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- Ted Lasso Season 3 Is Controversial
- The Show Was Wrapped Up Neatly
- Ted Lasso’s Return Could Undo a Lot of the Series Goodwill
- Ted Lasso Season 4 Is a Bad Idea… But a Spin-Off Is a Different Story
As a longtime fan of Ted Lasso who has witnessed the series’ transformative impact during these challenging times, I find myself torn about the prospect of a fourth season. Having seen countless shows try to recapture their initial spark after a cultural moment passes, I fear that Ted Lasso might follow suit.
It appears that “Ted Lasso” is set for a return in a new season. This soccer-themed comedy first premiered on AppleTV+ on August 14, 2020, and became the go-to series for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show ran for three seasons, wrapping up on May 31, 2023, after the creators had hinted for a while that they planned a three-season storyline. Despite this, the show gained significant praise from critics and won numerous awards as Season 3 was airing. This sparked rumors of a possible fourth season. However, the series ended with some fans expressing mixed feelings, leaving everyone wondering if it was really the end for “Ted Lasso.”
Four years from now, on August 24, 2024, I was thrilled to learn that our beloved show would be returning for a new season! The fantastic trio of Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift had their contracts renewed by Warner Bros. Television, as they are all members of the UK acting union Equity. It’s anticipated that AppleTV+ and Warner Bros. Television will extend offers to SAG-AFTRA actors Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Juno Temple as well.
The announcement of Ted Lasso‘s comeback has sparked a variety of responses, ranging from enthusiasm among fans who are eager for more stories about their beloved characters, to skepticism following what was perceived as a less satisfying third season. Some viewers have even expressed indifference towards the series, claiming that they never found it particularly impressive initially. The return of Ted Lasso, while risky, could potentially tarnish its overall reputation, but it can still persist in one crucial aspect.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Is Controversial
In a nutshell, Season 3 of Ted Lasso faced numerous challenges typical of streaming shows, such as extended episode lengths and the sudden introduction of storylines near the end of the season that required hasty resolutions. This is somewhat reminiscent of what might occur in the third season of FX’s The Bear.
Initially, the extended length of each episode could be forgiven since the runtime of all 12 episodes equaled that of 24 standard 30-minute comedic episodes. However, this also led to the series rushing through storylines, such as Nate’s betrayal of Ted and its subsequent consequences, which included the arrival and quick departure of a new character, Zava. The show had numerous ideas it still wanted to explore, but it was already tied to a three-season arc.
The Show Was Wrapped Up Neatly
At last, it’s clear that the finale of Ted Lasso lived up to its purpose, as set by the series and its title character. Over three seasons, viewers have witnessed Ted helping the AFC Richmond football team transform into their finest selves, not just on the field but off it too. Characters like Rebecca, Keeley, Roy, and others have experienced significant growth since they first crossed paths with Ted, becoming better individuals. The final montage provides a quick recap of what happens to everyone following the series’ conclusion, wrapping up storylines in a generally positive manner.
In the course of the series, Ted made his way back home to reunite with his family, which had been his ultimate objective from the very beginning. However, Ted is not one-dimensional; his time away allowed him to evolve as an individual. Through this journey, he learned to accept his own complexities, understanding that happiness isn’t a constant state and instead of suppressing his negative emotions, he chose to acknowledge them and carry on. With a positive future in sight, Ted found new significance in his phrase “be a goldfish.” In the final scenes, we see him coaching his son’s soccer team, intending to pass on the wisdom he gained at AFC Richmond to a new generation, while also learning from his experiences. Ted Lasso’s tale mirrors that of a classic hero: he embraced the call to adventure and eventually returned home, much like the heroes in ancient Greek mythology.
The last season of the show had its challenges, yet provided a fulfilling wrap-up for the series, particularly Ted Lasso’s narrative journey. Proposing another season could potentially unravel that emotionally rewarding finale. Although we may yearn for more from our beloved characters, sometimes that craving can compromise what was an emotional climax. Quentin Tarantino expressed he won’t watch Toy Story 4, despite its quality, because he cherishes the ending of Toy Story 3. Some might view a potential Ted Lasso season 4 as an opportunity to redo the third and final season, but this perspective suggests there was something flawed or needing improvement in the original, rather than acknowledging it as complete. Furthermore, attempts to remake a contentious finale, like Dexter or Heroes, often result in the series being diminished. At times, it is best to let a story rest peacefully.
Ted Lasso’s Return Could Undo a Lot of the Series Goodwill
The upcoming Season 4 of Ted Lasso could potentially unravel much of the show’s earned goodwill. Although it may not have reached the pinnacle of television as in its initial season, there is still a commendable aspect: the creators had a clear plan for three seasons and stayed true to it. They undoubtedly made adjustments and incorporated new elements, but they stuck with their three-season blueprint and ended the series on their own terms. The show was not canceled; instead, they chose its conclusion.
Moving into its fourth season, regardless of the sincerity or innovative ideas, there’s an inherent sense of attempting to relive past triumphs; consider the response from fans as Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers re-entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the creators of Ted Lasso, if they have a story they wish to share, should not prioritize public opinion above all else. Artists should focus less on how their work will be received and more on its ultimate outcome.
The return of Ted Lasso after 2024 will find a significantly altered TV landscape compared to 2020. When Ted Lasso first premiered, the world was still grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and people had been in quarantine since March of that year. With endless scrolling through negative news, fear, and anxiety dominating daily life, Ted Lasso offered a beacon of optimism at a time when it was sorely needed. Season 2, which received mixed reviews from fans, aired as cities began to ease quarantine restrictions following the release of the vaccine.
Ted Lasso Season 4 Is a Bad Idea… But a Spin-Off Is a Different Story
It appears that extending Ted Lasso for another season, specifically Season 4, might be a challenging undertaking, given the need to re-sign leading actor Jason Sudeikis for an extended period and create a compelling reason for Ted to return to AFC Richmond, potentially leaving his family again. This could seem like a significant effort when considering the possibility of a more straightforward approach – perhaps even developing a Ted Lasso spin-off.
The show’s commentary often extends beyond just Ted Lasso; it turned out that the ensemble of characters, initially seen as secondary, ended up captivating viewers. Notably, several standout episodes zeroed in on these supporting players, suggesting that any future installments should continue down this path. Spin-offs offer an opportunity for a series to keep going with beloved characters, leaving room for original leads to make appearances, and at the same time, developing side characters into fully realized individuals.
As a cinephile, I must say that the concept of a Ted Lasso spin-off, centering around the AFC Richmond management team without our beloved Ted Lasso at the helm, piques my curiosity. How will these characters evolve and navigate their lives now that Ted is no longer their central figure? Life doesn’t pause just because Ted departs. With Ted Lasso being the audience’s primary lens into this world, we are now ready to delve deeper into the lives of other characters like Rebecca, who finds herself in a new relationship and perhaps discovering her true happy ending. The romantic entanglement between Roy Kent and Keeley Jones is another thread that fans yearn for more closure on, as we explore whether their love story ends with them together or if they find happiness apart.
There are many untold, captivating stories featuring these characters, but it’s important to note that they don’t necessarily have to revolve around Ted Lasso, either the character or his name. Instead, they should show courage and venture beyond the central character initially. However, there’s always room for a delightful guest appearance by Ted Lasso later on.
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2024-08-28 06:02