Let's face it, the picture here isn't really a spoiler. While the first episode of the fourth season of the soccer sitcom kicks off back in Kansas City where Ted (Jason Sudeikis, fresh from his World Cup half-time cameo) is enjoying a domesticated life away from Richmond AFC and working in a supermarket we know that somehow just as he is out they will pull him back in again. But there is a twist this time...
When Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), Higgins (Jeremy Swift) and Keeley (Juno Temple) arrive in Kansas what looks like a social visit soon turns out to be a recruitment drive. When Ted was first offered the job at Richmond it was to scupper the club. This time the deal is for real. They want him to coach the women's team and turn them into the champions they are surely destined to be.
Is Ted ready to leave his settled life behind though? He has a son Henry who he wants to watch growing up. Ted wants to be the perfect dad - when he is called into the school over Henry's crude scribbles on his exercise book Ted isn't bothered at all, in fact maybe even slightly proud, they are just Public Enemy lyrics.
Elsewhere the episode has lots of fun with Rebecca, Higgins and Keeley. Where Ted was once the fish out of water in London, they have their own difficulties in Kansas. Rebecca keeps getting BBQ sauce down her designer tops – I guess that's what you call a running gag – while Higgins goes to check out a jazz museum and ends up getting a history lesson about black players in baseball. Could there be a parallel with women being accepted as footballers? Well, yes, and, maybe no...
As ever the mood is light and upbeat. This is a comedy completely devoid of cynicism but bursting with heart. Despite Ted's misgivings we know that from the moment the approach is made he's going to be taking them up on it. No Ted, no season four. And even though he maybe hesitates, a special gift from Rebecca seals the deal. By the end of the episode it's in the bag. The tea bag.
Ted Lasso is on Apple TV, new episodes on Tuesdays.
Pictured: Brendan Hunt, Jason Sudeikis and Tanya Reynolds: Picture: Apple TV+
