As a long-time fan of both Ted Lasso and The Wizard of Oz, I can’t help but be blown away by the intricate parallels that Brett Goldstein has drawn between the two. It’s as if the creators of Ted Lasso were secretly Dorothy herself, clicking her ruby slippers and wishing for a world where football and fantasy blend seamlessly!
“Coach, I got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” is a funny line Ted Lasso says to Coach Beard right when they get to London. That’s a very obvious nod to The Wizard of Oz and the AFC Richmond coach being from Kansas. However, it turns out that the connections between the classic film and the incredible Apple TV+ show run a lot deeper than that, Brett Goldstein recently explained. Now, I really need to re-watch the show with all this in mind.
With the highly-acclaimed movie “Wicked” taking over the 2024 film lineup, its precursor, “The Wizard of Oz,” is also cropping up frequently in discussions. This includes a chat Goldstein had with EW about “Ted Lasso” and its influences. When prompted, the show’s writer and Roy Kent actor swiftly affirmed that the 1939 film bears a striking resemblance to the comedy, and he even noted some hidden references in the series, stating:
Absolutely, you’ll find numerous references to The Wizard of Oz in Ted Lasso. The pinball machine that keeps signaling “Ted needs to return home” is a clear nod to the film’s famous line “There’s no place like home.” And just as Dorothy found there was no place like Oz, in Ted Lasso, you could say there’s no place quite like Richmond F.C. That’s about the extent of the Wizard of Oz connections in the series.
In much the same way that I, as a fan, observed, Ted’s narrative echoes Dorothy’s. As we witnessed at the conclusion of Season 3 of Ted Lasso, he discovered that indeed there is “no place like home” when he decided to return to Kansas after his time in the UK. Unlike Dorothy who clicked her ruby slippers, Ted opted for a flight home, but the essence of him rediscovering himself with AFC Richmond and gaining a renewed affection for his hometown mirrors Dorothy’s journey.
Yet, not only did Ted’s narrative resemble the characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” but the actor portraying Roy Kent further emphasized the similarities, stating:
I’m the Tin Man. Ted is Dorothy, Rebecca’s the Lion, and the Scarecrow is Jamie.
I should definitely go back and watch Ted Lasso again, making sure not to miss any character development for the cast!
Initially, I only noticed the bond between Ted and Dorothy without giving it much thought. But now, Goldstein’s insight resonates deeply.
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In the show, Roy Kent undergoes a transformation, learning to express his emotions instead of suppressing them, much like the Tin Man who learns to feel. On the other hand, Rebecca discovers the strength to assert herself against Rupert, embodying the Cowardly Lion’s journey towards courage. As for Jamie Tartt, initially he seems lacking in wisdom, but by the end, similar to the Scarecrow, he emerges as a thoughtful and compassionate leader of AFC Richmond.
Right now, I’m quite intrigued to explore if there are any more significant similarities. Could Rupert be likened to either the Wizard or the Wicked Witch of the West? Is Coach Beard perhaps akin to Toto? Might Nate resemble a flying monkey and the team be like the munchkins? Perhaps Keeley embodies Glinda the Good Witch? I think I should go back and rewatch Ted Lasso in its entirety to uncover these parallels.
It’s great news! You can easily enjoy the three seasons of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+, and The Wizard of Oz is ready for streaming on Max. Therefore, it seems like a perfect moment to revisit the Yellow Brick Road in Oz and AFC Richmond, as these entertaining comparisons unfold!
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2024-11-28 03:07