Ted Lasso’s [SPOILER] Storyline Is Its Biggest Risk

Trigger warning: This article discusses a storyline revolving around a past suicide.

Ted Lasso’s suicide storyline is by far the biggest risk that the show has taken so far. The first season of the show featured the American coach of English football club AFC Richmond overcoming hardship and subverting negativity with his trademark indefatigable optimism. Each episode contained a healthy amount of conflict which was usually resolved by the end, leaving the viewers feeling warm and positive. The second season, however, received early criticism for not having enough conflict and trying to survive on happiness alone, going so far as to air a feel-good Ted Lasso Christmas episode in August.

That all changes midway through season 2, however, when multiple characters are forced to deal with their internalized problems. The culmination of this conflict comes after Ted has suffered multiple panic attacks but still struggles to open up about his feelings in sessions with Dr. Sharon, the team’s psychologist. Finally, after a heavy loss in the FA Cup semi-final and witnessing Jamie punch his own father, Ted calls Sharon and reveals that his dad took his own life when Ted was just sixteen. Ted has mentioned his father before, referencing how they use to play darts together every Sunday, and also that his dad had been much harder on himself than he ever was on Ted, but the revelation of his fate comes as a shock.

This reveal caps the darkest episode of Ted Lasso season 2, and the storyline serves as the series’ biggest risk to date. For a project that has gained so much acclaim with it’s feel-good energy to go down such a dark path runs the risk of alienating viewers or even irreparably tarnishing one of the show’s most endearing aspects, Ted’s tireless enthusiasm. The sad reveal that Ted’s father died by suicide could potentially be too much for certain audiences who were initially attracted to the show’s upbeat tone. The new information might even taint previous episodes of the Apple TV+ series if the audience is only able to view Ted’s perpetual optimism as a response to his internalized feelings regarding his father’s death. However, the reveal is necessary to fully develop Ted Lasso’s character for audiences (and for Ted himself) and the impact he has moving forward.

Although he maintains a contagious mirth in public, Ted has struggled to healthily cope with sadness in private. He turns to alcohol when he signs his divorce papers, and then again when he spends his first Christmas alone. Ted’s season 2 sessions with Dr. Sharon have also shown little progress, and the show has depicted his growing darkness for a while. Ted’s ability to finally open up to Sharon marks the first step on his path to recovery. The character was headed down a dark road, but suicide is preventable, and his newfound willingness to discuss his feelings could provide the support Ted needs to stop him from repeating his father’s actions.

Followers of the show haven’t been shy when voicing their problems with Ted Lasso season 2, and the reveal about Ted’s dad has the potential to be controversial. But it explains so much about Ted and finally provides a reason for his sometimes toxic positivity and inability to deal with negativity or even acknowledge unpleasant, serious situations. It’s been clear since season 1 that Ted’s cheerful kindness is needed, but he uses it in unhealthy ways. Much like Ted Lasso himself, audiences may not love seeing the difficult storyline, but it’s needed for Ted Lasso to truly pay off.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 800-273-8255 or speak with one of their counselors online.

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