Diandra TV Review: Ted Lasso And Jason Sudeikis Merge In S3
It is no secret that Jason Sudeikis´ personal life or rather demise of his marriage was global gossip. Since the Apple TV Series´ premiere, the lines have blurred on where Jason ends and Ted Lasso begins; attributing the sweetness and kindness of this character to his real-life essence. Thus, seeing him get eviscerated, publicly, did not land well, and this season feels like a commentary to his real-life, intimate journey with themes like, divorce, negative press, and the struggle to be both positive and defensive when need be.
This season begins with Lasso being 100% a bonafide loser. Sure, we love his positivity and winner attitude, but, by all means, he is not a winner. He has lost every championship since hired by Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham)and, quite frankly, he was hired to WIN! Naturally, a wedge begins to grow between the two as her ex has his own team of dynamite players and a visceral coach in the form of Lasso´s once friend, now foe Nathan (Nick Mohammed). In this relationship, along with his looming divorce, Lasso becomes a sort of reflection of Jason’s real woes: the people he loved are moving on and some have no problem publicly crapping on him. While last season left off on a darker note, this season embraces it and makes us question the point of positivity if it is not used as a tool for victory.
Being lighthearted is a survival tactic or like Ke Huy Quan´s Waymond said so famously in EEAAO, ¨kindness is strategic.¨ Yet, if the strategy is not just to conquer our woes but to actually achieve triumphs, what is the point. What I found so interesting about Ted Lasso´s new season is that it calls into question the usefulness of the very demeanor we have grown to adore. We love Lasso, he makes us feel good, even if we have every reason to be down. Yet, feeling up and actually being it are different, and the truth of that difference can be seen through all the players, as well. Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple) are breaking up and have no idea why. Jamie (Phil Dunster) wants to be a better person for once but also has no idea why, and Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) is holding a torch for someone that is not ready to give into his love…. And has no idea why. Catching my drift?
Part of an existential crisis is not always about the purpose of existing as much as the power of it. I may not know why I am here or how, but, at the core, I would hope that, beyond reasoning, my existence is powerful and present. Purpose is not always about having an aim in destination as much in your being: hoping that who you are has direction and aim. Absolutely, every character has no peace even though they are good people, and this season is about asking ourselves the purpose of goodness if it is not a means to getting better things like, a championship win or a family.
