilers from when the season aired on DirecTV? Finally, “Does anyone else out here feel like you deserve a smoothie?” Because I think you totally do.

addCredit(“Bill Records/NBC”)