"Expectations" is the first episode of the fifth season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger.
It features a set of characters, primarily connected to Coach Eric Taylor, his wife Tami, and their daughter Julie.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 3.57 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Billy convinces Eric (Kyle Chandler) in hiring him as a coach for the Lions, despite the low funds for the football program.
Buddy (Brad Leland) also introduces Eric to Hastings Ruckle (Grey Damon), a talented basketball player who might be a potential football team member.
Landry (Jesse Plemons) prepares to leave for Rice University, and invites Julie to join him at a concert for his band.
Club gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "Then, in its usual, quiet way, the show pauses to let us soak it in before rolling credits.
"[7] Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "Julie driving off into the future as Eric and Tami stayed behind to anchor the show did make for a nice scene of misty finality.
"[9] Alison Winn Scotch of Paste wrote, "Over the years, the Taylors have ushered so many kids out into the world, but no goodbye has been as heartfelt or as moving as that of their oldest daughter.
"[10] Todd Martens of Los Angeles Times wrote, "There will, of course, be football too, but the wins and losses of the East Dillon Lions are not the center of the drama.
The game, instead, is a largely a relief from it - an almost comforting reminder that Coach Taylor's dream of ‘teamwork’ does have a place in this world, if only between two goal posts.