A great way to talk about what made Ted Lasso "work." Would that the show had more consistently plumbed the depths of this theme rather than the many weird detours of the second and third seasons!
Delighted about your description of "Ted Lasso." I've read another commentary on this same show--from the perspective of examining the theme of him concealing his struggles with anxiety / panic attacks. (It's a post I've actually gone back to several times.)
Servant leadership, wisdom, God working through broken vessels.
This is a great read! As someone planning to write my own Ted Lasso essay on Substack, I think you hit some of the most important points that stuck out at me once I finally sat down and watched it. And now I am rewatching it. The growth of the characters--maintaining their authentic personas while becoming more layered and matured--is something truly special about the show. Ted wasn't JUST unrelentingly positive. Roy wasn't JUST gruff and angry. Jamie wasn't JUST talented and self-absorbed. They each retained elements of their core persona throughout the show, but they were interesting humans, not just two-dimensional avatars for plot devices.
I just finished reading the first of the Red Rising series. I was on the fence (and leaning toward not) about reading more of the series. I may change my mind if the rest is that good. The first felt like a 200 page marshmallow test with not much payoff.
I think his writing has definitely matured with each book. I do enjoy sci-fi, so the world-building aspects are enjoyable for me. If you do read more, I'll enjoy hearing your thoughts.
A great way to talk about what made Ted Lasso "work." Would that the show had more consistently plumbed the depths of this theme rather than the many weird detours of the second and third seasons!
That sounds like an amazing feast! I always appreciate your newsletters, especially the food.
I'm so glad! We like food around here. :)
Delighted about your description of "Ted Lasso." I've read another commentary on this same show--from the perspective of examining the theme of him concealing his struggles with anxiety / panic attacks. (It's a post I've actually gone back to several times.)
Servant leadership, wisdom, God working through broken vessels.
Would love to read that commentary! Was struck by that as well.
Yep--it's here: https://nervouswreckage.substack.com/p/nervous-wreckage-vol-24-29c
(I don't unequivocally recommend that Substack - but that post is pretty awesome!)
This is a great read! As someone planning to write my own Ted Lasso essay on Substack, I think you hit some of the most important points that stuck out at me once I finally sat down and watched it. And now I am rewatching it. The growth of the characters--maintaining their authentic personas while becoming more layered and matured--is something truly special about the show. Ted wasn't JUST unrelentingly positive. Roy wasn't JUST gruff and angry. Jamie wasn't JUST talented and self-absorbed. They each retained elements of their core persona throughout the show, but they were interesting humans, not just two-dimensional avatars for plot devices.
Agreed!!
I just finished reading the first of the Red Rising series. I was on the fence (and leaning toward not) about reading more of the series. I may change my mind if the rest is that good. The first felt like a 200 page marshmallow test with not much payoff.
I think his writing has definitely matured with each book. I do enjoy sci-fi, so the world-building aspects are enjoyable for me. If you do read more, I'll enjoy hearing your thoughts.
An October Anne of Green Gables feast…how delightful! Anne would definitely approve!