"The Confession" is the ninth episode of the second season of the American sports drama television series Friday Night Lights, inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 5.14 million household viewers and gained a 1.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Santiago (Benny Ciaramello) fails to impress during training, and Eric (Kyle Chandler) reconsiders about letting him play in their coming game against the Fort Hood Cougars.
Busy with Gracie's christening arrangements, Eric appoints Tim (Taylor Kitsch) to help the athletic department with many duties.
Smash (Gaius Charles) tells Matt (Zach Gilford) he should set some "ground rules" in his relationship with Carlotta (Daniella Alonso) due to her employment.
Julie (Aimee Teegarden) starts feeling exhausted due to the amount of tasks that Tami (Connie Britton) is asking her, as it is conflicting with her school life.
Eric Goldman of IGN gave the episode a "good" 7.2 out of 10 and wrote, "Okay Friday Night Lights, no more murder stories!
If casual viewers tuned in to watch the exciting conclusion of the VBM, they got a chance to see the show operating at near-peak form, with a nice balance of lump-in-the-throat moments and some refreshing light comedy.
It was as though, anticipating the writers' strike, the producers mapped out an episode that tied up some plot-lines, made sure just about every major character got significant screen-time, and now hope to leave us happy and wanting more when the show comes back, as the NBC announcer said, 'in the new year.
'"[7] Alan Sepinwall wrote, "When Friday Night Lights is at its best, it's about a community, and about how one part of it (the football team) reaches out and touches everyone in it.
What a fantastic show we had this week; between Landry's crisis of conscience, Tami and Julie getting back on good terms, Santiago and Buddy bonding, Matt and Carlotta "cooking", Jason's crazy date, and Tim's continued repentance, nearly everyone we love (with the notable exception of Smash) got a chance to shine tonight.
"[9] Andrew Johnston of Slant Magazine wrote, "Somewhat surprisingly in light of the title, Landry's admission of guilt occupied a relatively small chunk of 'The Confession.'
"[11] Brett Love of TV Squad wrote, "It's been a rocky first 40% of the season, but now that the murder is in the rear view, I am as anxious as ever to see what comes next.
[13] Bridget Carpenter submitted this episode for consideration for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards.