Ted Lasso S2E12 "Inverting the Pyramid of Success" Review: Finishes Season 2 Strong And Sets Up Season 3 Perfectly

Release date: October 8, 2021
Running time: 50 minutes

Richmond gets their final chance to win promotion as Ted deals with the fallout of Trent Crimm’s painfully honest exposé.

So Ted Lasso has been on a wild journey this season, and S2E12 ties up a lot of the loose plot threads into a satisfying and exhilarating finale.  I really loved how it built on the major events of the season and gave the viewers a sense of completion after all of this.  The series has been up and down, especially with a relatively weak middle part, but the ending of this season makes me excited for what is to come. It deals will all the drama that has been introduced and puts a lot of storylines that you have been following to bed.  

But what is also so special about this series is that although sports are the main subject, it is not the main focus.  Success, life, hard work, and following your dreams are the real drivers of Ted Lasso, and this episode has all of that.  This episode specifically deals with mental health (as have others) and with the benefit of having that out in the open and not hidden.  It also deals with masculinity and success, and what it means to be supportive.  And most importantly it brings back some of the things I've loved about this show, including good coaching and soccer action on top of the drama. Plus, it sets up some nice intrigue for the next season.  

Ted Lasso S2E12 finishes the series strong, with plenty of drama and heart to go with great sports action, and sets up a wonderful opponent for Season 3. 

Watch it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 12 "Inverting the Pyramid of Success" available on October 8, 2021.

What to Watch This Weekend: Blush, James Bond, Horror Movies, and Kids Movies

For An Emotional Animated Experience: Blush (Apple TV+) 
Blush is a beautifully animated triumph that packs a ton of emotion into this short story supported by a deeper meaning to the whole experience and some beautiful music!  For more information, check out the review!

For A Dramatic Indie Thriller: Coming Home In The Dark (Theaters and Digital)

Coming Home In The Dark is an indie film that masterfully uses all it has to offer, with a tense story, brilliant performances, and an unsettling encounter that will have you holding your breath.  For more information, check out the review!

For An Atmospheric Experience With A Deeper Message: Madres (Amazon Prime)

Madres has a slow, dread-filled build up that directs viewers to its deeper message of the marginalization of people and the horrors of the past and present.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Stylish and Grotesque Horror Film: Bingo Hell (Amazon Prime)

Bingo Hell is a winner, bringing a bright style, wonderful music, and eccentric characters to craft an entertaining horror film that scores with visceral gore and social commentary.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Triumphant Return to Theaters: No Time To Die (Theaters)

No Time To Die is a solid return to the theaters, with intense action, amazing sound, and the Daniel Craig Bond you know and love.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Season Finale That Scores A Hat Trick: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

Ted Lasso's season finale scores by tying up several loose story threads, giving a satisfying end to the drama this season, and setting up an exciting clash for the next one!

For The Kids: Muppets Haunted Mansion (Disney+)

Muppets Haunted Mansion hits Disney+ today and it is a great, family friend way to get your kids into the holiday spirit!

For The Kids Part Two: My Little Pony: A New Generation (Netflix)

My Little Pony touches a new generation of kids with a message about unity and banding together against misinformation, something many kids and adults could use these days.

Ted Lasso S2E11 "Midnight Train to Royston" Review: Oh Wow, The Drama Is Here!

Release date: October 1, 2021
Running time: 46 minutes

A billionaire football enthusiast from Ghana makes Sam an unbelievable offer. Ted plans something special for Dr. Sharon’s last day with the team.

Alright, so I have been complaining in the last few reviews about a certain storyline just being introduced and then squashed, but oh boy does it come to a head here.  This episode again doesn't have any soccer but is makes it up with a whole ton of drama.  Members of the team deal with their own insecurities, growing unhappiness with their current situation, and an opportunity of a lifetime.  And this all feeds nicely into the big season finale, which I imagine will have many of these stories come to a head.  It has felt like the last few episodes have been building to an explosive finale, and it seems like this episode proves that.

But this is Ted Lasso so you also have plenty of humor, though as the series becomes more serious those are getting to be nice side dishes rather than the main course.  There are plenty of Ted Lasso-isms and a few moments of heart within all the drama.  But wow, did I love some of that drama.  Keeley gets a major role here and we get to see some of her vulnerability, which we don't normally get to see in her strong, confident persona.  We also see the Nate storyline play out much more here and it seems like it will become a major factor in the season finale.  And the cherry on top is that you get to see an amazing dance number that will put a smile on your face.  And after this wonderful episode of drama and revelations, you get an ENDING that sets up the finale perfectly.  And wow can I not wait to see how this ends.  

Watch it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 11 "Midnight Train to Royston" available on October 1, 2021.

Ted Lasso S2E10 "No Weddings And A Funeral" Review: A Tragic Scenario Brings The Tears and Smiles

  

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 46 minutes

Rebecca is stunned by a sudden loss. The team rallies to show their support, but Ted finds himself grappling with a piece of his past.

I know I have been complaining about a general lack of soccer action in Ted Lasso, but S2E10 has no soccer action and I still loved it.  This episode starts with an emotional bang as Rebecca gets some horrible news, but then uses that to explore some character traumas, providing a nice avenue for additional character development.  If the last episode was a chance for Beard to shine (very loosely used), then this one is a chance for Rebecca and Ted to dig into some of the issues that we have been seeing throughout this season.  Rebecca especially gets a lot of screen time and has to deal with some upsetting situations and realizations.  But through this all you get the drama that we have come to love from Ted Lasso, and the random encounters and revelations.

But what is great about this episode is that it really allows some old wounds to be explored. You leave with a better understanding of some of our favorite characters from the show.  And it also causes some plot threads that have been developing to come to a head, paving the way for some future exploration in the finale.  But what I loved most about this episode is that it highlights how this Richmond club has become both a team and a family without needing any sports.  You get to see the characters in a very different scenario, with just as much heart, love, and camaraderie as in any match.  And you will leave this episode with a smile, a tear, and a warm feeling in your heart.  

Watch it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 10 "No Weddings And A Funeral" available on September 24, 2021.

Ted Lasso S2E9 "Beard After Hours" Review: Ted Lasso Gets A Filler Episode

 

Release date: September 17, 2021
Running time: 43 minutes

After the semifinal, Beard sets out on an all-night odyssey through London in order to collect his thoughts.

So this is not your typical Ted Lasso episode.  It features almost no Ted, it features almost no soccer, and it is pretty much just an adventure with Beard that feels wholly unnecessary.  But let's start with the good.  The episode has a classic Noir odyssey type feel to it as Coach Beard explores the London nightlife after the shocking loss to Man City.  The epsiode has him confront a few things about his life due to him apparently having reservations about their gameplan and also dealing with his own relationship issues.  And this leads him to some interesting encounters in his crazy night and some funny occurrences.  And there is also a wonderful cameo that recurs throughout the episode.

But this episode really does feel like a filler episode.  It is tough to see how the results of this can have reverberations later down the line.  After such an impactful episode in "Man City," this was a let down because it did not address the big revelations we just had.  It really feels like a "Halloween special" type episode that was just there to let another writer have a go at telling a story in the Ted Lasso universe.  And as much as I like Beard's character as an occasional commentator and strong personality, I just did not really enjoy seeing him for the entirety of an episode.  But that being said, this one does give you some fun activities, a really nice moment for a few of our favorite characters, and the aforementioned wonderful cameo.  So in the end it is a fun episode, just not one that felt like it advanced the story.

Rent it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 8 "Manchester City" available on September 10, 2021.

Ted Lasso S2E8 "Manchester City" Review: David Takes On Goliath

Release date: September 10, 2021
Running time: 45 minutes

Ted and Dr. Sarah realize they might have to meet each other halfway. Tensions are high as the team prepares for the semifinal.

After S2E7's more mentally inward episode in Headspace, S2E8 takes it back to the action with the build up to the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City.  But the episode starts off with a bang when our favorite psychologist gets into an accident.  This causes some drama at the start but honestly, doesn't seem like it really had to happen.  However, the main event for htis episode is two fold: first Rebecca and the mystery Bantr Beau finally meet and the match against Manchester City.

What this episode does give is some more soccer action, a glimpse at Wembley Stadium, and some additoinal drama that is introduced due to family members of hte players.  This leads to some of the more emotional scenes in the series and some players finally finding their strength. It also leads to the breaking down of some barriers and we also get revelations about Ted's past.  All in all, S2E8 was a good bridge episode that sets up some of the storylines that will be crucial for the last part of the season.  But I did not like that some of the revelations from S2E7, "Headspace" were not present including Nate's new cocky persona.  It was such a grating change from the last one and I wonder if it's just different writers or if they are going to stealth remove his ego.  

Ted Lasso S2E8 "Manchester City" gives us more drama, some additional sports action, and sets up some storylines that will have an impact on the finale.

Watch it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 8 "Manchester City" available on September 10, 2021.

What to Watch This Weekend: Shang-Chi, Cinderella, Ted Lasso, Only Murders in the Building, No Man of God, Spirit Untamed, House of Hummingbird, Cruella

For An Asian Avenger Adventure: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Theaters)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings kung fu kicks MCU Phase 4 into high gear, with a great Asian cast and focus on Asian culture, high flying action, and plenty of humor.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Fresh Take On A Classic Tale: Cinderella (2021) (Theaters and Amazon Prime)
Cinderella is a fresh take on the classic tale, with a wonderful remixed soundtrack, more independent leading lady, and plenty of smart updates to bring the classic tale to life.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Comedy Show With Extra Drama: Ted Lasso S2E7 (Apple TV+)

With things turning around for Richmond, it’s time for everyone to work on their issues—like Ted’s discomfort, Nate’s confidence, and Roy’s attention.  For more information, check out the review!

For A Hilarious True Crime Comedy: Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Only Murders in the Building is an enjoyable series that will appeal to comedy and true crime fans, with a wonderful dynamic between the leads, great cameos, and a story with plenty of twists and turns.  For more information, check out the review! 

For A Compelling True Crime Drama: No Man of God (Theaters and Digital)

No Man of God is an unexpectedly deep exploration of Ted Bundy and FBI profiler Bill Hagmaier, with compelling and chilling performances and a wonderfully rich conversation focused story.  For more information, check out the review!

For The Kids: Spirit Untamed (Redbox)

Spirit Untamed rides into Redbox with a fun, rebellious cast of characters and a story for equestrian and adventure lovers to enjoy.  For more information, check out the review!

Emotional Korean Slice of Life Drama: House of Hummingbird (Amazon Prime)

House of Hummingbird is like life.  It is a complicated, layered film but at the same time a simple exploration of a family in the midst of cultural change.  Like life, there is so much going on but Kim's amazing shot choice lets you just stop and appreciate what is happening in the now.  It is like family: messy, rough, emotional, but also beautiful.  For more information, check out our review!

For A Stylish Origin Story: Cruella (Disney+)
Cruella is a stylish, bold origin story and an unexpected surprise from Disney, with a marvelously wicked performance from Stone and a darker, more fashionable film from the House of Mouse.  For more information, check out the review!

Ted Lasso S2E7 "Headspace" Review: Ted Lasso Gets More Psychological

Release date: September 3, 2021
Running time: 38 minutes

With things turning around for Richmond, it’s time for everyone to work on their issues—like Ted’s discomfort, Nate’s confidence, and Roy’s attention.

So I don't normally do TV episode reviews, but I'm hooked on Ted Lasso so jumping on this hype train a little late but just as excited as anyone.  In Season 2 Episode 7, we get to see Richmond on a run of good form, but while the team is doing well, the individuals in the coaching staff are each figuring out their own issues.  Ted is finally starting to deal with some of the fallout of his divorce, Nate is starting to become more confident, Roy is dealing with balancing coaching and relationship, and Beard is just being normal Beard.  What is so wonderful about this episode and so infuriating is that you get to see all the characters you love in a completely different context.  Some it worked really well and others it was horribly frustrating.  Some characters went through pretty dramatic character shifts that I did not love, but then again this is Ted Lasso so I totally love the series.

If you're looking for a feel good episode, this one is not for you.  However, if you're looking for an episode that will start to stretch some of the character's personalities and lay the groundwork for what will very likely be an exciting and stressful finale, then this does that quite well.  However, the amount of soccer action in this episode is pretty low, and compounded by a scene where the show cuts away during the crucial moments of a match.  For a show about soccer, that made me sad but I guess it was to prove a point.  But overall, this episode gives you some new storylines, some added depth to the main coaches, and an important revelation that has been teased all season.

Watch it.

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CODA is available to stream on Apple TV+ starting August 13, 2021.