Ted Lasso, Ted Lasso, Ted Lasso. The praise and accolades for this Apple+ comedy series seemed to be popping up everywhere, and since we have a free subscription we decided to give it a try. The show is about a small-time American football coach named --wait for it -- Ted Lasso, who is improbably invited to coach a Premier League football team, aka soccer to North Americans.
Ted is totally unequipped for the role, which is the strategy for a bitter divorcee who owns the club, part of her settlement. She wants the team to fail out of revenge against her philandering ex. Highly improbable, of course, but, hey, this is a comedy. Within the first ten minutes of the initial episode there is a sense of where this story will go, yet it turns out to be a delight because of the acting by Jason Sudeikis as Coach Ted, along with a a strong cast, and excellent writing. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way which keep the story from being predictable.
This is a laugh-out-loud funny series, with a million hilarious one-liners. At the same time it is surprisingly thoughtful exploration of acceptance and other deeply human issues, including forgiveness.
While I don't want to give too much away, there is a point when the owner comes to Ted, letting down her bristly, imperious guard to offer a heartfelt apology for her abysmal behaviour. Ted pauses for a few moments, then offers three words: "I forgive you." Then he takes a few moments to offer why he is willing to forgive, in a manner that is gracious and tender. It is a genuinely moving moment. Ruth, my wife, suggested that this scene would be an excellent clip to show in a study of forgiveness, and she's right.
So, are you intrigued? I hope so, and I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy Sensei Ted.
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