My 'Ted Lasso' Review
Picture this: A lovable, mustachioed American football coach finds himself in the deep end of British soccer, armed with an arsenal of positivity. Brace yourselves, because "Ted Lasso" is about to score big in your heart.
"Ted Lasso" follows the titular character, played by Jason Sudeikis, an American football coach who unexpectedly finds himself coaching a struggling Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond. Armed with his unyielding optimism and unconventional coaching methods, Ted Lasso aims to unite the team and uplift their spirits, even in the face of adversity.
Last year, Curt (friend) wanted Chey (my wife) and I to watch the show with her. My dad had been going on about it since it first came out. I don’t know why I was reluctant other than Jason Sudeikis is a hit or miss actor for me. My overall impressions? This is one of the greatest shows of all time. Only three seasons, but Chey and I are on our third round of binge watching all three seasons together since season 3 came out in two weeks.
II. Plot and Characters
"Ted Lasso" revolves around the journey of American football coach, Ted Lasso, as he takes on the challenge of coaching AFC Richmond, a struggling Premier League soccer team in England. Despite having little knowledge of soccer, Ted's unwavering positivity and genuine desire to uplift his team transform the dynamics both on and off the field.
Ted Lasso, played brilliantly by Jason Sudeikis, is the heart and soul of the show. Whatever reservations I had about him before were rectified almost immediately. His infectious optimism, folksy charm, and unwavering belief in the power of kindness make him instantly endearing. Supporting characters include the sharp-witted and determined team owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), who initially brings Ted in with ulterior motives. Easily fell in love with her character the moment she came on the screen. Even despite her ulterior motives, I was rooting for her the whole time.
The team's captain, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), brings a tough exterior, but his loyalty and vulnerability shine through. Additionally, the endearing and earnest assistant coach, Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), and the wide-eyed and enthusiastic kit man, Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed), add depth to the ensemble.
The show skillfully delves into the growth and transformation of its characters. My favorite shows are the one's with the best character development. Ted's optimism not only affects his team but also has a profound impact on those around him. As the series unfolds, we witness characters like Rebecca, Roy, and Nathan undergoing personal growth, learning to confront their insecurities and discover their true passions. The writing beautifully captures the complexities of human nature and allows each character to evolve, showcasing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the power of genuine connection. It's impossible not to root for each of them! Side note: I still don't quite understand why Nate betrayed Ted and the team...even when trying to pay attention...I just don't get it. It's almost as if he forgot how team work, works? Idk!! My anger knows no bounds, and my compassion is non existent when it comes to Nate at the end of Season 2, but I digress.
Ted Lasso excels in its writing, delivering sharp and witty dialogue that captures the essence of each character. The writing strikes a delicate balance between humor and heartfelt moments, resulting in a well-crafted narrative. The storytelling unfolds organically, with subplots intertwining seamlessly, keeping viewers engaged throughout. The pacing of the show is well-balanced, allowing for comedic moments to shine while also providing room for emotional depth. I also appreciated how quickly character development went. Schitts Creek being another one of my favorite shows, takes two seasons for you to get the payoff of enduring the out of touch characters. ITS WORTH IT! But I always tell people, start at Season 2 episode 9, watch it till the end and start over to watch Season 1 and Season 2, and the diaolog from the Roses will be a lot more enjoyable and funny instead of slow and annoying.
The show is a treasure trove of humor, showcasing its clever writing and impeccable comedic timing. From quick-witted banter to subtle visual gags, the humor surprises viewers with unexpected moments of hilarity. With laugh-out-loud moments stemming from the characters' interactions, unique quirks, and Ted's unconventional coaching methods, the show consistently delivers. Standout comedic moments include Ted's infectious enthusiasm, the team's playful camaraderie, and the clever use of wordplay and comedic callbacks. One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to balance comedy with emotional depth. While providing ample laughter, "Ted Lasso" also explores the complexities of its characters, delving into themes of vulnerability, redemption, and personal growth. The writing artfully combines lighthearted comedic moments with poignant and heartfelt scenes, creating a rich tapestry of emotions. Viewers not only enjoy a hilarious series but also become emotionally invested in the characters' journeys, resulting in a well-rounded viewing experience.
It also features exceptional performances that bring depth and authenticity to its characters. Jason Sudeikis shines as the lovable and charismatic Ted Lasso, while the supporting cast, including Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein, deliver stellar performances. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, elevating the show's quality. The performances enhance the comedic moments, deepen the emotional impact, and make the characters feel relatable and authentic. The show explores profound themes such as the power of positivity, empathy, redemption, and personal growth. It also touches on social and cultural issues like gender equality and mental health. These themes resonate deeply with viewers, inspiring hope, introspection, and promoting conversations. "Ted Lasso" fosters optimism and encourages compassion and understanding. With high production value and meticulous attention to detail, "Ted Lasso" creates an immersive world. The visuals, including set design and cinematography, enhance the storytelling and establish the show's atmosphere. Memorable scenes and visually striking moments stay with viewers long after each episode ends, adding to the immersive experience. "Ted Lasso" appeals to a diverse range of viewers, including sports enthusiasts, comedy lovers, and fans of heartwarming storytelling. Its universality lies in its themes of empathy, personal growth, and kindness, allowing it to connect with viewers from different backgrounds. While it may not resonate with those who prefer darker humor or are uninterested in sports narratives, the exceptional storytelling and character development can still win over a broad range of audiences.
"Ted Lasso" is a triumph of heartfelt storytelling, combining stellar performances, witty writing, and universal themes with genuine positivity. It strikes a perfect balance between comedy and emotion, leaving a lasting impression. Very few shows have made it to the 'safe watch' list for my ADHD brain but this is one of them. It's one of my favorites to put on now for background noise and the positivity and feel good moments, I find myself so much happier when it's on versus some other shows. It really is the perfect example of what a good coach is. Once you get to a certain level, it's more important to have a coach that fuels your brain with good, then one that makes you feel like sh*t all the time. Gentle parenting seems to work on every level and in almost any position of authority for those that are choosing to show up. That's my theory anyway!
Highly recommended for its joy, inspiration, and transformative power of human connections. A gem worth watching.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
-SHAYDHD
For those that want to write their own reviews, here is the outline I used to write this one! Thanks ChatGPT!
Prompt for ChatGPT: I want to write a review for Ted Lasso. Can you give me an outline to follow?
"Certainly! Here's an outline to help you structure your review of "Ted Lasso":
I. Introduction
A. Hook/Attention Grabber: Begin with an engaging statement or anecdote about the show.
B. Briefly introduce the show and its premise.
C. Thesis statement: State your overall impression or opinion of "Ted Lasso."
II. Plot and Characters
A. Summarize the main plot of the show without revealing major spoilers.
B. Introduce and describe the key characters, highlighting their strengths and appeal.
C. Discuss any notable character development throughout the series.
III. Writing and Humor
A. Evaluate the writing quality, including dialogue, storytelling, and pacing.
B. Discuss the show's sense of humor, its comedic timing, and any standout comedic moments.
C. Analyze the balance between comedy and emotional depth.
IV. Performances
A. Assess the performances of the cast, both lead actors and supporting roles.
B. Highlight any standout performances or chemistry between characters.
C. Discuss how the performances contribute to the overall enjoyment of the show.
V. Themes and Messages
A. Explore the underlying themes and messages conveyed in "Ted Lasso."
B. Discuss any relevant social or cultural commentary the show touches upon.
C. Reflect on the impact of these themes and messages on the viewer.
VI. Production Value and Visuals
A. Comment on the overall production quality, including set design, cinematography, and aesthetics.
B. Discuss how the visuals contribute to the storytelling and atmosphere of the show.
C. Highlight any memorable or visually striking scenes.
VII. Audience Appeal
A. Analyze the target audience and discuss who might enjoy "Ted Lasso."
B. Consider the show's universality and its ability to appeal to a broad range of viewers.
C. Discuss any potential limitations or factors that may not resonate with certain viewers.
VIII. Conclusion
A. Restate your overall impression of "Ted Lasso."
B. Summarize the strengths and weaknesses discussed throughout the review.
C. Offer a final recommendation or rating for the show.
Remember to use specific examples and evidence to support your points throughout the review. This outline should provide you with a solid structure to follow while allowing flexibility to expand on specific aspects that resonate with you. Happy writing!"
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