We’re now 5 episodes into the new season of Ted Lasso, and I’m so glad this show exists.
In particular, I love that this season of the show exists and that the team behind it took the time to decide they wanted to continue. It’s been 6 years since season 3 aired in 2020–that’s a long time, and it says to me that they returned when it felt right to them.
Critically, instead of following the Richmond men’s team again, the perspective shifts to the new women’s team. This comes with some old challenges and some new ones (including plenty of commentary on the fans). I’m really enjoying the fresh cast of characters.
Speaking of characters, I’m a befuddled that the show continues to pursue a sideplot that has always felt entirely ancillary to the show: Coach Beard and Jane. Was their off-screen relationship ever something that fans of Ted Lasso wanted to see more of or found integral to the show? And just when I think the show will move on, it actually doubles down. I’m baffled.
For me, Ted is still the beating heart of the show. I absolutely love his philosophy of wanting to help the people around him be the best versions of themselves. It’s neat to see how he implements this philosophy in different situations, including some tough love in episode 5.
As a fan of soccer, I would love to see a sprinkling of how he and the other coaches actually make the players and the team better at the game. It doesn’t need to be some big breakthrough strategy. Soccer is about little things adding up to a greater whole. I adore the inspirational speeches, but sometimes I want to see on-the-field coaching too. Just a little bit.
I like seeing people be good to each other, in real life and on TV. For that reason alone, I’m happy for Ted Lasso to continue. What do you think about the latest season? Any roses and thorns?
I’m enjoying season 4 of Ted Lasso. I wish they’d have more plot lines involving the Richmond Lady Grehouds characters. I’d like to learn more about the individual players. The romantic plots with Roy and Keeley feel stupid, like they’re just coming up with excuses to keep them apart. (Rebecca Welton and Mattias’s romantic problems also seem rather silly) It’s still entertaining, but not as good as seasons 1 & 2.
I completely agree about wanting to learn more about the players (and I don’t need Roy and Keeley to be together–they are compelling characters on their own).