Ted Lasso’s club of AFC Richmond made a big splash on the transfer market last week gaining the services of one of the most sought-after players, Zava. Not only was it a coup to attract such a world class talent, it also served as a mini victory in the rivalry between Rebecca and Rupert. This week, we see the club’s newest addition in action.
Maximillian Osinski’s performance as Zava is a revelation. He brings mystique, charisma, and a laid-back arrogance to the role. This over-the-top persona is so engaging that you can’t wait to see what Zava does next. His silly antics fit right in with Ted Lasso. Whether it’s his suggested field formation or his take on the typical pre-game team building ritual, it’s so extreme that it’s hilarious.
Yet Osinki also has the physical tools required of an elite player in the exciting in-game montages. The show brings the moments on the field to life with Zava scoring in spectacular fashion. From scorpion kicks to bicycle kicks, he has that dramatic flair both on and off of the pitch.
Ted Lasso also has an interesting take on the toxic masculinity in sports. In the locker room, the guys are open with their attraction and infatuation to their newest player, and how certain magnetism and allure transcend gender. Similarly, you have the coaches discussing their favorite Julie Andrews role. It’s even more cute that they let Trent Crimm formerly of The Independent share his thoughts and include him in their foolishness. These aren’t the types of conversations you’d expect in these testosterone filled places, but all the men are comfortable with themselves to talk honestly.
However, we dive deeper into the backstory of some of the fringe characters; in this case it’s of the Welsh winger, Colin Hughes. Despite his closeness with his teammates, he still keeps certain aspects of his life to himself. That side of Colin is actually kept ambiguous whether the club knows it until close to the end when he introduces his lover as a friend. It demonstrates that even though everyone seems progressive, the need to hide the secret shows the limits in the locker room. Crimm discovering the secret provides a level of intrigue not knowing what he’ll do with that information.
Jamie continues to have his doubts about the Zava experiment, but he receives support from an unlikely place. Roy seems to sympathize with the hotshot’s situation, not too different from when Tartt joined the club taking the best player title from him. It’s endearing that despite their complicated history, the pair can work together and find a common ground. If their earlier interactions when Jamie found out about the break up are any indication, there is some comedic gold to mine from the duo.
Another common theme in this episode of Ted Lasso, is that of failed relationships. Ted manages his mental health as he learns about his ex-wife’s new flame. We see the depiction of his struggle and the fear of a panic attack at any time. He is very much still a work in progress.
Rebecca reflects back on her failed romance with Sam. Seeds were already planted during a trip to a psychic, but her progression from skeptic to believer is too quick. It’s more believable when she is casually looking for signs during her everyday life when the opportunity presents itself, but the reveal of the predicted item didn’t have quite the organic build up I would have wanted. Nevertheless, a minor gripe in another fantastic episode.
“4-5-1” takes an interesting path to reflect upon toxic masculinity in sports, but it’s Maximillian Osinski’s performance as the alluring and enigmatic Zava that steals the episode.
New episodes of Ted Lasso are released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
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