Apple TV's Ted Lasso has returned for a fourth season, following a three-year gap after the previous finale. In this new installment, the character of Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, returns to the UK to coach the Lady Greyhounds, a new women's team for AFC Richmond.
The season begins with Ted living in the Midwest, working a job at a supermarket and living with his son, Henry. He is eventually persuaded by Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins to return to London to coach the women's team, despite his lack of soccer knowledge. While most of the original cast remains, including Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, and Jeremy Swift, Nick Mohammed's character, Nate, and Phil Dunster's Jamie Tartt are notable exceptions.
In the new dynamic, Roy Kent has taken over as the men's coach, while Beard assists him. The plot involves Rebecca and Keeley battling sexism within the sports and business communities to secure financial support for the Lady Greyhounds. Meanwhile, Ted works to build a rapport with assistant coach Alice, played by Tanya Reynolds.
The series has evolved from its original focus on masculinity and the personal growth of male characters into a show that functions more as a workplace comfort show. Critics note that the show struggles with the new gender dynamic, as Ted's role can fluctuate between being a voice of reason and appearing paternalistic or trying too hard to be a male feminist.
Furthermore, the interactions between Ted and the players are described as minimal in the first four episodes. While the show features female characters like Alice and Sharon, the business plot involving Rebecca and Keeley is noted as not living up to its full potential.
While the show serves as a rejoinder to sexism in sports, it lacks the impactful character development seen in previous seasons. The series has moved away from being a tutorial on masculinity to a show that feels less connected to its central sporting themes.
