'Lights' does touchdown dance at Emmys

"Obvious eyes, full hearts, can't lose" was the onscreen mantra of "Friday Evening Lights" dating back its first season, only one which was constantly examined offscreen.From the continually uncertain future being an NBC drama to its virtual abandonment by TV Academy voters (one Emmy victory in the first 4 years, for casting), there is always someone attempting to pin a loss of revenue on "Lights."Sunday in the Primetime Emmys, however, "Lights" did its touchdown dance.Capping a run which was extended three seasons only with a virtually unparalleled production deal between NBC and satcaster DirecTV, "Lights" won two high-profile drama kudos, one for lead actor Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor, another for professional producer Jason Katims' script for that series finale."It sometimes requires a while for the moment in the future around," stated David Nevins, who had been leader of "Lights" creating shingle Imagine Television before becoming Showtime's entertainment topper this past year. "However I could not be more happy -- Jason and Kyle are two of the very most gifted and many menschy people I have ever labored with."Though constantly recognized by experts because of its nuanced, effective writing and acting, "Lights" operated to date individually distinct that this didn't get a nom either in of individuals groups until 2010, following the series' second season of firstrun episodes on DirecTV. That year, Chandler and co-star Connie Britton each were drawn on, as was author Rolin Johnson to have an episode that worked having a character (Zach Gilford's Matt Saracen) visiting grips using the dying of his father.Delicate handling of these serious material, without becoming maudlin, was the series' hallmark, however it was broadly perceived that for any series consigned towards the borders from the TV world, "this is an recognition to become nominated" was the brand new mantra.But silently, the groundswell of support for "Lights" increased. This season, not just were Chandler and Britton were nominated again, alongside Katims for writing, however the show received its first drama series nom.Although it lost to four-peater "Mad Males" for that drama series grand prize, "Lights" needed to knock-off some serious competition to win its two Emmys. All Chandler needed to do was outpoll Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire"), Michael C. Hall ("Dexter"), Jon Hamm ("Mad Males"), Hugh Laurie ("House") and Timothy Olyphant ("Justified").Within the drama writing category, the on-area rivals incorporated "Bet on Thrones," the pilot of "The Killing" and 2 instances of "Mad Males," such as the ballyhooed episode "The Suitcase" compiled by showrunner Matthew Weiner.Using the Emmy stage to simply accept his award, the unpredicted triumph wasn't lost on Katims."Towards the Academy, I'll cherish this," he stated, before uttering again, "Obvious eyes, full hearts - can't lose." Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com