Ted Lasso (2×01) Goodbye, Early Early Review

Critics w/o CredentialsJuly 12, 202193/100n/a5 min
Director
Declan Lowney
Writers
Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt
Rating
TV-MA
Running Time
35 minutes
Channel
Apple TV+
Overall Score
Rating Summary
Goodbye, Early sees Ted Lasso dodge the sophomore slump by falling into its familiar rhythm at the heart of its stellar first season.

For our review of season one of Ted Lasso, click here.

” Football is Death.”

Or at least that is where we find AFC Richmond upon season two of Ted Lasso. Shortly after their relegation to the Championship, Richmond find themselves with 8 straight ties and their star player, Danny Rojas, losing his mojo after an altercation with AFC’s mascot, Earl Greyhound.

While it’s perfectly normal to worry whether or not a series as beloved as Ted Lasso can dodge the sophomore slump in its second season, thankfully it quickly quiets all apprehension through the first episode by falling into its familiar rhythm at the heart of its stellar first season. Goodbye, Early marks the second season’s goal of pushing the development of characters we’ve grown to love, Roy after his retirement from football, Rebecca as she continues to find love and self-worth, and Sam Obisanya as he takes a leadership role amongst the team. But more importantly, it also introduces new characters with the addition of Jan, a brutally honest Dutch footballer, John, Rebecca’s new love interest, and what is easily becoming a favorite, and Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, a sports psychologist.

This season thus far looks to deliver a wonderfully balanced narrative offering just enough closure from the events of the season one finale while also presenting new storylines that will be developed across the remaining episodes. Not to mention, the sharp humor that deserves multiple watches to truly receive the full benefit is on full display from all members of the cast. Each is provided hilarious dialogue that not only helps the viewer settle back into a universe that has been greatly missed but also offers hope of branching interactions between characters, both new and old, in hilarious situations moving forward.

One word remains after watching this first episode of Ted Lasso season 2 – “Believe.” This season will be just as great an achievement as the first with even more humor with just as much heart. It’s clear that the series intends on stretching these figures by placing them in situations outside of their comfort zone. And while fans know that it will lead to comedic brilliance it will also inevitably allow these characters to grow and achieve something beyond where we left them in season one. If that’s not a reason to continue supporting such an amazing series as Ted Lasso, I don’t know what is.

Barbecue Sauce.


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