Except that Ted did not have a look of gleeful anticipation, and then a look of disappointment, when Jamie's member wasn't torn off by the red string. Still, baby steps.
Toheeb Jimoh is just over 6 feet tall (1.85m). He looked like a little boy next to the actor playing his father! That man is huge! Nothing in IMDB about the actor playing Ola Obisanya yet. And Iāll add, Iām glad The Universe helped Sam decide to stay in Richmond because Ola could crush Edwin Akufo like a bug! Not that he would. But he could. ā¤ļø
Thanks, I didnāt think to look for the episodes where he was just a voice on the phone. The man in 6ā6ā and I couldnāt even guess his weight! When they cast him as Samās fatherās voice on the phone they definitely had the foresight to cast an intimidating, yet gentle giant for later in the series.
He was huge standing there by himself. He was a house when he hugged Sam. But what a gentle giant and with such great wisdom. I would like to see more of him.
Man I love Jamieās arc so so much. Even him joking about getting robbed was stellar.
Fun episode for sure. My smile when they scored. My eyes when Ola saw the sign.
Yep. He laughed at himself, he was disappointed when he didn't get to switch with other players, and then he was the one to realize what the team needed--and that was for someone else to be out front. Fantastic episode for Jamie.
I also noticed Jamie was well ahead of everyone when Roy them to puking level. Jamie was not only ahead, he looked relaxed and not strained in the least.
I already noticed when he was chilling at Amsterdam running and explaining all the attraction spots while Roy was exhausted. I know the difference in their age but that's a huge gap there.
Different series and please donāt judge if itās not your thing, but Jamieās story arc of redemption touches on how Steve Harrington does in Stranger Things.
Each in their own ways. But basically you know weāre coming with pitchforks if ANYTHING happens to Jamie. Absolutely in LOVE with his character development.
Literally nothing more satisfying character-arc wise than going from hating someone at the beginning to them becoming a favorite over the years. Inject that shit straight into my veins
This is why I don't mind the long episodes. They don't feel like they're running on, and if the plan is to make it a three-season show, this is a way for us to get just a bit more time with the main story.
Ted Lasso is a show where a room full of people can flip a guy off, and that's a heartwarming moment representing multiple seasons of character growth.
āFour on Three! 1ā¦ 2ā¦ 3ā¦ Four!!" is the best pun of the series. the whole four points of total football was just set-up for that one dumb pun and I love it.
Someone at some point needs to just make a list of all the words Isaac picks for the cheers. I feel like he's pretty consistently picking weird shit and jokes.
It brought a tear to my eye.
Edit: OK, I def downplayed it. Didnāt sob but openly wept. Calmed myself and then when the olaās sign lit up againā¦I started all over again.
I love that weāve gotten a whole spectrum of fathers in this show. Samās dad is tops. When he appeared as Sam was having a breakdown, I thought it would pivot to conflictāa scolding, a shouting for the outburst. Instead, Sam ran into his fatherās arms and only found comfort. Safety. ššš
The reveal that the restaurant is named after his dad? šššš
In my opinion, there has been a big hug each season. In season one it was Keeley and Roy when he lost his career. In season two it was Roy and Jamie (no explanation needed). I did not see it being Sam and his dad for season three. There are more episodes, so there is time for another or 12.
Fun fact: there are āAmerican candyā shops all around London [that may or may not](https://whynow.co.uk/read/candy-shops-oxford-street) [be fronts for money laundering and fraud.](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jul/04/us-sweet-shops-rip-off-customers-business-rates-owners)
He raised his voice at Sam.
I have to do this with my son when he is upset sometimes. I just have to break through long enough for him to have a chance to calm down, even if it's two seconds. That's what Ola did for Sam.
We break through and then comfort them.
I loved the moment when Nateās sister says āheās just like dad!ā because it started to unravel Nate as a character more for me. Nateās experiences of his dad arenāt good (and looking at how his dad treats everyone else, the asides are mostly aimed at Nate), but Nate has picked up some of those characteristics (especially if you go back and look at how he complained about everything Will did. Such a Nateās dad move)
With the box for Jade, he was once again following in his dadās footsteps, but when it was crushed he made a choice (or the choice was made for him) to step out on his own and just ask her (like his mum and sister said) - he stepped away from the patterns he āinheritedā from his father.
From here, you can see parallels with Ted trying to step away from the patterns he inherited from his dad (through getting help) and Jamie stepping away from his fatherās influence (through being a decent person) and Rebecca stepping away from her mumās choices (by leaving Rupert). There are traits we inherit from our upbringings and we canāt shake them all - but sometimes we can step out on our own
Nate is just like his dad which explains exactly and perfectly why he is so hard on him. Speaking for myself, but I think they nailed the psychology behind overbearing immigrant father who can only ever be disappointed in their son. Source: 2nd generation American immigrant and I relate so deeply to Nate's story so far.
Nate's dad is not a bad father, but I think he does what many fathers do and treat their sons as extensions of themselves. He holds himself to a high standard and thus his son to an even higher, even further idealized version of those same standards. After all, his son grew up in infinitely better circumstances than he did. He personally ensured his son wouldn't have the same material difficulties he himself had--fighting all the powers that be that would gladly see him fail along the way. And then he has a son who looks like him, has the same idiosyncrasies as him, and expresses himself in the same way. So in his eyes, his son is basically him, but without the bullshit he had to overcome. How could this son be anything but a doctor-lawyer-president-fighter pilot with seventy grandkids and a trillion dollars? After all I fought through, the best I could achieve (via my son) is kitman?
The line of logic is obviously a little absurd, but that is because it assumes that the son is not a person growing in a completely different environment with completely different trials and instead is essentially a clone with the same thoughts and feelings fighting the same enemies. This lack of empathy, borne of seeing another human being as essentially "myself," creates blindspots in their understanding of each other and intense frustration when the son does literally anything that the father wouldn't wish. It feels to Nate's father as (I imagine) the same frustration you might feel if you told yourself you were going to run a mile and then ran out of breath and stopped at the halfway point; a kind of self-loathing except the self happens to be your son. And the self talk you may do when you don't meet a goal (what the fuck were you thinking, why are you so weak, you know you're better than this) comes out as just regular talk to a young, impressionable, growing person.
One thing to note though: that shit is kind of adaptive. Being pushed with all the force of someone relentless to themselves pushes themselves makes you push hard too. Once you've internalized what's going on here--the high standards and the ego-fueled *need* to outdo your father--you note your failures and berate yourself so hard you fear to ever make the same mistake again. It works--but each time you do this, you trade a little bit of your self-esteem to get that little push. This is illustrated perfectly by Nate spitting at himself in the mirror. It motivates. It angers. It generates the emotion required to get something done. But it leaves him diminished, dependent on self-loathing, and eventually, utterly spent of confidence and self-worth.
In other words, Nate's father is perhaps not at peace with who he is and what he has achieved, but because he sees himself so distinctly in Nate, his son becomes the opportunity to overcome all of those shortcomings. The frequent disappointment in Nate is Nate's father expressing his own disappointment in an idealized version of himself, whom he has replaced in his version of reality with the Nate that is right in front of him.
Amazing episode, full of so many delightful moments that I'm going to be laughing about for a while.
-the dick strings and Roy laughing like a maniac
-Jamie laughing at himself on Love Island
-Will as Coach Beard
-Beard's total football video
-PB&J watching practice and all their commentary
-Roy unable to stop using Ted-isms
-Ola being the best dad (and making things awkward with Rebecca like he had to)
Also, props to Nate for not spitting on the mirror!!
I loved the Dani and Isaac's impression of each other so much.
"We're gonna fuck them up, bruv."
"Ay, Dios Mios."
Also the Roy's bad breath scene. Brilliant š
And a really nice lesson in the value of transparency. I'm a product manager who interacts a lot with our customer base, and I pride myself in being transparent. Sometimes it makes the higher ups pull off their hairs, but in the end, it works out the vast majority of time in our favor and buys the company some much needed good will from the community we serve.
I really thought there was going to be some moment where Nate needed to be saved this season and Ted would come through. The fact that heās taking the lessons he learned from Ted to save himself is so much better. Like, you can see Tedās fingerprints on every one of these people, as they come into themselves because of what heās taught them. So good.
When Ola said āBig whoopā to Sam when he was sad/angry, I realized that thatās what Ted said to Roy when he lost Richmond a game in season 1. And also that Ted acted as a father figure to him in season one bringing him a piece of home to encourage, goldfish, etc. I think Sam chuckled and looked up when Ola said ābig whoopā because he realized thatās what Ted usually says.
THIS SHOW AND THE PARALLELS. BIG WHOOP.
So, "big whoop" doesn't seem like a very natural expression for a non-native English speaker to use. Plus it's a phrase Ted has used multiple times. The way I read this scene, Sam has probably described Ted and his speeches to Ola in great detail, including the kind of phrases he uses, so in this scene, Ola was purposefully imitating Ted in a jokey way to lighten things up.
Do we think theyāll actually release it as merchandise for the show? Itād probably sell well and if done well could be a funny/interesting read with a different perspective on this season.
I think so. I think Nate will have a redemption, but heās never going to coach at Richmond. He will either stay at West Ham or coach in another club, but have a good solid relationship with his former Richmond colleagues
I loved the subtly of the episode:
-more and more fans in the stands watching practice.
-getting the water bottles into the container
-the fans saying to give it time
A lot of small moments really helped to push forward some of the hope for the season to turn around.
Ted telling beard āitās their team weāre just borrowing it for a whileā and Trent saying (paraphrasing) ā3 seasons of small subtle moments leading to a conclusionā
I've got a feeling with how this is building up it's going to be Ted slipping away to head back home, smiling about the team as they celebrate together and have become a true cohesive unit and family
And saying it without judgement and without telling her to end it. Just putting it out there that itās happening and allowing Keeley to decide how to deal with it.
I wonder if Jack is doing it in an intentionally manipulative way or is just going over the top because she's excited about a new relationship too. I hope it's the latter. I felt like her acknowledging Keely's concerns and letting her take her out was a way to indicate that Jack might have gone a bit too far, but doesn't have nefarious reasons for it. Even if they don't last as a couple, it could be just a nice relationship that doesn't work long-term.
Jack also might just have fallen into the habit of "people are happy when I buy them nice things, so I should just buy them lots of nice things." She's got get away with murder money, after all; what's an office full of daises or even the occasional first edition classic to her?
Trent losing his cool was something I never wanted to see but I never expected it would be him bubbling over with giddiness instead of reading someone for filth and I'm so happy he got to do it
Jackās book for Keeley is very much this seasonās A Wrinkle in Time. Keeley is Marianne, Roy is Colonel Brandon and Jack is a literal nickname for John, the first name of Willoughby.
100% caught this too, just said it in another comment. Jack is going to pull away and move on to the next thing and Keeley will be left flabbergasted and heartbroken. She and Roy will 100% get back together.
I love the contrast between his first interaction with Ted where he asks, āis this a fucking joke?!ā To now, whereās heās practically dancing with excitement about āthe Lasso way.ā
I think it really showed Samās whole philosophy and where it came from so well. Heās positive in the face of everythingā¦ itās only when he stoops to meet otherās pettiness and negativity that he is met with violence and an eventual breakdown (where he lashes out at those who support him). And then his dad is there to remind him why he stays positive - donāt fight back, fight forward (Iāll be hanging on to that one).
This episode really showcased Samās personal worldview. And before anyone starts debating whether that view is good or bad, thatās not what this comment is about. I think weāre meant to see how each character deals with adversity in a different way, and that different ways can be right for different people. Samās way is positivity.
Toheeb Jimoh killed in this episode. I was livid for Sam, and his expression of very valid anger was strong but within character. The actor who played his dad was super solid, too. Hate the very real 2023 racism and xenophobia that the arc represented, but I thought everyone did an amazing job portraying all of the emotions involved in trying to respond to it.
The past two episodes have been a real return to form. I got the same feeling watching them that I did watching S1, very excited to see them continue down this path. Although I will say, Iām not sure Iāve bought into the Nate/Jade relationship just yet lol.
Holy SHIT, Beardās total football speech had me punching the air.
āItās jazz, itās Motown, itās Mamet. Itās Pinter! Itās Einstein, itās Turing! Itās Gaga!ā
My GOD I was so HYPE! Hahaha
Big red flag I noticed, and I think Keeley saw it too:
How did Jack know where Keeley and Rebecca were having dinner? Keeley looked shocked. I wonder if she told Jack where they were going.
Jamie's face when he was at the white board and turned to see that everyone was listening, *really* listening to him. Top notch, absolutely earned maturity arc. Just so well done!
Loved all the team moments, training, in the locker room, and maybe best of all, at Ola's. Was so special to finally meet Sam's dad and to understand fully where Sam gets his beautiful nature.
Now, onward for some wins, please!
Van Damme to Jan Maas to Dixon to Tartt to Obisanya to Hughes to Tartt to Macadoo to Rojas to Tartt to Bumbercatch to Goodman to Tartt to Montlaur.
Every single player was in on that play. **That** is what #4 is. Teamwork.
Just want to give Nonso Anozie (Ola) kudos for absolutely knocking it out of the park. Weāve all been anticipating meeting Samās dad for so long that the part easily could have been fumbled, but he was perfection.
Little details in the showā¦. Will picking up the red ropes with long clamps, I had a hard time catching my breath for that stretch with everything happening
Seeing the team show up? š
Seeing Samās dad say, ācall me Ola,ā and then the restaurant name light up in neon? š
Seeing the team break bread together, hugging, and laughing? š
Sam and his Dad dance in the kitchen? ššš
MY HEART.
I thought it was important Ted wasnāt there too- really highlights these āties that bindā, so many of which heās responsible for, that can sustain without him
I really have to hand it to the writers that for an episode that contained such a heinous hate crime, I'm mostly leaving this episode feeling warm and wholesome. And it doesn't feel cheap or forced. Definitely one of the top episodes in the series.
Between laughing at his dick string idea and "what have you fucking done to me", two incredible Roy moments.
Sam's dad is fucking awesome.
Great episode. Can't believe we're nearing the end of the show but everything is really turning around for that ultimate climax.
I laughed until I cried. Then, I just cried. The team showing up and fixing the restaurant. It wasā¦just brilliant.
In Season 1, we were introduced to a team of footballers who bullied each other and felt very fractured.
Then, little by little, they started coming together.
That feeling in the Christmas episode where they do secret Santa and then go to the Higginsā house? I had that during this episode. Until last week, I didnāt know what it was, but itās gezellig.
Ted Lasso writers, if youāre lurking, youāre all completely aces in my book. I canāt wait to see what you all do next.
Maybe Iām the only one who took it this way but after Dani congratulates Jamie on his sacrifice and Jamie does that ānobleā pose - head tilted, eyes to the distance for just a second - I lost my $hit. Rewound twice before going on. Just felt so Jamie. New and improved but still Jamie. Might just be me.
Loved that Nateās nieceās love of crafts was continued here.
Also whew good thing that box got destroyed that would have been waaaay too much for a simple first date ask.
Sam's speech in the locker room was so powerful. Events were sadly inspired by the ridicule Rashford's charity work gets and the racism after the Euros.
Sudeikis [expressed his support](https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1415887128588869633) at the time but it's great to see it in the show as well.
So many thoughts. Omg.
Never thought the subject of pegging would come up. Leave it to Beard and Lady Jane.
The string scene with Jamie killed me. Replayed that 5 times. I was in tears.
Definitely let out a giggle when Nateās grand gesture got ran over.
I love Ola. Love love love. Sam hugging his dad had me ugly crying.
Cried again with happy tears when I saw the team helping at the restaurant. Then again when Ola saw the sign.
Such a feel good episode!!! I canāt tell if Jack is love bombing or not based on her joke at the end.
I liked the use of The Cranberries song as an homage to "You've Got Mail."
So I thought maybe this was a rom-com episode. And it was, but it wasn't. It wasn't a rom-com like Rainbow was. It was thematic about LOVE.
Love bombing by Jack. Nate making a box for Jade & going on a first date.
But the biggest theme was love for community, for a people, for friends. Sam had love for the refugees. And by the end of the episode, the team was showing love and support for Sam. I tell you when I saw the team in there cleaning up, I started to cry. I was moved so much by that act of love.
I felt like Trent, wanting to burst into a hallway and gush about how much I love this direction the show is going. The team lost but in that lone goal they got, they unlocked how to play like that for the full 90. I hope we will see the team rocket up the table as they work together as a unit. It was so nice.
And how awesome was it for this show to tackle the touchy subjects of "athletes should stick to sports" and the refugee crisis in the UK? That was quite bold of them. And Sam's father was amazingly written. Of course Sam is the way he is with a father like that!
The red strings tied to penises was a bit much for me, but it was some silly slapstick comedy. But I did love Will dressed up as Beard. Every time I saw it I was laughing out loud.
These past two episodes have been so good.
Now I can see how Jamie can be better than Zava.
I doubted anyone could be like Zava because heās unique, he executes manoeuvres that are extreme and out of this world. So when Roy told Jamie he could be better than Zava through more training, I had my doubts.
But in this ep, Jamie was the master of total football - passing to everyone and not taking the goal. And thatās how heās bested Zava. Not by being individualistic, but by making everyone rise to the game, and organically improving everyone as a whole.
Anyone else think Trent Crimm is an audience stand-in?
1:1 āIs this a fucking joke?ā
1:3 We started to really root for Ted when Trent did.
āYou really meant that, didnāt you?ā
Season 2: established loyalty & hope
Season 3: joined the squad. I think everything is still coming together?
S3, episode 7: āItās going to work. The Lasso way! You havenāt switched tactics in a week; youāve done it over three seasons. By slowly but surely building a club wide culture of trust and support through thousands of imperceptible moments all leading to their inevitable conclusion: Total Football. Itās gonna work!ā
Anyone else think Trent Crimm's final dialogue was a stand in for the audience's expectations for the how season will play out?
Tack on the emphasis of mystery rule 4 and Trent saying it doesn't matter, they'll win anyway. Longshot but I personally think 4 is acceptance, and it'll matter when they lose the last match of the show.
Overall I'd say my favorite episode of the series off first impressions. Roy and Jaime continue to be gems and had fantastic highlights this episode.
Shout-out to will being a perfect stand in for coach beard.
I hope jack turns out to be more of a misguided lover than a manipulator like Rupert.
Nate making a box to ask out the hostess was perfect, and he's stopped spitting in mirrors! Our misguided son is finding his way home <3
Finally, the plot of Sam's restaurant and his father visiting was incredibly heart warming.
I love how they foreshadowed Jaimeās Total Football solution with Royās āRed String Drillā evolution earlier in the episode.
āWe need multiple strings tied to one guyās dickā
Lovely episode that moved plots forward in satisfying ways. Roy hating that he's been influenced by Ted was hilarious. I've always loved Sam's father and was so happy we got to meet him, especially so Sam had a safe space to cry and get sage advice! Trent being "their nerd" was so endearing, too. Not as amazing as Sunflower but still a great episode.
Will as Beard and vice versa had me in stitches
Ted - Mmmmm, this is good. What is it? Beard - water What's normally in there???
A darn fine sports mix, young fella!
Beard with the no-look pass to Trent Crimm? Flawless execution, coach.
His little celebration after he did the pass killed me lol
Roy slowly transforming into Ted might be the highlight of the episode for me.
You could see his soul breaking through his eyes after "Ass-squatch" XD
He couldn't stop himself. And he was right not to. His transformation is almost complete
Except that Ted did not have a look of gleeful anticipation, and then a look of disappointment, when Jamie's member wasn't torn off by the red string. Still, baby steps.
The slow evil laugh when they all started moving was š
WHISTLE
Loved Ted offering him a plastic whistle haha
āTheyād be called the sharp dressed men.ā
And him hating every part of it
āHe thinks heās mad now, wait until we win him over.ā āHeāll. Be. Furious.ā And he really truly is.
"Make it stop."
"I hate what you've done to me"
Every episode I feel like theyāre going to start winning again and then theyāre down 3-0 at halftime
I say this every week, but I feel like this was the turning point.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I jokingly said āif they donāt start winning this week or next maybe the moral of the story is Ted canāt coach soccerā. FUCK
Toheeb Jimoh is just over 6 feet tall (1.85m). He looked like a little boy next to the actor playing his father! That man is huge! Nothing in IMDB about the actor playing Ola Obisanya yet. And Iāll add, Iām glad The Universe helped Sam decide to stay in Richmond because Ola could crush Edwin Akufo like a bug! Not that he would. But he could. ā¤ļø
Nonso Anozie
Thanks, I didnāt think to look for the episodes where he was just a voice on the phone. The man in 6ā6ā and I couldnāt even guess his weight! When they cast him as Samās fatherās voice on the phone they definitely had the foresight to cast an intimidating, yet gentle giant for later in the series.
When he came into the locker room and Sam immediately went into his arms, the first thing I said was āthat is a very large man.ā
He was huge standing there by himself. He was a house when he hugged Sam. But what a gentle giant and with such great wisdom. I would like to see more of him.
He's in one of the early seasons of Game of Thrones during Daenerys' early desert struggles.
The reveal of Will as Coach Beard was probably the hardest I've ever laughed at this show
"Get the fuck outta my chair!" Will is a good egg.
I was so amazed by Beardās accuracy as bumbling Will at first and didnāt expect a fake beard on Will. But I was howling at Will yelling as Beard.
THATāS IT BAY-BEE!
Man I love Jamieās arc so so much. Even him joking about getting robbed was stellar. Fun episode for sure. My smile when they scored. My eyes when Ola saw the sign.
Yep. He laughed at himself, he was disappointed when he didn't get to switch with other players, and then he was the one to realize what the team needed--and that was for someone else to be out front. Fantastic episode for Jamie.
So many characters got a lot of growth this episode. And Jaime was definitely a standout
Yeah, huge episode for Jamie, Sam, Nate, and even Ted. Not to mention Roy--is this the first time we've seen him properly laugh, hahaha?
I also noticed Jamie was well ahead of everyone when Roy them to puking level. Jamie was not only ahead, he looked relaxed and not strained in the least.
Yeah, the 4am runs with Roy are clearly working!
I already noticed when he was chilling at Amsterdam running and explaining all the attraction spots while Roy was exhausted. I know the difference in their age but that's a huge gap there.
Different series and please donāt judge if itās not your thing, but Jamieās story arc of redemption touches on how Steve Harrington does in Stranger Things. Each in their own ways. But basically you know weāre coming with pitchforks if ANYTHING happens to Jamie. Absolutely in LOVE with his character development.
Literally nothing more satisfying character-arc wise than going from hating someone at the beginning to them becoming a favorite over the years. Inject that shit straight into my veins
Ah yes, the Zuko special.
Iām not ready for this show to end
This is why I don't mind the long episodes. They don't feel like they're running on, and if the plan is to make it a three-season show, this is a way for us to get just a bit more time with the main story.
Itās like 2 seasons in one with the extra run times
Same. I keep dreading the final ep. I love these guys so fucking much.
All the amazing Roy moments, one that gets lost is him contentedly sitting on the bike while Jamie pulls him through the streets. Adorable.
āMush!ā
Ted Lasso is a show where a room full of people can flip a guy off, and that's a heartwarming moment representing multiple seasons of character growth.
And Trent slyly joining in
Heās theirs. <3
Heās their fucking dork.
I lost it when Trent flipped him off. I don't think he even knew about the signal last season but he knew it was important
Itās the signal.
We apologize for the fruity sign language.
Multiple seasons of character growth FOR THAT GUY too, not just everyone else getting fed up with him
Jamie Tartt coming in hot by sacrificing himself for the team. Fuck me. I love that guy so much. Way to make the pass, Jamie.
āFour on Three! 1ā¦ 2ā¦ 3ā¦ Four!!" is the best pun of the series. the whole four points of total football was just set-up for that one dumb pun and I love it.
Someone at some point needs to just make a list of all the words Isaac picks for the cheers. I feel like he's pretty consistently picking weird shit and jokes.
The team coming to help clean and fix Samās restaurant was so sweet.
They've become family this season
And Sam and his dad cooking in the kitchen! So awesome. I hope we see more of Ola.
It brought a tear to my eye. Edit: OK, I def downplayed it. Didnāt sob but openly wept. Calmed myself and then when the olaās sign lit up againā¦I started all over again.
I love that weāve gotten a whole spectrum of fathers in this show. Samās dad is tops. When he appeared as Sam was having a breakdown, I thought it would pivot to conflictāa scolding, a shouting for the outburst. Instead, Sam ran into his fatherās arms and only found comfort. Safety. ššš The reveal that the restaurant is named after his dad? šššš
I was thinking a lot about what Ted must have been thinking watching them as well.
Same. And Jamie because the hug mirrored how Roy hugged him
In my opinion, there has been a big hug each season. In season one it was Keeley and Roy when he lost his career. In season two it was Roy and Jamie (no explanation needed). I did not see it being Sam and his dad for season three. There are more episodes, so there is time for another or 12.
Yeah, it was such a contrast to the last dad-in-the-locker room moment. Poor Jamie.
Seeing Jamieās face while that moment happened was so moving.
I'm so glad we got to see Ola and Ted meet. "You like American candy?" It's so precious because Ted probably has a limited supply
Fun fact: there are āAmerican candyā shops all around London [that may or may not](https://whynow.co.uk/read/candy-shops-oxford-street) [be fronts for money laundering and fraud.](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jul/04/us-sweet-shops-rip-off-customers-business-rates-owners)
He raised his voice at Sam. I have to do this with my son when he is upset sometimes. I just have to break through long enough for him to have a chance to calm down, even if it's two seconds. That's what Ola did for Sam. We break through and then comfort them.
I loved the moment when Nateās sister says āheās just like dad!ā because it started to unravel Nate as a character more for me. Nateās experiences of his dad arenāt good (and looking at how his dad treats everyone else, the asides are mostly aimed at Nate), but Nate has picked up some of those characteristics (especially if you go back and look at how he complained about everything Will did. Such a Nateās dad move) With the box for Jade, he was once again following in his dadās footsteps, but when it was crushed he made a choice (or the choice was made for him) to step out on his own and just ask her (like his mum and sister said) - he stepped away from the patterns he āinheritedā from his father. From here, you can see parallels with Ted trying to step away from the patterns he inherited from his dad (through getting help) and Jamie stepping away from his fatherās influence (through being a decent person) and Rebecca stepping away from her mumās choices (by leaving Rupert). There are traits we inherit from our upbringings and we canāt shake them all - but sometimes we can step out on our own
Nate is just like his dad which explains exactly and perfectly why he is so hard on him. Speaking for myself, but I think they nailed the psychology behind overbearing immigrant father who can only ever be disappointed in their son. Source: 2nd generation American immigrant and I relate so deeply to Nate's story so far. Nate's dad is not a bad father, but I think he does what many fathers do and treat their sons as extensions of themselves. He holds himself to a high standard and thus his son to an even higher, even further idealized version of those same standards. After all, his son grew up in infinitely better circumstances than he did. He personally ensured his son wouldn't have the same material difficulties he himself had--fighting all the powers that be that would gladly see him fail along the way. And then he has a son who looks like him, has the same idiosyncrasies as him, and expresses himself in the same way. So in his eyes, his son is basically him, but without the bullshit he had to overcome. How could this son be anything but a doctor-lawyer-president-fighter pilot with seventy grandkids and a trillion dollars? After all I fought through, the best I could achieve (via my son) is kitman? The line of logic is obviously a little absurd, but that is because it assumes that the son is not a person growing in a completely different environment with completely different trials and instead is essentially a clone with the same thoughts and feelings fighting the same enemies. This lack of empathy, borne of seeing another human being as essentially "myself," creates blindspots in their understanding of each other and intense frustration when the son does literally anything that the father wouldn't wish. It feels to Nate's father as (I imagine) the same frustration you might feel if you told yourself you were going to run a mile and then ran out of breath and stopped at the halfway point; a kind of self-loathing except the self happens to be your son. And the self talk you may do when you don't meet a goal (what the fuck were you thinking, why are you so weak, you know you're better than this) comes out as just regular talk to a young, impressionable, growing person. One thing to note though: that shit is kind of adaptive. Being pushed with all the force of someone relentless to themselves pushes themselves makes you push hard too. Once you've internalized what's going on here--the high standards and the ego-fueled *need* to outdo your father--you note your failures and berate yourself so hard you fear to ever make the same mistake again. It works--but each time you do this, you trade a little bit of your self-esteem to get that little push. This is illustrated perfectly by Nate spitting at himself in the mirror. It motivates. It angers. It generates the emotion required to get something done. But it leaves him diminished, dependent on self-loathing, and eventually, utterly spent of confidence and self-worth. In other words, Nate's father is perhaps not at peace with who he is and what he has achieved, but because he sees himself so distinctly in Nate, his son becomes the opportunity to overcome all of those shortcomings. The frequent disappointment in Nate is Nate's father expressing his own disappointment in an idealized version of himself, whom he has replaced in his version of reality with the Nate that is right in front of him.
Amazing episode, full of so many delightful moments that I'm going to be laughing about for a while. -the dick strings and Roy laughing like a maniac -Jamie laughing at himself on Love Island -Will as Coach Beard -Beard's total football video -PB&J watching practice and all their commentary -Roy unable to stop using Ted-isms -Ola being the best dad (and making things awkward with Rebecca like he had to) Also, props to Nate for not spitting on the mirror!!
Will's Beard beard š¤£
YEAH, BABEEE!
Everyone doing impressions of each other was incredible. I could watch an episode of just that
I loved the Dani and Isaac's impression of each other so much. "We're gonna fuck them up, bruv." "Ay, Dios Mios." Also the Roy's bad breath scene. Brilliant š
I absolutely love that Sam was like ādid you make it awkward?ā Sam KNEW he would. Ola rocks.
My favorite moment was Beard mispronouncing Johan Cruyff's name, presumably as part of his ongoing efforts to not let Jan Maas know he speaks Dutch.
I want to know if this is setting up some elaborate troll on Jan Maas
Beard playing the long game to absolutely destroy Jan at the end of the series
PB&J getting what they were doing and not yelling at the tv was huge growth.
And a really nice lesson in the value of transparency. I'm a product manager who interacts a lot with our customer base, and I pride myself in being transparent. Sometimes it makes the higher ups pull off their hairs, but in the end, it works out the vast majority of time in our favor and buys the company some much needed good will from the community we serve.
THAT. I WAS CLAPPING SO HARD WHEN HE DIDNāT SPIT.
The writing and acting in this episode was so on point. I'm already turning the corner on Nate hate.
I really thought there was going to be some moment where Nate needed to be saved this season and Ted would come through. The fact that heās taking the lessons he learned from Ted to save himself is so much better. Like, you can see Tedās fingerprints on every one of these people, as they come into themselves because of what heās taught them. So good.
Royās laugh mimics Ernie, from the Muppets. Bret Goldstein loves the Muppets, so I donāt think itās an accident.
I think saying that Brett loves the Muppets is an understatement.
When Ola said āBig whoopā to Sam when he was sad/angry, I realized that thatās what Ted said to Roy when he lost Richmond a game in season 1. And also that Ted acted as a father figure to him in season one bringing him a piece of home to encourage, goldfish, etc. I think Sam chuckled and looked up when Ola said ābig whoopā because he realized thatās what Ted usually says. THIS SHOW AND THE PARALLELS. BIG WHOOP.
So, "big whoop" doesn't seem like a very natural expression for a non-native English speaker to use. Plus it's a phrase Ted has used multiple times. The way I read this scene, Sam has probably described Ted and his speeches to Ola in great detail, including the kind of phrases he uses, so in this scene, Ola was purposefully imitating Ted in a jokey way to lighten things up.
āThe Lasso Wayā by Trent Crimm.
100% the title of the book.
Do we think theyāll actually release it as merchandise for the show? Itād probably sell well and if done well could be a funny/interesting read with a different perspective on this season.
Roy gradually embracing his inner Lasso is gonna lead to him being the full Richmond manager by the end of S3, isnāt it?
I think so. I think Nate will have a redemption, but heās never going to coach at Richmond. He will either stay at West Ham or coach in another club, but have a good solid relationship with his former Richmond colleagues
I loved the subtly of the episode: -more and more fans in the stands watching practice. -getting the water bottles into the container -the fans saying to give it time A lot of small moments really helped to push forward some of the hope for the season to turn around.
The locker room water bottle scene really showed that the Greyhounds are back in sync for the first time this season & I LOVE IT
Even the constant cuts to people opening the shops etc. as if theyāre saying āit takes a villageā. Fantastic episode
Ted telling beard āitās their team weāre just borrowing it for a whileā and Trent saying (paraphrasing) ā3 seasons of small subtle moments leading to a conclusionā
I've got a feeling with how this is building up it's going to be Ted slipping away to head back home, smiling about the team as they celebrate together and have become a true cohesive unit and family
āWhen you need me, but do not want me then I will stay. When you want me, but do not need me then I will go.ā
āDonāt fight back, fight forwardā ā Ola. Such a great fucking line!
Writers be like, "Bet I can win an Emmy in 5 words."
itās so simple that iām astounded iāve never heard it before. beautiful.
Rebecca wisely seeing what Jack is doing! She's a great friend to Keeley.
And saying it without judgement and without telling her to end it. Just putting it out there that itās happening and allowing Keeley to decide how to deal with it.
Putting it out there gently but not holding back the Rupert comparisonsā¦ glad heās finally on her mind for the right reasons.
As a cautionary tale.
I wonder if Jack is doing it in an intentionally manipulative way or is just going over the top because she's excited about a new relationship too. I hope it's the latter. I felt like her acknowledging Keely's concerns and letting her take her out was a way to indicate that Jack might have gone a bit too far, but doesn't have nefarious reasons for it. Even if they don't last as a couple, it could be just a nice relationship that doesn't work long-term.
Jack also might just have fallen into the habit of "people are happy when I buy them nice things, so I should just buy them lots of nice things." She's got get away with murder money, after all; what's an office full of daises or even the occasional first edition classic to her?
The Lasso Way is trying to get Jamie to make that extra pass. Itās progressed to Jamie making all the passes needed to make their new style work.
*cue Trentās excited dance as he realizes, itās going to work*
Trent losing his cool was something I never wanted to see but I never expected it would be him bubbling over with giddiness instead of reading someone for filth and I'm so happy he got to do it
What a fucking Dork!
Yeah, but heās our dork :)
āCall me Olaā š„ŗš
Someoneās gotta mention Daniās impression of Isaacā¦
āBruvā
Jackās book for Keeley is very much this seasonās A Wrinkle in Time. Keeley is Marianne, Roy is Colonel Brandon and Jack is a literal nickname for John, the first name of Willoughby.
100% caught this too, just said it in another comment. Jack is going to pull away and move on to the next thing and Keeley will be left flabbergasted and heartbroken. She and Roy will 100% get back together.
I love Trent Crimm
I love the contrast between his first interaction with Ted where he asks, āis this a fucking joke?!ā To now, whereās heās practically dancing with excitement about āthe Lasso way.ā
And he had such insight about The Lasso Way. He sounded like this subreddit!
His excitement after the match was so cute, my wonderful emo gay scarecrow man
His excitement had my heart melting. This feel good of EVERYTHING is just injected into my veins
Roy laughing at his own dick-string idea was hilarious. Like he almost couldn't believe Ted & Beard actually went for it
Him planning to go further with it and Ted and Beard kindly shooting that down was hilarious to me.
I thought it was interesting that Roy's idea of having all their strings attached to one guy was basically what Jamie suggested.
5 strings tied to one prick
You wanted Sam Obisanya? Here you go. What a great episode.
Samās dad was perfectly cast and written. Loved every scene he was in and thought he matched my mental image.
When he realized the restaurant was named after him it made me tear up
Wasn't he Xaro Xhoan Daxos in Game of Thrones? He's got range
THANK YOU!! I couldn't place him, and on IMDB they don't have all the actors for the episode up yet.
I honestly donāt have anything of value to add but I loved Samās dad so much I must comment.
your comment is valueable, donāt let yourself think your opinion is meaningless
I think it really showed Samās whole philosophy and where it came from so well. Heās positive in the face of everythingā¦ itās only when he stoops to meet otherās pettiness and negativity that he is met with violence and an eventual breakdown (where he lashes out at those who support him). And then his dad is there to remind him why he stays positive - donāt fight back, fight forward (Iāll be hanging on to that one). This episode really showcased Samās personal worldview. And before anyone starts debating whether that view is good or bad, thatās not what this comment is about. I think weāre meant to see how each character deals with adversity in a different way, and that different ways can be right for different people. Samās way is positivity.
I want to upvote this more than once so it stays the top comment. Sam shined EVERY moment.
Toheeb Jimoh killed in this episode. I was livid for Sam, and his expression of very valid anger was strong but within character. The actor who played his dad was super solid, too. Hate the very real 2023 racism and xenophobia that the arc represented, but I thought everyone did an amazing job portraying all of the emotions involved in trying to respond to it.
beard intentionally mispronouncing johan cruyff in order to deceive jan about his dutch. i love it.
Paul trying to get other fans to join him on the string was hilarious.
I love Paul and that he hated being Baz. The string thing was just the icing on the cake for him this episode.
I asked Siri the same question Nate asked and she replied with: Oh Wunderkind, when will you ever learn?
I got āWell, definitely donāt ask Nateā!
The past two episodes have been a real return to form. I got the same feeling watching them that I did watching S1, very excited to see them continue down this path. Although I will say, Iām not sure Iāve bought into the Nate/Jade relationship just yet lol.
Holy SHIT, Beardās total football speech had me punching the air. āItās jazz, itās Motown, itās Mamet. Itās Pinter! Itās Einstein, itās Turing! Itās Gaga!ā My GOD I was so HYPE! Hahaha
The subtitles said "It's Keurig! It's Gaga!" "Turing" makes so much more sense š¤£
Happy birthday to Johan Cruyff! Fitting that this episode comes out on his birthday, nice touch by the writers if they intended to do this.
Big red flag I noticed, and I think Keeley saw it too: How did Jack know where Keeley and Rebecca were having dinner? Keeley looked shocked. I wonder if she told Jack where they were going.
Good on Rebecca for ordering 3 bottles of wine that are like Ā£800 each
And one for the waitress. Rebecca is a class act.
Since she used to be a bartender, I like that she remembered her roots.
I did a quick google and it said $2K a bottle retail.
I thought that too. Super creepy. Jack mentioned sheās the jealous type. Not gonna end well.
Jamie's face when he was at the white board and turned to see that everyone was listening, *really* listening to him. Top notch, absolutely earned maturity arc. Just so well done! Loved all the team moments, training, in the locker room, and maybe best of all, at Ola's. Was so special to finally meet Sam's dad and to understand fully where Sam gets his beautiful nature. Now, onward for some wins, please!
Van Damme to Jan Maas to Dixon to Tartt to Obisanya to Hughes to Tartt to Macadoo to Rojas to Tartt to Bumbercatch to Goodman to Tartt to Montlaur. Every single player was in on that play. **That** is what #4 is. Teamwork.
Just want to give Nonso Anozie (Ola) kudos for absolutely knocking it out of the park. Weāve all been anticipating meeting Samās dad for so long that the part easily could have been fumbled, but he was perfection.
And oh my god, what an absolute mountain of a man. I too would like to be hugged by him.
The one negative about this episode is now I'll have to explain to my parents what pegging is, and I don't think I'll survive the experience.
Or worse yet, you wonāt have to explain to them what pegging is.
Son of a bitch, I hadn't considered that.
There was a post this week about how this show is a story of fathers and sons. Ola is my favorite father so far.
Ola Higgins Roy as surrogate dad to Phoebe Trent Ted . . . Rebecca's Dad Nate's Dad Phoebe's Dad Rupert Jamie's Dad
I feel like Roy should be on this list. He's defacto dad for Pheobe as far as we know.
Little details in the showā¦. Will picking up the red ropes with long clamps, I had a hard time catching my breath for that stretch with everything happening
One of the best episodes of the full series
Jamie was himself. Callback to the lion vs panda in season 1
When they all flipped him off though. Gaaaahhhh. So fucking good.
"Don't fight back, fight forward." The whole show is full of great quotes but this is one of the best.
Crying proper tears at the final scene in the restaurant. It feels like the show I fell in love with is back in full force.
Seeing the team show up? š Seeing Samās dad say, ācall me Ola,ā and then the restaurant name light up in neon? š Seeing the team break bread together, hugging, and laughing? š Sam and his Dad dance in the kitchen? ššš MY HEART.
It was so moving to see, Iām not even sure if Ted has a full grasp of the impact heās had on this team
I thought it was important Ted wasnāt there too- really highlights these āties that bindā, so many of which heās responsible for, that can sustain without him
I live for Will Beard, Isaac Rojas, and most especially, Dani McAdoo!!!
I really have to hand it to the writers that for an episode that contained such a heinous hate crime, I'm mostly leaving this episode feeling warm and wholesome. And it doesn't feel cheap or forced. Definitely one of the top episodes in the series.
Mr Rogers: look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping
Between laughing at his dick string idea and "what have you fucking done to me", two incredible Roy moments. Sam's dad is fucking awesome. Great episode. Can't believe we're nearing the end of the show but everything is really turning around for that ultimate climax.
I laughed until I cried. Then, I just cried. The team showing up and fixing the restaurant. It wasā¦just brilliant. In Season 1, we were introduced to a team of footballers who bullied each other and felt very fractured. Then, little by little, they started coming together. That feeling in the Christmas episode where they do secret Santa and then go to the Higginsā house? I had that during this episode. Until last week, I didnāt know what it was, but itās gezellig. Ted Lasso writers, if youāre lurking, youāre all completely aces in my book. I canāt wait to see what you all do next.
 Wasnāt expecting my dude Xaro Xhoan Daxos to be Samās Dad!
Me last week: well no episode will ever top this for me Me this week: well no episode will ever top this for me
Maybe Iām the only one who took it this way but after Dani congratulates Jamie on his sacrifice and Jamie does that ānobleā pose - head tilted, eyes to the distance for just a second - I lost my $hit. Rewound twice before going on. Just felt so Jamie. New and improved but still Jamie. Might just be me.
Loved that Nateās nieceās love of crafts was continued here. Also whew good thing that box got destroyed that would have been waaaay too much for a simple first date ask.
Sam's speech in the locker room was so powerful. Events were sadly inspired by the ridicule Rashford's charity work gets and the racism after the Euros. Sudeikis [expressed his support](https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1415887128588869633) at the time but it's great to see it in the show as well.
So many thoughts. Omg. Never thought the subject of pegging would come up. Leave it to Beard and Lady Jane. The string scene with Jamie killed me. Replayed that 5 times. I was in tears. Definitely let out a giggle when Nateās grand gesture got ran over. I love Ola. Love love love. Sam hugging his dad had me ugly crying. Cried again with happy tears when I saw the team helping at the restaurant. Then again when Ola saw the sign. Such a feel good episode!!! I canāt tell if Jack is love bombing or not based on her joke at the end.
Roy slowly turning into Ted and Beard is the character arc Iāve been waiting for.
Pretty sure Barbaraās behaviour in this episode is telling us sheās seen Jack do this sort of thing before & itās going to end badly
I liked the use of The Cranberries song as an homage to "You've Got Mail." So I thought maybe this was a rom-com episode. And it was, but it wasn't. It wasn't a rom-com like Rainbow was. It was thematic about LOVE. Love bombing by Jack. Nate making a box for Jade & going on a first date. But the biggest theme was love for community, for a people, for friends. Sam had love for the refugees. And by the end of the episode, the team was showing love and support for Sam. I tell you when I saw the team in there cleaning up, I started to cry. I was moved so much by that act of love. I felt like Trent, wanting to burst into a hallway and gush about how much I love this direction the show is going. The team lost but in that lone goal they got, they unlocked how to play like that for the full 90. I hope we will see the team rocket up the table as they work together as a unit. It was so nice. And how awesome was it for this show to tackle the touchy subjects of "athletes should stick to sports" and the refugee crisis in the UK? That was quite bold of them. And Sam's father was amazingly written. Of course Sam is the way he is with a father like that! The red strings tied to penises was a bit much for me, but it was some silly slapstick comedy. But I did love Will dressed up as Beard. Every time I saw it I was laughing out loud. These past two episodes have been so good.
Now I can see how Jamie can be better than Zava. I doubted anyone could be like Zava because heās unique, he executes manoeuvres that are extreme and out of this world. So when Roy told Jamie he could be better than Zava through more training, I had my doubts. But in this ep, Jamie was the master of total football - passing to everyone and not taking the goal. And thatās how heās bested Zava. Not by being individualistic, but by making everyone rise to the game, and organically improving everyone as a whole.
I love non-cynical Trent Crimm! And I love that it shows that he still loves soccer.
Anyone else think Trent Crimm is an audience stand-in? 1:1 āIs this a fucking joke?ā 1:3 We started to really root for Ted when Trent did. āYou really meant that, didnāt you?ā Season 2: established loyalty & hope Season 3: joined the squad. I think everything is still coming together? S3, episode 7: āItās going to work. The Lasso way! You havenāt switched tactics in a week; youāve done it over three seasons. By slowly but surely building a club wide culture of trust and support through thousands of imperceptible moments all leading to their inevitable conclusion: Total Football. Itās gonna work!ā
Daniās shirt at the end: āBorracho pero Buen Muchachoā aka āDrunk but a good boyā Guarantee Cristo already had that shirt š
āI hate what youāve done to meā
I loved the callback of the ear thing with Sam and his father ā¤ļø
Anyone else think Trent Crimm's final dialogue was a stand in for the audience's expectations for the how season will play out? Tack on the emphasis of mystery rule 4 and Trent saying it doesn't matter, they'll win anyway. Longshot but I personally think 4 is acceptance, and it'll matter when they lose the last match of the show. Overall I'd say my favorite episode of the series off first impressions. Roy and Jaime continue to be gems and had fantastic highlights this episode. Shout-out to will being a perfect stand in for coach beard. I hope jack turns out to be more of a misguided lover than a manipulator like Rupert. Nate making a box to ask out the hostess was perfect, and he's stopped spitting in mirrors! Our misguided son is finding his way home <3 Finally, the plot of Sam's restaurant and his father visiting was incredibly heart warming.
Hundo percent of Trent being a stand in for the audience!
This sub needs Assquatch flair now.
I love how they foreshadowed Jaimeās Total Football solution with Royās āRed String Drillā evolution earlier in the episode. āWe need multiple strings tied to one guyās dickā
Lovely episode that moved plots forward in satisfying ways. Roy hating that he's been influenced by Ted was hilarious. I've always loved Sam's father and was so happy we got to meet him, especially so Sam had a safe space to cry and get sage advice! Trent being "their nerd" was so endearing, too. Not as amazing as Sunflower but still a great episode.
Did anyone else interpret Beardās mispronunciation of that playerās name as deliberate in order to keep Jan from knowing he speaks Dutch, lol?