Two Emphatic Thongs up
Fuckin’ Jason Sudeikis really wanted the world to know about his dancing skills. Sudeikis took his memorable(to me) red Adidas tracksuit wearing hype-man dance from the “What's Up With That" SNL sketch to primetime. I love the dance (even if it is offbeat). There is no joy like seeing a middle-aged person joyfully and painlessly doing the Runningman (does one capitalize that word?) then seamlessly transition the Roger Rabbit - like a 1990s middle schooler at a dance competition. I ask any post 40 year old to do these dances and not feel pure joy if not pure knee pain.
In the early days of the iPhone emojis, I had that red Adidas suit-wearing Jason Sudeikis as my go-to emoji for anything. I felt alone in my 2009 stan-ing of Adidas-suit dancing Jason. I also regularly used the “monkey” emoji played by the little guy from Night at the Roxbury (Chris Kattan).
Titular (love a word with tit) Ted Lasso does his favorite dance after the college team he coaches wins a championship and the clip goes VIRAL - because the dance is so amazing and he is grinning from ear to ear. I dare say the crux of Ted Lasso and his “charm” is embodied in the dance - a seemingly carefree, happy, coach and father enjoying himself. However, it is discovered near the end o the season that like most of the joyous people we have in our lives, there is often an underbelly that causes this coping mechanism of “chipper” coach and the ubiquitous cheerleader.
The casting is spot-on, although I normally don’t like the British accent (because my patriotism runs that deep - fuck them red coats jkjkjkjkjkjk) the supporting cast are all gifted and charismatic comedic deadpan performers - especially Juno Temple’s, Keeley. I was inclined not to like the character but turns out she gets to be multi-dimensional, which is another notable part of the show - the main women characters are well written and robust.
I am probably the target demo for this show - a middle-aged fucker trying to do my best to be an authentic version of myself whilst dealing with life’s unrelenting “realness” when it sometimes feels like being petty is more satisfying (it is, in the short term, in the long term it is cancer). With that said, Ted Lasso is still a fun and lighthearted show for anyone.
My 8-year-old and I love watching this show together and have developed a camaraderie over the hotness of ALL soccer players. My first husband was a soccer player and without the game, we wouldn't have had my children. Why? His ass was due to soccer and his ass was in our wedding vows - I needed to lock down "them cheeks" (alas he is my ex-husband because ass doesn't last).
Keep your Apple TV remote close because the quips and riffs are fast, abundant, and some are easy to miss or just keep your “ears”peeled. Both Season 1 and Season 2 are available on AppleTV - binge it now - or pace yourself - just watch it already.
Upcoming Reviews:
Reservations Dogs (Hulu) new eps drop Wednesdays
Wu-Tang: The American Saga (Hulu) new eps drop Wednesdays
All About Love, bell hooks (book - read at your leisure)
To Live and Die in LA season 2 (wherever you get your pods)
Elaine Park! You are missed and loved wherever you are. I am so sorry you had to deal with the family you had.