Ted Lasso...did I miss the conversation?

[Cletus11]

Had a chance to watch the first two episodes on a plane a couple of weeks ago. Thought they were pretty good so then lucky for me since I bought my daughter a new Iphone before going back to PSU, had 3 months of free Apple TV as part of that purchase. So finished off Season 1. Thought it was well written, lot of great 80's and 90's references, good plot. Having been to England a few times a lot of interesting differences between England and AMerican culture highlighted.

Then Season 2 occurred. Thought writing went downhill. Much less and not as good 80's and 90's references. Looked like the show could not decide if it was a comedy or a soap opera. No idea what the Sports Psychologist part was about as was a useless character that provided nothing to the show, just a bad character. The whole late 40 something owner (who married a sugar daddy twenty plus years older then her and then got divorced) is now having an inter-racial relationship with a player 25 years younger (so go from a 70+ year old white guy to a 21 year old black guy, really?). Just looked like it started to become a little bit of social justice type of show in spots. I thought the episode dedicated to The Beard was just really strange.

 

[sluggo72]

love Ted Lasso
everything I know about soccer I learned from Ted Lasso
Season 3 setting up for revenge with the little manager who turned dark

 

[RGWhirly]

Both seasons have been great. Nothing has gone downhill. Basically all three seasons were planned with arcs, etc. prior to even filming season 1.

So they know exactly what direction they want to go and want to be. No indecision.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Had a chance to watch the first two episodes on a plane a couple of weeks ago. Thought they were pretty good so then lucky for me since I bought my daughter a new Iphone before going back to PSU, had 3 months of free Apple TV as part of that purchase. So finished off Season 1. Thought it was well written, lot of great 80's and 90's references, good plot. Having been to England a few times a lot of interesting differences between England and AMerican culture highlighted.

Then Season 2 occurred. Thought writing went downhill. Much less and not as good 80's and 90's references. Looked like the show could not decide if it was a comedy or a soap opera. No idea what the Sports Psychologist part was about as was a useless character that provided nothing to the show, just a bad character. The whole late 40 something owner (who married a sugar daddy twenty plus years older then her and then got divorced) is now having an inter-racial relationship with a player 25 years younger (so go from a 70+ year old white guy to a 21 year old black guy, really?). Just looked like it started to become a little bit of social justice type of show in spots. I thought the episode dedicated to The Beard was just really strange.

Season 2 was awful. I have no idea who or why they decided to throw what worked away. It became dark. Lasso is having constant panic attacks. The ex player with blondie relationship is garbage. The best character Tartt wasn't funny but instead became a sad lot. The owner started sleeping with everyone. Just crap.

Season 3 seems like the ex bought another team (why he gave his shares back) and is going to hire the Wonder Kid as manager. Just my take. No real idea.

 

[RGWhirly]

Season 2 was awful. I have no idea who or why they decided to throw what worked away. It became dark. Lasso is having constant panic attacks. The ex player with blondie relationship is garbage. The best character Tartt wasn't funny but instead became a sad lot. The owner started sleeping with everyone. Just crap.

Season 3 seems like the ex bought another team (why he gave his shares back) and is going to hire the Wonder Kid as manager. Just my take. No real idea.

Did hire. And season was great.

 

[LaJollaLion]

Love the series....love it. He's here, he's there, he's every f--king where....Roy Kent!!!! Season 2 had some dips for sure, but the one liners and writing on that show are awesome. Season 1 was perfect for the start of the pandemic and I look forward to season 3.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Did hire. And season was great.

What does your first comment mean?

 

[jmisdamina]

Love the show, but some bumps in season 2. Part of the issue was that Apple request 12 episodes instead of the original 10 that were planned. Thus, Christmas episode and Coach Beard episode. The Christmas episode was a node to British shows which almost always have a special Christmas episode, aka Doctor Who. The Coach Beard episode, no idea what that was.

As for the change Rebecca's dating it makes complete sense. She first married who she was supposed to marry, rich person marrying another rich person. As her character evolved she blindly was attracted to a person more social aware and with personal beliefs that he stuck to.

Sam was no different in season one, they just expanded his role as he became a team leader. In season one he declined the toy soldier because of what it represented to an African born person.

Season 2 also explains why Ted is so over the top positive. He's afraid of becoming his father who battled depression.

 

[Midnighter2]

Had a chance to watch the first two episodes on a plane a couple of weeks ago. Thought they were pretty good so then lucky for me since I bought my daughter a new Iphone before going back to PSU, had 3 months of free Apple TV as part of that purchase. So finished off Season 1. Thought it was well written, lot of great 80's and 90's references, good plot. Having been to England a few times a lot of interesting differences between England and AMerican culture highlighted.

Then Season 2 occurred. Thought writing went downhill. Much less and not as good 80's and 90's references. Looked like the show could not decide if it was a comedy or a soap opera. No idea what the Sports Psychologist part was about as was a useless character that provided nothing to the show, just a bad character. The whole late 40 something owner (who married a sugar daddy twenty plus years older then her and then got divorced) is now having an inter-racial relationship with a player 25 years younger (so go from a 70+ year old white guy to a 21 year old black guy, really?). Just looked like it started to become a little bit of social justice type of show in spots. I thought the episode dedicated to The Beard was just really strange.

I loved S1; amazing they were able to flesh out a series based on a 'bit' Sudeikis (sp) did for the World Cup some years ago. But, it was unexpected, and most of all endearing, which was the total opposite of nearly everything else on TV (look! Nice people doing nice things! WTF?!?). The dart scene was tremendous; just when you think you know TL he shows he can still surprise. It's tough to maintain that quality, and we're about halfway through S2 and I'm not as big a fan of a lot of the other character plotlines and believe they work best in small doses. I also agree the show sometimes can't decide what it is - funny and light, or dark and cynical (the scene where the young coach spits on a mirror before getting the table for his folks was head-scratching....). And his treatment of nearly everyone else on the team, including the young equipment boy, is just off-putting. Ted is too nice and optimistic to go fetal IMO, but it's a good show and I like it, but find I haven't missed not watching it.

 

[RGWhirly]

I loved S1; amazing they were able to flesh out a series based on a 'bit' Sudeikis (sp) did for the World Cup some years ago. But, it was unexpected, and most of all endearing, which was the total opposite of nearly everything else on TV (look! Nice people doing nice things! WTF?!?). The dart scene was tremendous; just when you think you know TL he shows he can still surprise. It's tough to maintain that quality, and we're about halfway through S2 and I'm not as big a fan of a lot of the other character plotlines and believe they work best in small doses. I also agree the show sometimes can't decide what it is - funny and light, or dark and cynical (the scene where the young coach spits on a mirror before getting the table for his folks was head-scratching....). And his treatment of nearly everyone else on the team, including the young equipment boy, is just off-putting. Ted is too nice and optimistic to go fetal IMO, but it's a good show and I like it, but find I haven't missed not watching it.

The spitting is explained.

 

[Midnighter2]

The spitting is explained.

Ah - haven't got there yet then. What about the closed door verbal abuse of the equipment boy?

 

[republion]

The show is phenomenal and only keeps getting better. If you are expecting sort of a slap stick comedy, you’ll be disappointed. It’s smart and funny, but it also has some very good and heartfelt story lines. Season 2 was great, plain and simple.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Ah - haven't got there yet then. What about the closed door verbal abuse of the equipment boy?

It is a hamhanded way of turning one of the best characters into the enemy so they can turn him back later in season 3.

This is the third/fourth time they have done this with a character.

They should have stuck with what worked... a traditional fish out of water comedy.

LdN

 

[TheBigUglies]

Season 2s usually don't live up to Season 1s, no matter what the series is. I enjoy watching Ted Lasso and think it is one of the funnier series out today. I come from an era of Night Court, Cheers, etc and am finding Ted Lasso to be that wholesome kind of funny. I totally identify with Roy Kent! I do think Nate was a plant by the previous owner base on the season 2 ending but we will see. Season 2 did go a little dark but still funny and enjoyable. If you are not paying attention you can miss some of the jokes. I will continue watching when season 3 comes out.

 

[Cletus11]

Season 2s usually don't live up to Season 1s, no matter what the series is. I enjoy watching Ted Lasso and think it is one of the funnier series out today. I come from an era of Night Court, Cheers, etc and am finding Ted Lasso to be that wholesome kind of funny. I totally identify with Roy Kent! I do think Nate was a plant by the previous owner base on the season 2 ending but we will see. Season 2 did go a little dark but still funny and enjoyable. If you are not paying attention you can miss some of the jokes. I will continue watching when season 3 comes out.

I though Season 2 was good enough to watch and will watch Season 3 when it comes out, although I will have to pay for it because my free Apple subscription will be over. But just found myself disappointed in most of Season 2 and at times just wondering where the show was going.

On a separate note, did you know Rebecca (the owner) played the leading nun in Game of Thrones.

 

[LaJollaLion]

I though Season 2 was good enough to watch and will watch Season 3 when it comes out, although I will have to pay for it because my free Apple subscription will be over. But just found myself disappointed in most of Season 2 and at times just wondering where the show was going.

On a separate note, did you know Rebecca (the owner) played the leading nun in Game of Thrones.

Shame!!!

 

[tboyer]

The whole series would be worth watching just to see Roy F*ing Kent. His work with his niece's soccer team is priceless and his TV appearances were hilarious. Brett Goldstein can be funny without even saying anything -- he's just funny with his half-crosseyed expression which can mean he's confused or he's furious -- and sometimes both. I could see the Roy Kent going off and becoming his own movie or series. Juno Temple is wonderful too. A lot of the show's success is great casting.

 

[ApexLion]

Season 2 was awful. I have no idea who or why they decided to throw what worked away. It became dark. Lasso is having constant panic attacks. The ex player with blondie relationship is garbage. The best character Tartt wasn't funny but instead became a sad lot. The owner started sleeping with everyone. Just crap.

Season 3 seems like the ex bought another team (why he gave his shares back) and is going to hire the Wonder Kid as manager. Just my take. No real idea.

Roy Kent

is garbage? I dare you to say it to his face. He'll punch your f'in face in.

 

[Hero17]

Football is life!

I thought season 2 was great!

 

[LionDeNittany]

Roy Kent

is garbage? I dare you to say it to his face. He'll punch your f'in face in.

I love Roy Kent. They made his character into a $hithead to use his language.

There was an entire story arc around his GF uh how do I say it... assisting herself to his crying retirement session.

It wasn't funny and that whole story hurt his character.

LdN

 

[LaJollaLion]

Roy Kent

is garbage? I dare you to say it to his face. He'll punch your f'in face in.

Best character in season 2. He's great.

 

[republion]

I love Roy Kent. They made his character into a $hithead to use his language.

There was an entire story arc around his GF uh how do I say it... assisting herself to his crying retirement session.

It wasn't funny and that whole story hurt his character.

LdN

You really like to double and triple down when you are wrong.

 

[LionDeNittany]

You really like to double and triple down when you are wrong.

I don't know how an opinion of a show can be wrong but whatever.

Grow up.

LdN

 

[Cletus11]

You really like to double and triple down when you are wrong.

Roy Kent is awesome. I like his character maybe most.

Ted Lasso is a good character also, didn't like his 'wimpyness' that started to occur in the Second Season.

 

[republion]

I don't know how an opinion of a show can be wrong but whatever.

Grow up.

LdN

Oh yah? Well I slept with your wife!

 

[yeahtoasty]

.... The Coach Beard episode, no idea what that was....

Just responding to this small part of your post. You're absolutely right, the Christmas episode and the Coach Beard solo episode were throw-ins to meet the late request for two extra episodes.

The Coach Beard solo episode was something of an homage to a lesser Scorsese movie, "After Hours," which is a black comedy about a guy who gets waylaid over and over again as he tries to make his way home from one part of New York to another. I haven't seen it since its original release but I remember liking it but finding it draining to watch. It's not a movie I've ever had the urge to revisit.

I've enjoyed both seasons in spite of the difference in tone. Season two adds a lot of depth to the characters we met in season one.

 

[Cletus11]

Just responding to this small part of your post. You're absolutely right, the Christmas episode and the Coach Beard solo episode were throw-ins to meet the late request for two extra episodes.

The Coach Beard solo episode was something of an homage to a lesser Scorsese movie, "After Hours," which is a black comedy about a guy who gets waylaid over and over again as he tries to make his way home from one part of New York to another. I haven't seen it since its original release but I remember liking it but finding it draining to watch. It's not a movie I've ever had the urge to revisit.

I've enjoyed both seasons in spite of the difference in tone. Season two adds a lot of depth to the characters we met in season one.

The Xmas episode I just took as a typical Xmas episode that goes through the motions. I wasn't like WTF was that as all Xmas episodes typically stink.

I could see what you say how The Beard episode really just had him in it with those three other bar guys and could have been an afterthought quick shoot throw in. And it had that artsy film noir type of feel. But it was just so out of place to the series is what was strange about it.

 

[Obliviax]

I loved S1; amazing they were able to flesh out a series based on a 'bit' Sudeikis (sp) did for the World Cup some years ago. But, it was unexpected, and most of all endearing, which was the total opposite of nearly everything else on TV (look! Nice people doing nice things! WTF?!?). The dart scene was tremendous; just when you think you know TL he shows he can still surprise. It's tough to maintain that quality, and we're about halfway through S2 and I'm not as big a fan of a lot of the other character plotlines and believe they work best in small doses. I also agree the show sometimes can't decide what it is - funny and light, or dark and cynical (the scene where the young coach spits on a mirror before getting the table for his folks was head-scratching....). And his treatment of nearly everyone else on the team, including the young equipment boy, is just off-putting. Ted is too nice and optimistic to go fetal IMO, but it's a good show and I like it, but find I haven't missed not watching it.

I think they were tripped up by the COVID lockdown after a tremendous season 1.

The basic premise of the show, to me, is that hard work and a great attitude work no matter what. Having established that in season one they stumbled finding a theme in season two. At the end of the day, they took each character and made them vulnerable. Each is now struggling with something:

• Owner woman is struggling with post-divorce loneliness. She likes Sam but is challenged by the age difference. Obviously, the race issue should be a nothing burger.
• Young player, Sam, is struggling with celebrity. I honestly think they felt they needed to promote a black star into the show and have struggled to make that fit into the plot lines. I thought Dani Rojas was going to be the next star but they underplayed his character to promote the character of Sam Obisanya who not only is dating the owner but had a high money offer to join a team in Africa.
• assistant coach Nate is struggling with jealousy, he wonders why Lasso is head coach while he is the brains and isn't getting the cred.
• beard is struggling with relationships,
• Lasso is struggling with anxiety,
• Tartt is struggling with maturity,
• Roy Kent is struggling with irrelevance post-playing days, his relationship with Keely suffers
• Keely is now struggling with her career versus her personal life.

Spoiler alert: They show, in the last scene, Nate on the owner's ex's team that he just bought. And Keely shrugs off Kent as he wonders if their relationship is sound. Finally, I suspect the reporter (James Lance from the independent) that quit his job will end up taking Nate's place on the coaching staff.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Just responding to this small part of your post. You're absolutely right, the Christmas episode and the Coach Beard solo episode were throw-ins to meet the late request for two extra episodes.

The Coach Beard solo episode was something of an homage to a lesser Scorsese movie, "After Hours," which is a black comedy about a guy who gets waylaid over and over again as he tries to make his way home from one part of New York to another. I haven't seen it since its original release but I remember liking it but finding it draining to watch. It's not a movie I've ever had the urge to revisit.

I've enjoyed both seasons in spite of the difference in tone. Season two adds a lot of depth to the characters we met in season one.

The Beard episode was based on a poem.

It was quite interesting in that context.

The moon being low and blue.
Beard continously losing/dropping his keys.

As a a film school art project it was great. As an episode of the series not so much.

It would have been better as a 'bonus' episode.

LdN

 

[LionDeNittany]

I think they were tripped up by the COVID lockdown after a tremendous season 1.

The basic premise of the show, to me, is that hard work and a great attitude work no matter what. Having established that in season one they stumbled finding a theme in season two. At the end of the day, they took each character and made them vulnerable. Each is now struggling with something:

• Owner woman is struggling with post-divorce loneliness. She likes Sam but is challenged by the age difference. Obviously, the race issue should be a nothing burger.
• Young player, Sam, is struggling with celebrity. I honestly think they felt they needed to promote a black star into the show and have struggled to make that fit into the plot lines. I thought Dani Rojas was going to be the next star but they underplayed his character to promote the character of Sam Obisanya who not only is dating the owner but had a high money offer to join a team in Africa.
• assistant coach Nate is struggling with jealousy, he wonders why Lasso is head coach while he is the brains and isn't getting the cred.
• beard is struggling with relationships,
• Lasso is struggling with anxiety,
• Tartt is struggling with maturity,
• Roy Kent is struggling with irrelevance post-playing days, his relationship with Keely suffers
• Keely is now struggling with her career versus her personal life.

Spoiler alert: They show, in the last scene, Nate on the owner's ex's team that he just bought. And Keely shrugs off Kent as he wonders if their relationship is sound. Finally, I suspect the reporter (James Lance from the independent) that quit his job will end up taking Nate's place on the coaching staff.

Random aside: James Lance, who plays Trent Crimm The Independent is one of the better actors on the show IMO. My belief in his character as he plays him is 100%.

LdN

 

[Obliviax]

The Beard episode was based on a poem.

It was quite interesting in that context.

The moon being low and blue.
Beard continously losing/dropping his keys.

As a a film school art project it was great. As an episode of the series not so much.

It would have been better as a 'bonus' episode.

LdN

I totally agree. I find his character to be amusing but only for short bursts. It can't carry an episode.

 

[Obliviax]

Random aside: James Lance, who plays Trent Crimm The Independent is one of the better actors on the show IMO. My belief in his character as he plays him is 100%.

LdN

I agree. his character steals the show when he's on screen. They know it too..


Spoiler alert!

In the last scene, he is absent from the press conference. After Nate quits, he shows up waiting for Ted, to tell him he wants to do something more. Odd....they are clearly teeing him up for a larger role. he can't play. so he has to be taking Nates or Keely's place. Keely is too large a character so has to be coming back unless she has offers outside of the show, in real life, and wants time to pursue those opportunities.

 

[LionDeNittany]

I agree. his character steals the show when he's on screen. They know it too..


Spoiler alert!

In the last scene, he is absent from the press conference. After Nate quits, he shows up waiting for Ted, to tell him he wants to do something more. Odd....they are clearly teeing him up for a larger role. he can't play. so he has to be taking Nates or Keely's place. Keely is too large a character so has to be coming back unless she has offers outside of the show, in real life, and wants time to pursue those opportunities.

I guess I never watch bonus scenes. I didnt see all of these things I predicted when I saw the end of the funeral scene.

Was this after the credits or something?

 

[Obliviax]

I guess I never watch bonus scenes. I didnt see all of these things I predicted when I saw the end of the funeral scene.

Was this after the credits or something?

It was the last ten seconds of the last episode.

Lasso announces his mental instability then goes to call on Trent Crimm, as is custom. His seat is empty. I the next scene, Lasso walks to his car and Crimm tells Lasso he quit the independent because he wants to be more involved and not just write about things. They wish each other luck and move on.

 

[LionDeNittany]

It was the last ten seconds of the last episode.

Lasso announces his mental instability then goes to call on Trent Crimm, as is custom. His seat is empty. I the next scene, Lasso walks to his car and Crimm tells Lasso he quit the independent because he wants to be more involved and not just write about things. They wish each other luck and move on.

I have no idea how I didn't see it then. Weird. The last scene I saw was her ex walking to his car and whispering into the assistant coaches ears.

Thanks

LdN

 

[Obliviax]

I have no idea how I didn't see it then. Weird. The last scene I saw was her ex walking to his car and whispering into the assistant coaches ears.

Thanks

LdN

I could be misremembering (age). But it was late in the show after the press conference where Ted confessed he had an anxiety attack and then went to call on Crimm but his chair was empty. Later, Crimm was waiting outside the door as Ted left to go to his car. Crimm announced he quit and was looking to be part of the action, and not watching and writing. That I am sure of.

 

[Grant Green]

 

[ouirpsu]

I could be misremembering (age). But it was late in the show after the press conference where Ted confessed he had an anxiety attack and then went to call on Crimm but his chair was empty. Later, Crimm was waiting outside the door as Ted left to go to his car. Crimm announced he quit and was looking to be part of the action, and not watching and writing. That I am sure of.

The best part of that scene is when he says, “Trent Crimm, Independent.”

 

[hawkifann]

The ex player with blondie relationship is garbage.

Ok, this is pure hottake. Roy Kent is one of the best characters out there.

 

[Midnighter2]

Ok, this is pure hottake. Roy Kent is one of the best characters out there.

All the players are pretty great - I love humblebrag Jamie Tartt though. So gleefully oblivious.