For Ted Lasso there’s no place like home – Kansas

Lasso
(Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis)

Apple TV+’s beloved comedy-drama series Ted Lasso has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its heartwarming story, lovable characters, and irresistible charm. After an incredible journey spanning three seasons, the time has finally come for fans to bid farewell to their favorite football coach.

Possibly. Probably. Who knows.

Creators Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence and Brendan Hunt have been visibly coy about whether this is a series finale or season-ender. But it did feel like a series finale as many loose stories were neatly tied up. Production designer, Paul Cripps, posted several Instagram photos Tuesday of the Ted Lasso sets being struck, and co-star Hannah Waddingham tweeted a photo of the “Richmond Greyhounds” striking in front of Warner Bros. She called it their “final day.”

If it was a series finale, Ted Lasso delivered a poignant and satisfying conclusion that celebrated the power of friendship, resilience, and personal growth.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Titled, “So Long, Farewell,” the opening scene threw us for a loop as Rebecca (Waddingham) sits at her kitchen counter in a skimpy robe sipping coffee. Ted (Sudeikis) sporting “bedhead,” nervously greets her. He asks her if she wants to talk about it. Rebecca says no.

Did they sleep together????

Before we can go down that rabbit hole, Beard (Hunt) in a thong, (we can’t unsee that) and Jane (Phoebe Walsh) enter. They all thank Rebecca for letting them stay there after a gas leak occurred in their neighborhood. Ah, Rebecca didn’t want to talk about Ted’s decision to leave AFC Richmond.

Throughout the episode, Ted is noticeably subdued as his last game approaches and then a flight back to Kansas as he plans to return to his son Henry (Gus Turner), and ex-wife, Michelle (Andrea Anders). Rebecca does her best to talk him out of it. She dangles personal feelings and money as lures. She even confesses to Ted if she sells 49 percent of the team, she’ll make a ton of money and in turn can make Ted one of the highest-paid coaches in the league.

But Rebecca is truly considering the sale of the team. Higgins (Jeremy Swift) notes that with Richmond having secured a spot in the Champions League by virtue of its top-four Premier League finish, the club’s value has never been higher, and she could reap a huge profit and still keep control of the club by selling just under half of it.

“How much would I get if I sold the entire club?” she asks.

“About £2 billion,” he replies. Rebecca spits out her tea in response.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Greyhounds perform a perfectly choreographed version of The Sound of Music’s “So Long, Farewell.” The night before the game Roy and Jamie bond at the bar where Roy also tells Jamie to back off of Keeley. Jamie asks if they are official. When Roy can’t say yes, Jamie says he won’t back off. And the two show up later at Keeley’s door, beaten up. They tell her she has to choose. She does. Keeley throws them both out.

Roy then calls a meeting of the Diamond Dogs to ask the question, “Can someone truly change?” Higgins tells him “If we keep asking for help, and taking it when we need it,” Higgins tells him, “then we can be on the road to better.”

Ted skips a motivational pitch before their important match against West Ham and instead allows Beard to play a video compilation of their time together. This leaves the lads in emotional wrecks, causing them to be down 2-0 at halftime to Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) former team.

In the locker room, Ted does address the elephant in the room, “I want you all to know what an absolute honor it’s been to be your coach. Getting to work with y’all the last three years has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve loved getting to know each and every one of you, learning about the men you were and getting a front-row seat to see the men you’re becoming. And thank you for your patience — when I showed up here I didn’t know one thing about soccer. Now, I know at least one thing about football. I’m so gosh dang proud to be part of this team. I love you guys. I’m gonna miss y’all.”

That could have been Sudeikis also speaking to the young actors.

Each of the players then pulls out a piece of the ripped-up “Believe” sign and pieces it back together,. This fires them up and they take the attitude to the pitch and kick West Ham’s ass. “I know folks like to say there’s no place like home — and that’s true,” Ted tells them. “But there aren’t a lot of places like AFC Richmond, either.”

Richmond doesn’t end up as Premier League champions — Manchester City also wins its last match and stays one point up — but it’s the most successful season in club history. Newspaper headlines reveal that Rebecca has sold 49 percent of the club — to fans. She tells Ted at the airport that she decided to stay near her Richmond family, just as Ted decided to return to his. The two say a teary goodbye as he boards his flight home with Beard.

But…

Beard confesses he’s in love with Jane and can’t bear to leave her, but also fears abandoning his long-time friend. Ted gives his blessing. “I love you, Ted,” Beard says. “I love you too, Willis,” Ted replies.

Beard’s first name is Willis!

After Beard fakes a ruptured appendix to get off the plane, Ted’s plane takes off and the flash-forwards begin: Leaving the airport, Rebecca runs into the handsome Dutchman (Matteo van der Grijn) from the Amsterdam episode and his young daughter (the end credits reveal his name is Matthijs).

Ted leaves a note for Trent (James Lance) that he loves his book about the team, but he should change the title from The Lasso Way: “It’s not about me. It never was.” Rebecca names Roy (Brett Goldstein) the new manager, with Beard and Nate as his assistants, and they re-hang the Believe sign.

Keeley (Juno Temple) and Barbara (Katy Wix) thrive at the renamed KBPR. Sam finally joins the Nigerian national team. Jamie reconciles with his dad. Nate, Jade (Edyta Budnik) and his family enjoy a night at A Taste of Athens.

Trent’s book, now titled The Richmond Way, sells well. Keeley proposes a Richmond women’s team to Rebecca. The club gathers for a barbecue at Higgins’ home. Beard and Jane get married at Stonehenge, with the team and the couple from “Beard After Hours” in attendance …

And then Ted wakes up at the end of his flight. Was it a dream? The final scene is Ted coaching Henry at a little league soccer match. Henry’s upset that he missed a goal. And Ted tells him to remember that he’s a goldfish.

We close on Ted’s smiling face. And it feels like a genuine one. So, a happy ending. If this was an ending.


REELated:


Embracing the Power of Forgiveness

In the series finale, Ted Lasso continued to explore the complexities of its characters’ relationships, and forgiveness took center stage. Ted Lasso confronted his past traumas and acknowledged the impact they’ve had on his personal and professional life. The finale beautifully demonstrated the transformative power of forgiveness, as Ted learned to let go of his anger and resentment, paving the way for personal growth and redemption.

While Ted’s journey is at the core of the show, Ted Lasso has always been an ensemble piece, and the finale does justice to its incredible supporting cast. Each character is given their moment to shine, tying up loose ends and providing closure to their individual storylines. From Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) finding a new purpose after retiring from football to Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) realizing her true passion, the finale ensures that every character’s arc reaches a satisfying conclusion.

What’s telling is Ted’s note to Trent, “It was never about me.”

Throughout the series, Ted Lasso taught us the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty. In the finale, this theme is emphasized once again as characters confront their fears and insecurities. Ted’s vulnerability became a catalyst for change not only for himself but also for those around him. The show reminded us that embracing vulnerability allows for genuine connections and growth, highlighting the power of empathy and compassion.

This vulnerability can be seen best in Roy, who takes Higgins’ advice to heart. The last shot of him is sitting down with Dr. Sharon (Sarah Niles), who is now a full-time member of the Richmond staff.

One of the standout qualities of Ted Lasso has been its celebration of friendship and community. The series finale reinforced this theme by showcasing the unwavering support and camaraderie among the characters. Ted’s impact on those around him is evident as they rallied together to overcome challenges and create a sense of belonging. They finally believed.

The finale served as a reminder of the power of genuine friendships and the importance of building a supportive community.

While bidding farewell to a beloved series (if it was an ending) is always bittersweet, the Ted Lasso finale managed to strike the perfect balance between closure and open-endedness. The characters have grown, learned valuable lessons, and embarked on new chapters in their lives. The finale leaves the audience with a sense of hope for their future endeavors, emphasizing that life is a continuous journey with endless possibilities.

With its heartwarming messages of forgiveness, vulnerability, friendship, and community, the show has left an indelible mark on popular culture. While we bid adieu (?) to Ted Lasso and his lovable team, their journey will be remembered as a testament to the power of optimism, resilience, and the human spirit.

Can Ted Lasso go on without Ted Lasso? That is the big question. Remember, it was never about him. Thank you, Ted Lasso, for reminding us that kindness and empathy can truly change lives.


Follow us on Facebook!


Lasso
(Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis)

Apple TV+’s beloved comedy-drama series Ted Lasso has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its heartwarming story, lovable characters, and irresistible charm. After an incredible journey spanning three seasons, the time has finally come for fans to bid farewell to their favorite football coach.

Possibly. Probably. Who knows.

Creators Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence and Brendan Hunt have been visibly coy about whether this is a series finale or season-ender. But it did feel like a series finale as many loose stories were neatly tied up. Production designer, Paul Cripps, posted several Instagram photos Tuesday of the Ted Lasso sets being struck, and co-star Hannah Waddingham tweeted a photo of the “Richmond Greyhounds” striking in front of Warner Bros. She called it their “final day.”

If it was a series finale, Ted Lasso delivered a poignant and satisfying conclusion that celebrated the power of friendship, resilience, and personal growth.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Titled, “So Long, Farewell,” the opening scene threw us for a loop as Rebecca (Waddingham) sits at her kitchen counter in a skimpy robe sipping coffee. Ted (Sudeikis) sporting “bedhead,” nervously greets her. He asks her if she wants to talk about it. Rebecca says no.

Did they sleep together????

Before we can go down that rabbit hole, Beard (Hunt) in a thong, (we can’t unsee that) and Jane (Phoebe Walsh) enter. They all thank Rebecca for letting them stay there after a gas leak occurred in their neighborhood. Ah, Rebecca didn’t want to talk about Ted’s decision to leave AFC Richmond.

Throughout the episode, Ted is noticeably subdued as his last game approaches and then a flight back to Kansas as he plans to return to his son Henry (Gus Turner), and ex-wife, Michelle (Andrea Anders). Rebecca does her best to talk him out of it. She dangles personal feelings and money as lures. She even confesses to Ted if she sells 49 percent of the team, she’ll make a ton of money and in turn can make Ted one of the highest-paid coaches in the league.

But Rebecca is truly considering the sale of the team. Higgins (Jeremy Swift) notes that with Richmond having secured a spot in the Champions League by virtue of its top-four Premier League finish, the club’s value has never been higher, and she could reap a huge profit and still keep control of the club by selling just under half of it.

“How much would I get if I sold the entire club?” she asks.

“About £2 billion,” he replies. Rebecca spits out her tea in response.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Greyhounds perform a perfectly choreographed version of The Sound of Music’s “So Long, Farewell.” The night before the game Roy and Jamie bond at the bar where Roy also tells Jamie to back off of Keeley. Jamie asks if they are official. When Roy can’t say yes, Jamie says he won’t back off. And the two show up later at Keeley’s door, beaten up. They tell her she has to choose. She does. Keeley throws them both out.

Roy then calls a meeting of the Diamond Dogs to ask the question, “Can someone truly change?” Higgins tells him “If we keep asking for help, and taking it when we need it,” Higgins tells him, “then we can be on the road to better.”

Ted skips a motivational pitch before their important match against West Ham and instead allows Beard to play a video compilation of their time together. This leaves the lads in emotional wrecks, causing them to be down 2-0 at halftime to Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) former team.

In the locker room, Ted does address the elephant in the room, “I want you all to know what an absolute honor it’s been to be your coach. Getting to work with y’all the last three years has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve loved getting to know each and every one of you, learning about the men you were and getting a front-row seat to see the men you’re becoming. And thank you for your patience — when I showed up here I didn’t know one thing about soccer. Now, I know at least one thing about football. I’m so gosh dang proud to be part of this team. I love you guys. I’m gonna miss y’all.”

That could have been Sudeikis also speaking to the young actors.

Each of the players then pulls out a piece of the ripped-up “Believe” sign and pieces it back together,. This fires them up and they take the attitude to the pitch and kick West Ham’s ass. “I know folks like to say there’s no place like home — and that’s true,” Ted tells them. “But there aren’t a lot of places like AFC Richmond, either.”

Richmond doesn’t end up as Premier League champions — Manchester City also wins its last match and stays one point up — but it’s the most successful season in club history. Newspaper headlines reveal that Rebecca has sold 49 percent of the club — to fans. She tells Ted at the airport that she decided to stay near her Richmond family, just as Ted decided to return to his. The two say a teary goodbye as he boards his flight home with Beard.

But…

Beard confesses he’s in love with Jane and can’t bear to leave her, but also fears abandoning his long-time friend. Ted gives his blessing. “I love you, Ted,” Beard says. “I love you too, Willis,” Ted replies.

Beard’s first name is Willis!

After Beard fakes a ruptured appendix to get off the plane, Ted’s plane takes off and the flash-forwards begin: Leaving the airport, Rebecca runs into the handsome Dutchman (Matteo van der Grijn) from the Amsterdam episode and his young daughter (the end credits reveal his name is Matthijs).

Ted leaves a note for Trent (James Lance) that he loves his book about the team, but he should change the title from The Lasso Way: “It’s not about me. It never was.” Rebecca names Roy (Brett Goldstein) the new manager, with Beard and Nate as his assistants, and they re-hang the Believe sign.

Keeley (Juno Temple) and Barbara (Katy Wix) thrive at the renamed KBPR. Sam finally joins the Nigerian national team. Jamie reconciles with his dad. Nate, Jade (Edyta Budnik) and his family enjoy a night at A Taste of Athens.

Trent’s book, now titled The Richmond Way, sells well. Keeley proposes a Richmond women’s team to Rebecca. The club gathers for a barbecue at Higgins’ home. Beard and Jane get married at Stonehenge, with the team and the couple from “Beard After Hours” in attendance …

And then Ted wakes up at the end of his flight. Was it a dream? The final scene is Ted coaching Henry at a little league soccer match. Henry’s upset that he missed a goal. And Ted tells him to remember that he’s a goldfish.

We close on Ted’s smiling face. And it feels like a genuine one. So, a happy ending. If this was an ending.


REELated:


Embracing the Power of Forgiveness

In the series finale, Ted Lasso continued to explore the complexities of its characters’ relationships, and forgiveness took center stage. Ted Lasso confronted his past traumas and acknowledged the impact they’ve had on his personal and professional life. The finale beautifully demonstrated the transformative power of forgiveness, as Ted learned to let go of his anger and resentment, paving the way for personal growth and redemption.

While Ted’s journey is at the core of the show, Ted Lasso has always been an ensemble piece, and the finale does justice to its incredible supporting cast. Each character is given their moment to shine, tying up loose ends and providing closure to their individual storylines. From Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) finding a new purpose after retiring from football to Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) realizing her true passion, the finale ensures that every character’s arc reaches a satisfying conclusion.

What’s telling is Ted’s note to Trent, “It was never about me.”

Throughout the series, Ted Lasso taught us the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty. In the finale, this theme is emphasized once again as characters confront their fears and insecurities. Ted’s vulnerability became a catalyst for change not only for himself but also for those around him. The show reminded us that embracing vulnerability allows for genuine connections and growth, highlighting the power of empathy and compassion.

This vulnerability can be seen best in Roy, who takes Higgins’ advice to heart. The last shot of him is sitting down with Dr. Sharon (Sarah Niles), who is now a full-time member of the Richmond staff.

One of the standout qualities of Ted Lasso has been its celebration of friendship and community. The series finale reinforced this theme by showcasing the unwavering support and camaraderie among the characters. Ted’s impact on those around him is evident as they rallied together to overcome challenges and create a sense of belonging. They finally believed.

The finale served as a reminder of the power of genuine friendships and the importance of building a supportive community.

While bidding farewell to a beloved series (if it was an ending) is always bittersweet, the Ted Lasso finale managed to strike the perfect balance between closure and open-endedness. The characters have grown, learned valuable lessons, and embarked on new chapters in their lives. The finale leaves the audience with a sense of hope for their future endeavors, emphasizing that life is a continuous journey with endless possibilities.

With its heartwarming messages of forgiveness, vulnerability, friendship, and community, the show has left an indelible mark on popular culture. While we bid adieu (?) to Ted Lasso and his lovable team, their journey will be remembered as a testament to the power of optimism, resilience, and the human spirit.

Can Ted Lasso go on without Ted Lasso? That is the big question. Remember, it was never about him. Thank you, Ted Lasso, for reminding us that kindness and empathy can truly change lives.


Follow us on Facebook!