TED LASSO Season Finale Review: ‘The Hope that Kills You’

Hello, TED LASSO fans!

It’s been a pleasure to write about this show over the past few episodes (especially knowing there will be a season 2). Last week I mentioned how season finales are often used to set up plots or conflicts for the next season, and the writers did a nice job of that here with the finale, “The Hope that Kills You.”

I really liked that title and how it was applied to several characters. Last week’s episode was about taking a look in the mirror and being true to reality: Rebecca came clean with Ted and Higgins, Roy accepted his position on the bench squad, and Ted acknowledged that wanting to win (and save the team from relegation) isn’t the worst thing in the world. How did it end up? Well, read on! Read more

TED LASSO Review: ‘All Apologies’

Hello, TED LASSO fans!

Those of us who love and watch serial TV shows know that the penultimate episode is often the one to wrap up many storylines of any given season. It’s meant to allow a season finale to set up the next season or series with good cliffhangers or open questions.

This episode, “All Apologies,” was no different, and the writers took the time to deftly bring several storylines forward and to close with enough room to continue growing toward next season. Rupert drives Rebecca to a breaking point in her inner conflict of personal morals against desire for revenge. Roy starts coming to terms with an end to his starting spot on the team, and Ted learns that as much as he wants to focus on building character in his players, it’s important to respect the investment they & the coaches have made and focus on winning.

Bonus—any episode that name-drops Willie Nelson, praises Alfonso Ribeiro/The Carlton and disses the Westboro Baptist Church is a hit in my book.

Let’s talk it over! Read more

TED LASSO Review: ‘Diamond Dogs’

Hello, TED LASSO fans!

Do you think I could make an appointment with the Diamond Dogs to go over my personal life? I mean this sincerely…round these guys up for advice-giving & confidence boosting! I’m in!

As an English major, I’m also loving all of the literary references thrown in. From “A Wrinkle in Time” to Walt Whitman in this episode, the show continues to assume intelligence from the audience in that way. So, congrats to those of us in the cross section of lit majors who stan British accents, fans of comedy, and lovers of great character development!

The theme of this episode is that to win in life, you must be true to yourself and be willing to take a chance, whether in romance, friendship, or work. It moved storylines forward for many characters, and I felt personally inspired along the way. Can’t ask for much more in a 30-minute episode. Read more

TED LASSO Review: ‘Make Rebecca Great Again’

Hello, TED LASSO fans! In my season 1 quick overview, I mentioned this show has a lot of heart and that each character has room to grow. This episode, “Make Rebecca Great Again,” was no exception. As characters made moves and came to realizations, the show took care to make sure no one is all bad or all good. Like most of us, the characters make decisions either out of pain or peace, and there are always consequences either way. And, oh yeah, there was some football. Read more

TED LASSO: What to Know (and Why) to Watch

Hello all! It’s been a few years since I stretched my recapping muscles for GMMR, and I’ve missed it! For me, writing about TV is all about being inspired by a show and enjoying the discourse among fans.

Imagine my surprise when the writing & analysis muse hit full force while watching the Jason Sudeikis-led TED LASSO on Apple TV+ this summer. I think the show is worth talking about! In addition to episode recaps, I wanted to provide a quick primer for anyone considering an season 1 binge to catch up. Read more