I don’t particularly care for soccer, so the Ted Lasso show didn’t really draw my attention the way it was marketed. But after a great friend continuously told me for two full years how good it was then finally added “There was a lot of foul language and it's really funny”. I caved and gave it a watch. IT IS THE GREATEST TV SHOW to have come out in the last 40 years! I rank it with All in the Family and Cheers. I know, I know those are specific titles from a long long time ago… But to me, they were the last shows that actually made me feel real raw emotions! They could make me burst out loud laughing, and in the same episode make me need to grab a box of tissues!

Ted Lasso, has been the breath of fresh air television has needed for a long time. Being a Lasso virgin until December ‘22, I got the opportunity to watch the first season all the way through in about a week. I actually rewatched the first season three times in a row. One of those times was because my wife kept falling asleep, and I wasn’t going to wait for her. The show is simple, but maintains depth that made me want to pause and hold the thought and emotions it had brought me to. 

The second season takes a darker turn, taking on the subject of mental health. Something you don’t typically see in the main character. But they don’t dwell on that subject. Something I’ve personally come to grips with in my own life. Mental Health is very important, but life is still happening around you and that it's your responsibility to seek health and help. Hence the title of this article. Lasso’s counselor says… “The truth shall set you free, but first it will piss you off.” 

I know seeing Lasso’s struggle with his personal life while living his coach life will unveil some very personal feelings. 

But it’s not just Lasso you’ll relate to! I’d be willing to bet you could find yourself in just about every character in this show. Along with all of their personal highs and lows.

The show is only three seasons and I read it was designed purposefully that way. I believe the creators of Ted Lasso wrapped up better than any other show I’ve ever seen. It tied and untied all of the necessary storylines. It left two very important storylines open but in a way that I’m not left pissed off like at the end of No Country for Old Men where probably the evilest of evil bad guys literally walks into the sunset. Breaking Bad was my favorite ending to a show until Ted Lasso just to give you a couple shows for context. 

A show that made a 42-year-old man cry, and feel all the feelings in between anger and love, happiness to sadness. Ended without all of the answers. It ended with enough of the answer that you know if this show were real life, is probably how it would be. 

I think that's the let down of so many shows and sitcoms, after the end they leave you feeling like real life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Ted Lasso is an American football coach that is hired to coach Soccer/Futbol in England. You meet all the characters. Sometimes Lasso’s team is good, sometimes they’re not. 

I dare you to watch this and try not wanting to have had a coach like Ted in your life and at the same time try to be the coach and friend he is to those around him, friends and enemies alike. 

Next to Ted Lasso, there is a foul-mouthed character named Roy Kent. He’s by a very small margin my second favorite character in the show. There is a spot in the early stages of the second season where he, and his girlfriend are on a double date with a good friend and main character of the show, Rebecca. Rebecca, recently divorced, has decided to start dating again. At the end of the double date, Rebecca asks Roy and his girlfriend: 

“Well?!” …implying ‘What do you think of my date?’

Roy’s girlfriend politely says: “I think he’s a really good match, his age and financially appropriate. He’s not shy.. “

Rebecca: “I love that about him”

Roy: ***exacerbated, abruptly says*** “EFF’n Hell!!!”

Rebecca- “Is there a problem?”

Roy looking at his girlfriend… “tell her the truth…“

“He’s fine. That's it. There’s nothing wrong with that. Most people are fine. It's not about him, it's about why the F you think he deserves you? You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel like you’ve been struck by F’ing lightning! Don’t you dare settle for ‘fine!’ 

…not that it's any of my business. “

The truth will piss you off, but it will free you. Stop watching what you’re watching and get on the pitch with Coach Lasso. You won’t be disappointed, and who knows you might get so pissed that you stop settling for fine and get back in touch with some feelings you might have forgotten you had! Keep the tissues close.