As some of you may remember, comedy/drama Ted Lasso – season one; the story of a US American Football coach, who arrives in the UK to manage a struggling English Premier League soccer team is, without a doubt, one of the best things that happened to me in 2020. 

Fast forward to now, when season two has both started and finished; let’s put it this way, I’ll make time for season three in 2022; however, I’ll be sure to calm myself right down should I find myself getting too excited about the third instalment.

Yes, season two of Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham’s Emmy Award-winning series did at times move me to laughter and tears. The problem is that it also made me cringe because some of what I adored about season one, such as the positive attitude and heartwarming kindness, in parts of season two, it’s written in a way that often felt forced. The most irritating example of this, for me, is the Christmas episode.

Another way that season two disappointed me is how it handled delving more into the lives of the less central characters. Rather than finding myself engrossed in some of these secondary stories, I was annoyed that I wasn’t learning more about Lasso himself. Additionally, during these departures from the main focus, when Lasso did feature, the writing leant into his eccentricities in a fashion that, for me, cheapened his character.

As creative and somewhat well-edited as the episode that focuses on coach Beard is, thematically, it just felt out of place with the rest of the season. Then there’s the fact that I did not believe the direction of Beard’s love story with the mysterious Jane.

Speaking of not believing, where Nate’s all-important character journey is concerned, I sadly neither liked nor did I buy it.

All in all, I’m sad to say that season two of Ted Lasso annoyed me more than it pleased me. Even though I was glad to learn more about Lasso’s history and struggles, the season is more reminiscent of the short-lived Sex and the City movie franchise than I’d hoped. Meaning, I loved the first movie, but my goodness was it abundantly clear that the second film was hugely rushed, resulting in a less than pleasing result.

There are actually no specific episodes that stand out as my favourite in season two. But almost all episodes of season one do. Luckily, I do have a favourite season two moment, and that is how Jamie Tartt’s all-important walk on to the pitch is captured and presented.

What do you think of Season two of Ted Lasso? Have I been too harsh? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Film Loving

G