Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way Blu-ray Review
“Ted Lasso” is an overhyped comedy series.
Running 3 seasons and 34 episodes (it remains to be seen if there will be more seasons down the line), 2020’s Apple TV+ sports-comedy series “Ted Lasso,” of course, revolves around the titular character- a college American football coach who travels to England to become the coach of English Premier League team AFC Richmond (not a real team). What’s the story behind this hire? Well, Rebecca received control of the club after divorcing her husband Rupert. As revenge against him, she hires Ted to essentially ruin the club. Despite knowing very little about soccer, Ted’s positive attitude (and helpful assistant coaches Nate and Beard) ultimately benefits the team which is comprised of an aging Team captain (Roy Kent), Jamie Tartt, Isaac, Sam, Dani, Colin and later Zava.
In terms of storylines, expect plots about reporters and paparazzi, Ted’s marital split, a sports psychologist (Sharon), team changes, relegation and promotion, Roy switching careers, Ted’s mental health, Beard’s relationship struggles, Rebecca having a relationship with Sam, West Ham United, Keeley’s relationships and careers, a “Total Football” strategy, Colin’s sexuality, and Rebecca’s assistant Leslie Higgins.
As a football and soccer fan, the acclaimed Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly created “Ted Lasso” seemed like it would be in my wheelhouse. Alas, the comedy was not my cup of tea.
While it is admirable to see a positive, feel-good comedy in an era with a lot of dark storytelling, the fish out of water sports-comedy wears out its welcome early on. This show feels like it was based on a sketch and, in fact, was based on commercials in which Sudeikis starred as Ted Lasso. The series stretches out an already thin premise and attempts to coast on quirky characters, emotional character drama on and off the pitch, heart on its sleeve moments, romance, and cornball moments (song singing and Rom-Communism). It may work wonders for some viewers who find this show to be a great comfort, but, to me, the humor falls flat, Ted Lasso/Jason Sudeikis can be rather grating at times and the sport of soccer/football often takes a backseat. It doesn’t help that the entire series feels like a wannabe “Major League” only in the football/soccer.
The first 2 seasons definitely fare better than the third season which is overburdened with character subplots and relationships (ala Keeley’s romantic life). If season 3 is to be the last though, it stuck the landing with the season 3 finale “So Long, Farewell” which felt like a fitting finale for the characters and the show.
On the plus side, the show does feature likable performances particularly from the always great Juno Temple (Keeley) and Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca) whose career deservedly took off after this series.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. How does it look? The episodes look spectacular in hi-def.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the roar of the crowd to the character interactions, the 5.1 track delivers the goods.
The lone extra is a “Believe” poster.
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