I guess I should stop labeling some of these reviews as “final season.” Because they might pull a Ted Lasso and drop a new season three years after they said it was their last season.
Not that I’m complaining. I loved Ted Lasso. So naturally, I was a little bit skeptical about the new premise even though it was basically trading men for women. But that’s just a very surface level observation. The new season starts with a brand new women’s team at AFC Richmond, but it seems like there is no confidence in the longevity of the team. In an effort to give them a fighting chance, Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins all make their way to Kansas to try and recruit Ted. It’s a slower start, but there was never any doubt that Ted would eventually agree.
His new assistant coach, Alice Chilton, upset at being looked over for head coach, tenders her resignation only to be pulled in by Lasso’s charm. She sticks around, but it’s clear she’s stewing in anger and missed opportunities. What she doesn’t realize right away is that she is really invaluable to the team. Even when Beard joins as another assistant coach, neither him nor Ted have all the insights to working with such a diverse team. Neither have much experience with worknig with women.
Plus, these women have more in their lives than just soccer. The best examples of that rest in Lizzie, a single mother trying to juggle time with her kids and her ex’s schedule. But her talent rises above, along with the kindness of her teammates and leadership. Then there is star striker, Gemma, who gave up on soccer years before in favor for a future as a lawyer. She still intends to balance the two, but it’s clear that she has a passion for the game. The team also has it’s own dynamics with Shannon, a player who still needs to hone her skills, twins who are quite aggressive towards each other, and Boots, a goalie who doesn’t believe in wearing glvoes. Sometimes they just get in their own way.
Also getting in their way is prejudice. It’s no secret that women’s soccer doesn’t get nearly the amount of attention that the men’s teams get, and even though Ted and company have made a lot of strides, there’s still just not much confidence in their abilities. God bless Keeley for trying her absolute hardest. There also happens to be hardcore feminist new in their ranks helping out. Admittedly, I found that character to be over the top, but she did add some unexpected crunch later in the season.
Of course, the show also thrives when addressing the more personal beats, and that was no exception this season. Overall, I was pleased with the diversity and fresh ideas while still maintaining the old Ted Lasso charm. The promise of another season is still unknown, but I know I’d certainly welcome more.