Review: Put your faith in Jason Sudeikis and 'Ted Lasso' Season 2

 Review: Put your faith in Jason Sudeikis and 'Ted Lasso' Season 2

"Ted Lasso" is no longer a trend or a phase.

When it first aired last year, Apple TV+'s infectious comedy, featuring Jason Sudeikis as the titular American football coach bumbling his way through managing an English soccer club, thrilled and tickled many fans. "Lasso," a comedy with equal parts laughter and sincerity, was appropriate for 2020, an unexpected critical smash for Apple, and a bright light amid the darkness caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.

As virus restrictions relax in the United States, Season 2 is a critical test for the series, which must demonstrate that its popularity and praise aren't the results of a one-time epidemic. The 12-episode new season proves "Lasso's" staying potential and then some. The new episodes (six of which were released in advance for critics) offer the same joyful good time as the first, but with the volume turned up. Sudeikis and his co-creators have stated that the program would only have three seasons, although it appears that "Lasso" might be available for years.

Season 2 begins with the start of a new soccer season for Richmond, which was relegated from the Premier League at the end of Season 1 (it's a testament to the writer's success that its American fans are likely to understand that sentence after watching it, whereas European soccer was a mystery to many of us before). Ted is a kind person, but he still hasn't mastered the skill of motivating his squad to win games, as seen by a disappointing string of ties to begin the season.

In reaction to the downturn and an emotional crisis for star player Danny Rojas (Cristo Fernández), the team hires sports psychologist Sharon (Sarah Niles, "I May Destroy You"), whose all-business demeanor contrasts with Ted's children's party-entertainer demeanor.

Season 2 provides plenty of room for an off-the-field romantic drama, as Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple) negotiate their relationship while Roy deals with the aftermath of his retirement from professional soccer. Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) has finally shaken off the shackles of her acrimonious divorce and is striving to date and better her own life rather than seeking vengeance by ruining her ex's. Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), a former Richmond star, has his own steamy side story as a cast member on the finest "Love Island" spoof ever to hit the small screen.

One of the new season's strongest points is the emphasis on the supporting actors who play soccer players. In particular, Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) and Danny Rojas play increasingly prominent parts in the plot. Jimoh is a revelation, charming with every smile and grimace he makes. Fernández takes Danny beyond the one-joke punchline of his first appearance ("football is life!") and demonstrates exceptional comic talents.

Season 2 amplifies not just the supporting characters, but also the main ones. "Ted" demonstrates that embracing pleasure can be just as hilarious as cynicism, as the writers double down on extracting humor from frivolity and positivity. It doesn't hurt that the new episodes raise the physical shenanigans, and the authors can easily transform delight into chuckles, delivering gags where everyone understands the concept and the comedy. Happiness exists in a way that allows for conflict, and barriers contribute to fascinating stories and odd drama. Everything might not always go as planned for Richmond and Ted, but it always goes well for the audience.

The genius of "Lasso" is that everyone involved in its creation, from the writers to the actors to the music producers, never loses sight of what it is all about. Because the authors are masters of the extended buildup for a joke, the simple addition of the Rolling Stones' song "She's a Rainbow" becomes funny, emotionally meaningful, and stressful all at the same time. That is only one example among many. "Lasso" is devoted to its cause in a manner that few of its contemporaries can match.

So get used to "Lasso," since it meets up to the high expectations. To paraphrase the Richmond supporters, "It's here, there, and everywhere (expletive). The name is 'Ted Lasso.'"