NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
What started as a skit/promo is now back for season 4. Yep. Ted Lasso is officially back for Apple TV+, and with that news, what better time to catch a rewatch? To match that energy, we’re breaking down every episode and ranking each from “best to worst” as we go, starting with:
Season 1 – Epsiode 1: Pilot
The introduction to the characters, and everything that came along. The first episode titled “Pilot” brings Ted to AFC Richmond and starts our journey. We meet some of our main characters Ted, Rebecca, Keeley, Beard, Higgins, Jamie, Roy and so many more who’s stories bring so much delight later on.
We learn Rebecca took over the team from her, now former, husband. She shows off her new confidence in firing their current coach. We see the Lasso shuffle which is our first glimpse at the commraderie he brings to his teams.
The focus of this episode is the connection between Ted and Beard, Rebecca and her plot, and just how much Ted is in over his head. How unsure Nate is and how much he looks up to Ted. We get a heavy dose of dad jokes right from the start. Ted talks to the press for the first time, which lends to some of the best scenes down the road. It might be a throwaway moment that means nothing, but after Ted states that he likes Trent Crimm’s glasses, he takes them off to ask his question. Was it by design or set up to show the divide between the media and Richmond’s new coach?
Rebecca is in control, but we quickly learn she’s scheming up something awful. Out on the pitch, we see just how much of a prick Jamie can be. We also see Roy’s leadership as a captain,
Back to the locker room, it’s time to meet the team and just like the press, no one trusts Ted Lasso in the locker room either. We meet Keeley who has unmatched energy. Her intro to Ted and the “Believe” sign bit shows the quirkiness the fans come to love.
The episode finished with the strained relationship of Ted and Michelle. It’s not directly referred to, but the tension is definitely in the air with their awkward phone call.
The Quotes:
“Coach, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. Hey, I’ve never said that while not in Kansas.” One of many layers of the Wizard of Oz being peppered throughout the show.
“How do you take your tea?” “Well, usually I take itright back to the counter, ’cause someone’s made a horrible mistake.” Sets the tone for the cultural divide that Ted encounters.
“If I don’t hear silence, I’m gonna start punching d–ks.” How quickly did Roy Kent become one of your favorite characters on the show?
“You got a question in there Trent?” “Yeah, is this a f–kin joke?” This back and forth was the downward spiral of Ted being overwhelmed which we later see in his panic attacks.
Where Does It Rank?
Since, it’s the first episode of the series, it has to be ranked #1, so far. Plenty of one-liners in this episode. While there are no giant character revelations in episode one of Ted Lasso, the groundwork is laid in the pilot episode.
Keep checking back for the definitive ranking as the rewatch of episodes of Ted Lasso continues.
