Even though Ted Lasso acknowledged it was time to let go of his marriage last episode, it doesn’t make that transition any easier. He’s still coming to terms with the whole situation but finally removing his wedding ring is a big first step. When he arrives to work, he is clearly frazzled and can’t even put on his sweater correctly. His heart isn’t into coaching for the day and he lets Nate and Coach Beard run practice.
[Slight Spoilers Ahead]
Lasso is also trying to manage the Jamie Tartt situation. After being benched in the team’s first win, the star player is acting up and refusing to practice. Coach better get him with the program or Jamie’s club, Manchester City, is threatening to recall him from his loan if he continues to warm the bench.
Maybe AFC Richmond’s newest player, Dani Rojas, can help Jamie reintegrate with a team first attitude. Rojas is a player in the mold of his coach. He’s overly positive, has an “Aw Shucks” humility to him, and his good vibes and energy uplift the team. Not to mention he plays the same position as Jamie so a little friendly competition couldn’t hurt. Especially since it appears they’re both equally talented.
Elsewhere, Rebecca learns from the tabloids that her ex-husband has a new flame with her same name. As a result, she’s dubbed “Old Rebecca” by the press and she has a hard time dealing with all the news. In addition, the team fears their treatment room is cursed so Ted Lasso comes up with a plan to remove the bad vibes.
“Two Aces” provides some great character moments. First and foremost, we see the evolution of Jamie into that team player that can lead by example. Throughout the season so far there have been several times where he seems to turn the corner and be a good guy but always finds a way to devolve back into the selfish, arrogant superstar. There’s some satisfaction when Tartt gets put into his place but you also start to root for him when he makes his breakthrough and embraces his teammates. That makes the impact hit harder when he’s sent back to Man City.
We also see Rebecca’s conflict with her own team. Since the beginning, her plan was to destroy AFC Richmond because it was the only thing her ex-husband ever loved. That’s why she brought in Lasso; hoping his inexperience would sabotage the team. But his style has been rubbing off on everyone, even her, so she feels concerned when she sees all the camaraderie in the end. It’s assumed she’s the reason Jamie is recalled since she still wants the team to fail. At least with him gone it can make it less awkward when Keeley and Roy get together.
The final scene with the team breaking their curse works on different levels. It obviously breaks the bad luck the treatment room brings to those who use it, but in the bigger picture, it is symbolic of a new beginning and rebirth for the team and for Ted Lasso. As they all bring sentimental items to sacrifice, the burning of them closes the door to the past and ushers in a new age for AFC Richmond and their coach.
For the team, it’s the next chapter under new management with Rebecca and Ted leading the way. Then for Ted, it represents his post marriage life. In addition, the stories behind the cherished items are entertaining. Some are used for comedy like the vial of sand from the beach where a player first made love to a supermodel. While others build upon the backstory of other characters such as Roy and Jamie, and show a softer side to these macho sports stars.
“Two Aces” provides some great character moments as well as some touching looks at the backstories of some of the players.
Ted Lasso can be currently seen on Apple TV+ with new episodes released on Friday.
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