I have always been captivated by the role sports can play in life, even when it comes to TV and movies. The show “Friday Night Lights” was one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve waited many years for a new show to bring some of that same magic back to my screen. The Apple TV sensation “Ted Lasso” did just that.
As I watched the finale of Ted Lasso on Wednesday night, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how great this three-season show really was.
Every single character was perfectly cast. Every single emotion you could think of was felt.
When the show was about to be released, it looked like a gimmicky comedy that would bring some laughs. It definitely brought laughter, but it also gave us so much more. The show dealt with anxiety and mental health. It gave us the opportunity to reflect about our own lives and our past. It gave us a glimpse of what true friendship, family, and hard work looks like. And ultimately, it was a show that gave us hope, and made us believe.
Here were some of my personal favorite quotes that inspired from the series:
“I hope that either all of us or none of us are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather by the strength we show when and if we are ever given a second chance.”
“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”
“Living in the moment, it’s a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”
“Guys have underestimated me my entire life. And for years, I never understood why. It used to really bother me. But then one day, I was driving my little boy to school, and I saw this quote by Walt Whitman, and it was painted on the wall there. It said, ‘Be curious, not judgmental.’ I like that.”
“Lift your heads up and look around this locker room. Look at everybody else in here. And I want you to be grateful that you’re going through this sad moment with all these other folks. Because I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad, and that is being alone and being sad. Ain’t nobody in this room alone.”
“So I’ve been hearing this phrase y’all got over here that I ain’t too crazy about. ‘It’s the hope that kills you.’ Y’all know that? I disagree, you know. I think it’s the lack of hope that comes and gets you. See, I believe in hope. I believe in believe.”
“It’s their team (the fans).. we’re just borrowing it for a little while.”
It’s impossible to capture everything this show had to offer in one article. But for everyone who watched or will watch in the future, I truly believe it will be a series that has staying power. It took us on a journey with each character and story, and left us wanting more. Which brings us to the next question: will it really end after three seasons?
Ted Lasso was always meant to be a three-season production. But none of the writers or cast had any idea how popular the show would become. Because of the incredible character development of the show, there are plenty of stories left to be told, either as a spinoff or a continuation of the show. Without giving any spoilers- I believe the show had the perfect ending, but still left room for it to move forward. Should it conclude as this near-perfect show? Or is it too popular to call it quits after only a few seasons? Whatever happens, it was a heck of a ride. “We’re Richmond ’til we die!”
(Audience note: Ted Lasso is rated MA for language and other content, and is not suitable for children. I don’t endorse everything in the show, despite being a huge fan of the series.)
Tyler Smith covers the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers for IndySportsLegends and is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review and is the sports director at New Hope Christian Church.
