The Lasso Way

How can it be that the finale of Season 2 is already here? Say it ain't so! Also, how can it be that the team gets promoted and that isn't even close to the most interesting thing about this episode? A lot happens in the finale - the Lasso Brothers discuss it all! Higgins on mentors: “A good mentor hopes you will move on. A great mentor KNOWS you will.”

Does Sam have one foot out the door? Edwin Akufo is rolling out the red carpet and trying to recruit Sam to a one-team super league in Africa (is that a thing?) - will he stay or will he go? Sharon leaves Ted without even saying bye-bye-bye! Ted tracks her down and reads her letter before stealing her move and pulling his own Good Will Hunting. Is there trouble in Reeley world? Would they actually do this to us all? While Nate is certainly not a threat to them, could Phoebe's teacher and/or Jamie get in the way? We sure hope not! Speaking of Nate - he sucks. Hard. Ted Lasso on perseverance: “When I was a baby, I wasn't good at walking and talking but I stuck with it and look at me now.”

The Trojan horse that is this show continues to flood us with emotion - this was supposed to be a light hearted comedy!! AFC Richmond rallies around Rebecca and her mom after news of Rebecca's dad's passing. The team even shows up to the funeral without trainers on their feet. While the team is well behaved, it appears that just about every other character could use a lesson in funeral etiquette (FaceTime - Really Beard? And Keeley, well, you know what you did). Despite not wanting to give the eulogy for her dad, Rebecca steps up and performs Rick Astley's banger “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Ted even gives her an assist in getting the entire church to join in, church organ included. We're getting some ideas as to what conflicts might be ending the season! Who will win Keeley's heart - Roy or Jamie? Will Roy murder someone if it isn't him? What is that decrepit shitbag Rupert up to and what did he say to Nate? Time will tell, but I hope some of these get answered in season 2 - I'm afraid I can't wait until season 3! Ted Lasso on being the best person imaginable: “I knew right then and there that I was never gonna let anybody get by me without understanding they might be hurting inside.”

While it was certainly a diversion from the typical Ted Lasso episode (blame Apple TV+ for ordering more?), it was still an entertaining episode. The Brothers enjoyed getting to see more of Baz and the Boys and find out that Beard might have some demons that needs to exorcised - I am not saying that Jane is a demon, but I am also not saying that she isn't. Hey Beard, you dropped these.

The Lasso Brothers recap the latest episode from season 2 - Man City! Whatever Ted was trying to accomplish by showing the team the pitch before the game didn't work - not even Jamie's primal “Richmond” scream helped. They lost very badly - but at least they put their heart out there and tried (we see you Sam). Ted and Sharon have finally come to realize how they can help one another - all it took was a few voice notes and a scary bike accident. After seeing Sam's relationship with his dad, Jamie is envious and punches his own dad after the loss. Don't worry, Roy is there to pick up the pieces, consoling Jamie. Did I see that one coming? F-no! Meanwhile, the Sam and Rebecca reveal finally happened and it is glorious. That haircut from Isaac really paid off!

Headspace. Is the honeymoon period over for Roy and Keeley? It appears so - at least until Roy gets reprogrammed by Jamie in order to see the error of his ways. After being a rather large prick at the first two sessions, the third time is the charm for Ted getting some help from Dr. Sharon. As always, Dr. Sharon seems to have his number and wins him over with a line that she knows he will appreciate (“I can't be your mentor without occasionally being your tormentor.”). We're all still awaiting the reveal for Rebecca and Sam, but one thing is certain - these two have chemistry! Also, Nate is not cut out for social media! Stop reading your own pub, bruv - as your dad says, don't think less of yourself, just think about yourself less.

This episode is all about relationships - Jane sure does seem . . . fun and not at all bonkers! The Diamond Dogs all agree that they should not say anything to Beard about the toxicity of that relationship, but Beard does not give up - he tells Beard how he feels and then promises to never speak of it again! The Lasso Brothers also discuss Ted's latest panic attack and what may have triggered it. Regardless of whatever triggered it, Ted is finally ready to talk to Dr. Sharon about it! Finally, BANTR's mystery man has been revealed to us! But will they ever be revealed to one another? Time will tell, but we are here for it. Ted Lasso on meeting moms: “Boy, I love meeting people's moms - it's like reading an instruction manual as why they are nuts!”

The Lasso Brothers discuss Nate the Great's Jekyll and Hyde performance throughout season 2 thus far, and the assistance he gets this episode that might just help him change his stars even more than his ascension from kit man to coach! With the newest addition to the coaching staff, he may need all the help he can get in being assertive. Also, who on earth could Wrexham AFC be inquiring about with Higgins? Might Nate be on the move as a manager to a lower division?!?! Time will tell! Back on the field, AFC Richmond is struggling and in need of something to break them out of their funk! So of course Ted turns to rom-communism and Roy Kent to get the job done! The brothers discuss all the references they were able to catch, but would love to hear about all the ones they missed! After fixing Isaac, it is clear that Roy has the bug for coaching and joins the coaching staff at AFC Richmond! The brothers discuss what this will mean for Ted, Roy, Nate, and AFC Richmond. Meanwhile, Rebecca is clearly smitten with someone on BANTR - could it actually be Ted on the other end of the conversation? Either way, lots of people on Twitter are going to be pissed! The Brothers, however, are reserving judgment and trusting the process.

If you're thinking that a Christmas episode in August can't work - you are 100% wrong and we will not be taking counterpoints! From Isaac's Santa costume to Jamie's ode to Charles Dickens (God bless me . . . everyone) - this episode is perfection! The Brothers discuss Higgins and how this might be his best episode yet! Watching him and his family host so many players at their humble home was fantastic and cements him as the heart and soul of AFC Richmond! Hoping we get the invite to join them next year with Dani's pre-cheeked punch! Elsewhere, Roy and Keeley continue to knock it out of the park with their chemistry and navigating a stinky issue with Phoebe, who Roy thinks might be dying. Ted and Rebecca continue to be there for each other in times of need - is that really Ted singing? Ted Lasso on being upstaged: “I guess that's what I get for taking a tinkle next to John Holmes.”

The Brothers discuss Sam's progression this season and this episode in particular - he's asserted himself a lot this season, but will his latest move effectuate the change he's looking for or will it result in his ouster from AFC Richmond? Neal weighs in on this just to blame Keeley and advocate for her firing! Meanwhile, we meet a new character in “Led Tasso” - Ted's alter ego that he uses to unify teams and to get free food and drink from Chuck E. Cheese's (Charles Edgar Cheeserton III for our British friends). Ted Lasso on doing the right thing, even when it is incredibly hard and might endanger you and your loved ones: “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.”

We open episode 2 with the news that the “lust stops here” for Jamie and that he is no longer welcome back at Man City - turns out his strategy did not work out so well. Jamie is in good spirits with his fans but, as is made even more clear throughout the episode, Jamie is reeling from not having a football home and turns to Ted and AFC Richmond for his final hope. Biggest question is Jamie really back? And, if so, wtf Ted - I think you might've just broke Sam! Meanwhile, Roy is reeling in his own way since leaving behind AFC Richmond. His U9 team loses their championship, in part due to “fucking brain development.” In an effort to break out of the funk, Roy begrudgingly caves to the pressure being applied by Keeley and agrees to take a pundit gig for the day. As expected, despite a couple slip-ups with language, Roy is phenomenal at the gig and appreciates being back around the game. Nate continues his a-hole ways with Will - lashing out at him for, among other things, using lavender laundry detergent for the team. Nate is doing all of this whilst voting against the return of Jamie - it would be a shot to morale if someone was walking around the building belittling everyone. Ted has a breakthrough of sorts with Dr. Fieldstone - she gives him credit for fostering a great work atmosphere and having genuinely great people, but questions as to whether or not that is enough to be considered successful - heavy is the head that wears the ill-fitted visor.

We arrive at the premiere in stoppage time of the 8th game of the season only to see Dani Rojas kill a dog with a PK. No, that is not a misprint, Dani Rojas killed a dog with a PK, getting the yips in the process. The dog dying was not even the most cringe worthy thing that happened in this episode - that belongs to the press pool stealing Trent Crimm's line! In addition to saying goodbye to Earl, the Brothers discuss the flurry of activity going on in the episode and all that seems to have happened since we last saw the characters: - Roy is MIA after a seemingly epic retirement presser, coaching Phoebe's U9 girls team. - Rebecca is dating - dude is nothing like Rupert, but still a knob. - Nate has turned heel! - The Lasso Way no longer seems to be working! - New characters galore! Ted Lasso on calling out epically bad ideas: “I shouldn't bring an umbrella to a brainstorm.”

We are days away from season 2 of Ted Lasso - get excited!!!!! The Brothers discuss the high points of season 1 and take a look ahead to season 2. Also . . . questions from listeners! The Brothers discuss - What will Roy do in retirement? What player are we most looking forward to in season 2? And, most importantly, will Roy and Keely last?

Believe in belief! AFC needs all the belief they can get, as they are on the brink of elimination. Alas, even with the help of the Lasso Special, all the belief in the world is not enough to stop the club from the humiliation of relegation. Making matters worse, the prince prick of all pricks, Jamie Tart, is the person who slams the door on their hopes of remaining in the Premier League. You know what they say about hope . . . Such a great finale, but it nearly breaks one of the Brothers . . . why did Jamie have to succumb to the Lasso Way right at the death of the match relegating AFC Richmond? What a prick. Ted Lasso on coaching (or was it fatherhood): “I just gotta hope that everything I've been trying to teach ‘em made some sort of impact on ‘em. And that they'll make the right decisions when they're out there on their own.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 9 of Ted Lasso - a great episode, but not enough to overtake the Diamond Dogs. After a dick move from Rupert (shocking, I know), Rebecca begins her redemption tour, apologizing to Ted and Higgins - but what is the point of her apologizing at this point? Spoiler alert: it has much more to do with her than it does with Ted and Higgins. Meanwhile, Roy's production has completely fallen off of a cliff. Despite his heroics against Everton just a few weeks ago, Roy can no longer even finish drills on the pitch without falling over. After Neal takes serious issue with Roy's belief that he would dominate in Major League Soccer, the Brothers discuss the costs of having so much of one's identity wrapped up in their work. Despite initial resistance, Roy finally comes around and takes his spot on the second team before bumping the BELIEVE sign on the way out the door (shut up - I am not crying, you are crying). Ted Lasso on perseverance: “I think if you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain't nothin you can't get through together."

The Lasso Brother recap episode 8 of Ted Lasso. Another week, another episode taking over atop the leaderboard! This episode is full of emotion . . . After a brief recap of the episode, the Brothers discuss the fallout from both Rebecca and Ted's one night stands. Including the formation of the Diamond Dogs! In addition to the emotional fallout from the one-night stands of the episode, we get emotional apologies from Higgins, Roy, Keeley, and Jamie. The Brothers discuss their thoughts on the best of these apologies and how difficult it is to truly apologize. The focus of this episode is the epic humiliation of Rupert by Ted. The Brothers discuss the differences between these two characters and the fact that they are similar in many ways, although one of them uses his powers for evil, while the other uses his for good (can you guess which is which?). Ted Lasso on how to be a decent person and not be a dick like Rupert: “Be curious, not judgmental.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 7 of Ted Lasso. Two Aces did not get much time atop the leaderboard - this episode is the best yet! AFC Richmond begrudgingly head on a road trip to play Everton, a place where they have not won in 60 years! Jamie has been gone from the team for a little while now and Ted is still more heartbroken about losing the connection with him than he is at the impending threat of relegation. Despite some initial hesitation and complete catastrophizing, Nate delivers his thoughts on the team to Ted (getting his head bit off in the process). This delivery leads to the main event of the episode - Nate's pre-game speech. Realizing that his positive/uplifting speeches are not getting the job done lately, Ted asks Nate to share his thoughts with the team. In speech nothing short of epic, Nate absolutely rips the team apart - “losing men like Carrie Bradshaw,” “playing like a big dumb pussy,” “imprisoned by his own thoughts like Nelson Mandela” . . . yeah, Nate covers a lot of ground. The most effective criticism was given to our Captain Roy Kent, who goes on to play like a man possessed, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Richmond! Nate may have just changed his stars with this speech. The team heads out on the town after the game to stick in the city's face. Unfortunately, during a lovely rendition of “Let it Go” by Rebecca, Ted can't hold back it anymore and has a panic attack thinking about the end of his marriage and the impact it will have on his family. Rebecca is there to help him through it, just like Ted helped her after the Gala. Ted thanks her for helping him and for being so kind throughout this whole adventure. How much longer can Rebecca keep up with her diabolical plan? The cracks are certainly starting to show, and based on what we learn from Sassy, the real Rebecca would never do this type of thing! Last but not least - Ted and Sassy! Ted Lasso on self awareness and knowing when you are causing more harm than good: “As of late, I feel like y'all have heard enough of my jibber-jabber.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 6 of Ted Lasso and have no doubt that it is the best episode thus far! Trent Crimm, it was a good run, but you have been relegated to the second spot. Two Aces better not get too comfortable at the top though - there is some stiff competition headed your way. Ted and Jamie have a conversation about practice. Not a game. Practice. The Lasso Brothers love the way Ted flips the script on the idea of practice - removing the typical monotony and replacing it with the idea of it being the only time where the team gets to play together and control the environment. Not to mention, it feels REALLY good to see Jamie put in his place . . . seriously, it felt really good to watch this. Ted also delivers another materstroke in coming up with a plan to unite the team and reverse the curse of the AFC Richmond treatment room - even the former sexy little baby Jamie shows up to assist in reversing the curse! Unfortunately, however, not all is well in Lasso Land when he finds out that Jamie has been recalled by Manchester City . . . I mean, come on, they had TWO ACES - you all saw it! The Brothers last and most important thought on this episode: Dani Rojas! Ted Lasso on having a backup plan: “My plan is for my plan to work.”

The episode you didn't know you needed! The Lasso Brothers are halfway through the season and Episode 3: Trent Crimm: The Independent is the current king of the ring in the Royal Rumble style episode rankings! Looking ahead, however, Mr. Crimm will have some very though competition to remain even in the top 3 overall! If you are new to the show or the podcast, the Lasso Brothers suggest that you limit your intake of episodes to one per week - it is the way the creators and Ted intended! The Brothers also suggest the following flow chart for watching the episodes: 1. Watch an episode. 2. Listen to the podcast. 3. Re-watch the same episode with subtitles. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the next episode. The Lasso Brothers also look ahead to kindness making a comeback in Season 2. Unfortunately, kindness might not be the only thing that makes a comeback - it appears that Jamie Tartt might be back too. Is redemption in his future - we think so! Either way, if there are things you wished you would have seen in the trailer but did not - do not hit the snooze button or panic button - it's just a teaser trailer!

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 5 of Ted Lasso and while they both fell in love with this episode, they agree that it did not have enough to supplant Trent Crimm in the Royal Rumble style rankings. Ted rides the emotional rollercoaster of seeing his wife and kid and coming to terms with the demise of his marriage. The Lasso Brothers agree that we do not know his wife enough to care much about her, but that does not give her a pass or make her any more likable - I mean, who in their right mind kicks Ted Lasso to the curb?!?!?! Despite the overwhelming emotion, Ted guides AFC Richmond to its first win since taking over the reins, winning over Roy and the fans in the process (at least for now). “Wanker” now has a new meaning at the dog track! Ted Lasso on taking bold actions: “That's all we got is balls, Roy. It's all we got.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 4 of Ted Lasso and agree that it didn't have enough to replace Trent Crimm atop the rankings in the episode Royal Rumble. The Brothers did enjoy this episode immensely, however, and the depth that it begins to show us on a number of characters (and the lack of depth of a few characters - you know who you are). We finally meet Rupert! And, wow, he is terrible - much more terrible than I could have imagined. Could he possibly be the father of none other than Jamie Tartt? The Brothers say there is a chance. Until they receive irrefutable evidence to the contrary, that is the story they are going with (any future references or depictions of fathers do not count unless accompanied with a birth certificate). Despite seemingly being able to pull the wool over everyone else's eyes, Ted has Rupert's number and is able to see him for who he really is - a rich good for nothing prick that has abused Rebecca for quite a while! This development heartens Rebecca and begins to seriously expose the cracks in Rebecca's plan to use Ted in destroying the club! Ted Lasso on growing older: “Don't let the wisdom of age be wasted on you.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 3 of Ted Lasso and place it atop the rankings in the episode Royal Rumble. Speaking of Royal Rumbles, Neal jumps off the top rope in the episode and, despite agreeing with him in episode 1, attacks Matt for his dislike of tea! To settle the debate we asked the listeners and 67% agreed with Neal and “Team Tea.” The other 33% are correct and agree with Matt and Coach Lasso that tea is absolute garbage water. (Also, nice try Neal, but iced tea and sweet tea were never in this debate - stop trying to move the goal!) The Brothers also discuss appreciation for Coach Lasso's penchant for lifting those around him and his ability to respond with positivity at almost every turn. Ted Lasso on coincidences: “Well that's the funny thing about coincidences, sometimes they just happen.”

The Lasso Brothers recap episode 2 of Ted Lasso and agree it is a great episode - but the Pilot advances in the Lasso episode Royal Rumble. The brothers each give their first concert/best concert and briefly debate Texas BBQ vs. KC BBQ. Oh, just in case you forgot, tea is still horrible - it's absolute garbage water. Ted Lasso on overcoming setbacks: “Be a goldfish.” Notes: Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-lasso-way/pl.u-552v6sRDNEx The Bird by Bird - https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016

The Lasso Brothers recap the Pilot episode of Ted Lasso and both agree that tea is nothing but hot brown water. The Brothers also discuss Coach Lasso's relentless positivity and what drove them to watch the show. Ted Lasso on tackling new or difficult tasks: “If you're comfortable doing it, you're probably doing it wrong.”