Ted Lasso Recap: 4-5-1

 

“There is no me. There is no you. There is only the we. And the us. And the wenus.”—Zava 

When last we left, Richmond was in the big time. They tied their first match in the Premier League, and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) managed to convince the great Zava (Maximilian Osinski). But there’s the dream then there’s the dream realized. This week’s episode was about the dream being realized.

Most everyone is thrilled that Zava is with Richmond. But not so much Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster). Jamie arrives to see Zava has claimed his locker area. The rest of the team if fawning over Zava, who gets them to change their approach from the 4-4-2 to the 4-5-1, giving him a focus as the best player and goal scorer. Jamie voices his concern that Zava might disrupt the team chemistry, but Ted (Jason Sudeikis) suggests they need to give it a few games.

During that stretch, which plays out over the course of the episode, Zava’s influence proves profound. The team wins six straight games and sits in prime position to make a run in the Premier League. West Ham is doing well and still sitting out there, but that’s a challenge for another day.

To celebrate, Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) invites the team to his new restaurant to celebrate. There, Jamie is alone, drowning his sorrows. It catches Roy’s (Brett Goldstein) attention. Roy has a heart-to-heart with Jamie, who has possibly grown the most of any character in the series. Jamie has it in him to be great. Roy asks if that’s what he wants. When Jamie says yes, Roy agrees to train him. It’s the continuation of an unlikely friendship that’s nothing short of beautiful.

But the Roy-Jamie connection was far from the only story to come to a head during the team party.

Rebecca’s Future

Early in the hour, Rebecca gives into her mother’s prodding and agrees to see her psychic Tish (Emma Davies). It starts OK, but soon Tish gives some detailed visions, the last of which is a promise that Rebecca will be a mother. It opens a deep emotional wound and Rebecca lashes out. She also tries to forget it.

But at the party, when Sam passes out a green matchbook for his new restaurant, a prognostication given to Rebecca by Tish, she can’t help but feel a flutter. Could Sam be Rebecca’s future after all? That, too, is a question for another day.

Ted’s Rocky Road

Prior to Zava’s first game, Ted decides to check in at home. Having forgotten his cell phone, the only number he can remember is his old home phone. He calls and Dr. Jacob (Mike O’Gorman) answers. It shakes Ted to learn is former marriage therapist is now seeing his wife and slipping into his former life. The call nearly shakes Ted’s confidence.

We saw Ted struggle with his mental health last season. On the sideline, thinking about what happened, he nearly seems to be on the verge of breaking down again. But after a momentary lapse, he pulls it together. That’s a credit to Ted’s growth and his work with Dr. Sharon (Sarah Niles). Will he finally be able to move on? That, again, is a question for another day.

The Secret Life of Colin

We begin the hour at home with Colin (Billy Harris). Colin is a good guy who has always been on the periphery of the series. In this cold open, we get a window into his life and, more importantly, his secret. Colin is there with his boyfriend, Michael (Sam Liu).

It’s a tough episode for Colin. He loses his starting spot to Zava. He also has to endure more than a little derogatory talk about being gay from his teammates, who remain oblivious to his secret life. At the team dinner, Colin introduces Michael as his friend and wing man, continuing the ruse about his life. But it doesn’t all go as planned.

Following the party, Trent Crimm (James Lance) is walking home. As he does, he spots Colin and Michael sharing a few kisses in the alley. Colin’s secret might not be as secret as he thinks. What will it mean for him and the team? That, too, in keeping with the theme of this week’s episode is a question for another day.

Best Scene:

Before we get into the meat of the episode, we get a rare bonding scene between Ted, Roy, Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), Higgins (Jeremy Swift) and Trent Crimm. Of all things, it’s around the work of Julie Andrews. It was delightful.

Pop Culture References:

People: We get references to Julie Andrews, Daniel Day Lewis, Jackie Chan, Public Enemy, Madonna, Sallie Field, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks and an impression of former President Donald Trump.

Films: We got references to The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, The Princess Diaries, Les Miserables, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and, in a bit of Apple cross over marketing, the game Tetris.

Episode MVP:

It’s a close call but I’m going with Jamie Tartt. He continues to show his growth as a man and a player and I’m excited about this next phase of his journey.

That’s a wrap on this week’s episode. Check back next week as we continue our journey through the final season of Ted Lasso.