What I’m Watching: Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso: Season 2, Episode 6 “The Signal” (B+)

This episode featured a few major developments, some of which were entertaining and expected, and others which I definitely did not see coming. Roy’s return did indeed indicate positive changes for the team, and things seemed to be off to a great start at first with Ted radiating and sharing sunshine with everyone he passed in the hallway. Jamie’s anger at Roy’s refusal to coach him nearly boiled over to a locker-room brawl, but instead it got channeled into Jamie doing what he does best with the incredibly unsubtle signal of all four coaches giving him the finger to tell him to change back into his old mode. Jamie trying very hard to agree with everything Roy said and Roy catching on was an entertaining step on the way there. It was sweet to see Higgins expressed concern for Beard reentering a problematic relationship, and I love that, even after he got repeated advice not to interfere, Higgins earned himself a warm hug from Beard for saying something. The secret sandwich tradition is the kind of thing that only Ted and Beard could do, and I couldn’t have been happier to see Harriet Walter, an Emmy-nominated actress from “Succession” and “Killing Eve” who I’ve just finished watching do great work on “The End,” as Rebecca’s mother. Nate stepping in to make the right calls when Ted left the field was fantastic, and it’s just a shame that he said “wunderkid” and couldn’t have it edited out because it was being broadcast live. The big reveal that Sam was the one texting Rebecca was a shock, and I’m sure she’ll be just as startled when it eventually comes to light. I did expect to see Ted in Sharon’s office, especially after she agreed to come out for a round of drinks, but it’s good that they’re finally going to dig into the root of his problems.