When we last left Ted Lasso, we found out that it’s the hope that kills you after AFC Richmond suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Man City and were regulated to the English League Football Championship. The new season of football and the series is underway so can the loveable underdogs elevate their game and earn their way back into the Premiership?
The team is still in a funk having tied the previous seven games. At least they can say they’re undefeated. Their luck doesn’t get any better when Dani Rojas has a traumatic and tragic accident resulting in the death of their beloved mascot. The whole sequence demonstrates how the show is willing to go all out, off the wall, for its narrative.
As a result, we receive another great speech Ted Lasso is known for when he addresses the media about the incident. It’s introspective and relatable and walks that fine line between the sadness of loss and optimism that only the coach can.
Dani’s experience affects his game to the point where he has the yips when kicking the ball. It’s like he’s a totally different person no longer the cheerful and enthusiastic player. Higgins brings in a sports psychologist to help Dani and the introduction of Doctor Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) looks to be a source of conflict for Ted. He doubts the effectiveness of therapy considering his prior involvement in couple’s therapy during his failed marriage.
You can see Lasso’s struggle with his own biases while also prioritizing the overall good of the team. Niles’ Fieldstone is a nice foil to the coach because she’s serious, no nonsense, and so far, doesn’t buy into his shenanigans. It should be interesting to see how their relationship develops because even though it’s quite frigid now, they are both working towards the same goal so they shouldn’t be enemies.
Ted needs to learn her treatments are something he can’t control. With other players on the squad seeking her help, Fieldstone will be around for a while and it provides a good opportunity to explore the mental health side of highly competitive sports.
Just because he’s retired, doesn’t mean that good ole Roy Kent won’t be around on Ted Lasso. He’s at a curious place right now coaching his niece’s team and doing yoga and watching guilty pleasure reality television with housewives. His time off hasn’t made him any softer though with his curt but true analysis of Rebecca’s date. Then there’s the appearance of another AFC Richmonder at the end. Is it a fun cameo or a tease for something more? What a juicy way to end “Goodbye, Earl.”
The season two premiere is a welcome return of a beloved show with obscure pop culture references and tons of positivity. It sets up an intriguing dynamic between Ted and the new sports psychologist while opening the door to explore the mental health of highly competitive sports.
Ted Lasso can be currently seen on Apple TV+ with new episodes released on Friday.
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