I've been dreading this day. Ever since Friday Night Lights' odds-defying renewal (thanks, DirecTV!), pessimistic fans like myself have been waiting for the other cleat to drop. And now we can stop waiting. Sources confirm to me exclusively that two of the show's MVPs, Gaius Charles (Smash) and Scott Porter (Jason), have been taken off contract and will only appear on a recurring basis in Season 3. Although NBC isn’t talking, I’m told the decision was made for both budgetary and creative reasons.

Total bummer, I know, but not a complete surprise. In the case of Smash, executive producer Jason Katims conceded that finding a way to justify hanging onto his college-bound running back would be difficult. “The Smash story definitely creates a challenge for us,” he told me back in May. “He will presumably have graduated [when we return in the fall]. It's definitely going to require some finessing and the right balance between taking the right amount of poetic license, but not doing anything that would question the authenticity and believability that is so important to our show.”

Similarly, maintaining the viability of Jason – the Panthers' ex-starting quarterback who was left paralyzed by a Season 1 injury – has also presented challenges. One possible exit strategy has Jason leaving Dillon to start a new life with his pregnant girlfriend.

One thing you can be sure of: Katims remains committed to bringing both characters' storylines to a satisfying conclusion. As one insider assures, "He has too much respect for the fans — as well as both actors — to leave them hanging like that."

I would expect nothing less from Katims. But enough about me, I’m anxious to hear from you, my fellow FNL loyalists: Sad to see Smash and Jason go? Comforted by the fact that they’ll at least be around long enough to wrap up their storylines? Praying FNL gets some long overdue Emmy love when nominations are announced next Thursday? Comment below!