Still, as the first episode unfolds, a handful of incidents—including an interaction with Henry’s youth soccer coach who operates in a way that is totally opposite to how Ted would conduct himself on the field—start to plant a seed in his head that maybe, just maybe, he’d be OK with returning to Richmond. No spoilers, but it’s an episode that sets the stage for a whole new adventure, while delightfully featuring the characters that make the original season great. (A reunion lunch with Rebecca, Keeley, Higgins and Ted at a BBQ spot in Kansas City is particularly joyful for longtime fans of the series, featuring a bit of reverse culture shock for the Brits, not to mention the familiar—and hilarious—banter that we’ll naturally come to quote.)
A couple of caveats: It’s clear that the lead characters in season 4 will feature plenty of new faces. For example, Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein) and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) are back, but so far, Nate—and most of the men’s team (Jamie Tart! Dani Rojas!)—are nowhere in sight. (I’m personally excited about Tanya Reynolds, who I adore from Sex Education.) Still, dangling plotlines from season 3 are alive and well. (Ahem, this includes our favorite “will they, won’t they” relationship arc as it relates to Keeley and Roy.)
But what matters most, based on the first episode, is the series is just as sharp and heartfelt and topical as it was when we last left off. The beauty of the show is that it so effortlessly mixes humor and kindness, but also doesn’t shy away from tackling the authentic personal struggles that the characters endure head on.
And will this totally new narrative breathe further life into the Ted Lasso universe? Fingers crossed, they’re will be more seasons to come.
