Summary
Journalist Trent Crimm writes a piece about Ted Lasso for The Independent - unsurprisingly Crimm goes after Lasso in many ways, but in the end, actually tells his readers that he can't help but root for him - this after seeing Ted's humility and kindness for others in action at a local school function and at a restaurant owned by the family of his Uber driver from Episode 1. Tensions between Jamie and Roy escalate and "The Lasso Way," unknowingly stirs Roy into defending Nate from Jamie's bullying.
Favorite Moments
Ted continues to lift Kit Man Nate up - to new responsibilities, even agreeing to use one of his tactical ideas with the team. Ted is proving to be the kind, genuine father-figure that Nate never saw in his real father, which would continue to be a theme in the rest of the series.
Ted and Trent in the restaurant. Ted goes out of his way to be polite and respectful to the restaurant owners, despite the the temperature and spiciness of the food being served. Ted always thinks of others before his own interests.
Keeley and Rebecca's relationship starts to blossom in this episode, an important story line for the rest of the series. They are each independent in their own way, but also show how important it is to have companionship and "ride or die" friends by your side.
Ted gives the whole team books to read...but it's not the same book, they each get a different one. Roy's is "A Wrinkle in Time," and in reading it with his niece, realizes that Ted's intentions with him about being a leader are starting to pay off. "It has to be me."
Favorite Quotes
"I have a hard time hearing people who don't believe in themselves," Ted Lasso.
Nate: "Wait, you're gonna use my play?" Ted: We're gonna try it on and see if it fits. It might not. Then again, it might be a very flattering silhouette. I might wear it right out of the store. Makes me feel good," Ted says as he struts out of the locker room. "Oooh, I like this. I like the way this makes me feel."
"You have no idea the power of rhyming in this country," Keeley tells Ted.
Lasso Lessons
Good ideas can come from anyone: Ted was unapologetic about using Nate's tactics with the team, even though he is only supposed to be keeping the locker room maintained and washing the players' gear after training.
Provide individual coaching: By giving everyone their own book, Ted demonstrated the power of personalized instruction and that each person on the team needs individualized instruction and attention. Roy realizing this while reading "A Wrinkle in Time" is a great example of this working.
Leaders don't always have to solve problems: Ted intentionally stays out of the drama of Jaime's bullying Nate. This infuriates Roy, but it also motivates him to step up and try to teach Jaime a lesson. This is "The Lasso Way" in action.
Ted Lasso is a registered trademark of Apple TV+.