One of my favorite books is A Prayer for Owen Meany, and I used to say I wouldn’t have become a pastor without it (I’m not alone in that). This despite not wholly buying into the philosophy of the book, that everyone has a very specific divinely-ordained purpose—I think The Great Whatever is much more vague and general in her purposes for us. But how John Irving gets us there is so masterful and intricate and heartfelt, you are wholeheartedly buckled in for the ride.
I woke up thinking about the rest of Tish’s psychic vision: thunder and lightning, Rebecca upside down and soaking wet, but safe (paraphrasing). They’re setting that up to resolve in a truly masterful way, with a conclusion that will be deeply satisfying.
They did an homage to the romantic comedy last season. Might there be a musical episode as tribute to an artform that the writers clearly adore? Yes please.
The words ZAVA reflected in Jamie's sunglasses when he comes into the locker room. With training from Roy, Jamie will become the anti-Zava: a once in a generation talent, beloved by fans, with a big social media following, with his own tendencies to be a diva, prick, pre-Madonna (LOL), BUT fully bought into Ted's team philosophy and therefore unstoppable.
Thought: in an earlier comment it was observed how Zava picks out the kit man (Will) as the most important person on the team, and how that attitude plays toward valuing the people around you. I think that we’re going to see that Zava doesn’t truly value the people, he values how they make it possible to take the spotlight with him doing as little work as possible. The whole team (98%) seem to be on board, going along for the ride, but I think that’s only because they’re winning. They think they’re a part of the whole, but they’re really just props for Zava, and he knows how to manipulate that/set it up. But hey, when you’re winning, you don’t notice...
Prediction: in the near future (maybe even this week against West Ham), Zava is going to become a non-contributor - injury, epic hissy fit, something. Wouldn’t be surprised if Nate has an effective strategy to neutralize him, and then all the winning dynamics will fall apart and the team will realize that, despite the winning, they aren’t really a team anymore, and will need to be rebuilt, while addressing what truly makes a team and makes it great.
I’ve now begun to think, in the Star Wars milieu, of Jaime as the Luke Skywalker character. Especially as he recognizes the need to go/grow deeper in his own self and capabilities. And yes, bring me all the Roy/Jaime training montages!
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I look forward to the journey of the Ted/Michelle/Enmeshed Doctor (ED, can stand for many things). Living through my own dynamics of enmeshed professional dynamics, it will be interesting to see how they navigate all of this.
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As always with me, still shipping Ted & Sassy. And how all three romantic duos were on display with their distanced tensions (as well as Beard/Jane’s very not-distanced) in Ola’s - we’re in for a rollercoaster!
The pacing of this episode seemed about right. The first two of this season were weird and too fast.
If Colin is trying to keep things quiet, he's doing a poor job, driving that car to his SO's place, and making out in an alley next to where all his teammates are partying.
The team may get tired of Zava doing All The Things, including stealing goals. Has he had any assists in this great run for the team? They don't show any.
Dr. Jacob certainly shouldn't be dating any ex-client, knowing the damage it would inflict on the SO of that ex-client. Funny that Ted remembers the home number but not cell number. How does he Facetime his son?
Mar 30, 2023·edited Mar 30, 2023Liked by MaryAnn McKibben Dana
Ok, so now the fun things, which is why I watch this show. I had no idea what Zava would be like but I have to say he so far has exceeded my expectations. I think he’s acting less of a super star than I imagined he would and more of a team player. I also think though that when he overshadows Ted by standing in front of him, Ted shows growth as he steps to the side so he’s seen as leader of the team. This makes me think Ted really likes his role this season. It was good for him to be able to make the decision to welcome Trent to the inner workings of the organization. Many people would not want that level of scrutiny.
I loved that the writers are trying to make some drama out of Trent seeing the gay kiss at the end of the show but I predict Trent has grown and is not looking for this kind of story to tell.
I’m not really a fan of Sassy so glad Shandy has joined the cast. Her emotional intelligence will carry her through situations where her business experience is lacking.
Just a few things I liked about this episode, but there were way more. So many plot lines to conclude before the series ends.
What's really rattling around in my brain a day later are Tish and Colin. I agree with you, MaryAnn, that we can trust the writers to come back to Colin's storyline soon, and to treat him with care. And that foreboding music at the end aside, Trent will show up for the good. I think we'll see some real growth for Isaac, who clearly loves Colin - "You're ok" (that's what he said at Ola, right?) - but makes homophobic comments in the locker room.
And Tish. I was really hoping Rebecca was going to a therapist, and was disappointed when it was Tish. But man did Tish project therapist vibes! The calm, the care, the kitsugi metaphors. And how much did their meeting parallel Ted's first meeting with Dr. Sharon?? It also felt very Macbeth. Rebecca gets to make her own meaning from the encounter, and filter her experiences through it. I totally agree that the parenting reference was left ambiguous - I love that tie to Frozen, that's great, I never would have thought of that. I would bet someone refers to her as the mom of the team at some point soon, and she sees what a true family she has helped foster (even unintentionally, in the hiring of Ted), and how much more connection can be made when she does truly try.
And to your point about the panic attack - he does manage! Yes! And what would have happened if Zava hadn't scored right then? One of the best coping skills: our teammates.
As I said in a family chat about this episode, if they harbor on this ethics thing, I’m going to be so sad about this turn and the multitude of discussions about it that follow. This episode was so rich that it pains me that this is the focus right out of the box, especially when the power dynamics involved in the boss/subordinate romantic relationship was characterized as cute and sweet by many. That was unethical too, but to the degree probably not so harmful but that’s not taking into consideration the rest of the people in the organization and their fear and feelings about it. What if Sam needed to be traded for the betterment of the team? What if Rebecca decided he was the star and gave him more compensation besides the bedtime happenings, thereby putting the team’s finances in trouble. Or what if Sam decided to talk to Trent about it or be paid hush money by Rebecca and the team to fund his restaurant? Rebecca should have known better but in matters of love, many times that doesn’t happen. I understand the role of a therapist is different, and still wrong. I just don’t accept the idea that the 3 adults involved were victims. Ted moved to England. Michelle fell in love with her therapist. Are we all so sure this was a master plan of her therapist to make their separation happen? I might have missed this episode(s) if so and I’m willing to be corrected that he was evil from the start. I’m a much more casual viewer and fan of the show so I might have missed the episodes where he displayed his horns.
I crave the positive loving moments way more than the controversy. I know the show needs both, but I watch the show looking for anything but controversy, as I totally know where to get that on steroids if I want to.
Finally I’ll let the rest of you proceed with the ethics board. But as I mentioned to my family, I’ve been down this road in my personal life, not with a professional therapist, but a trusted friend and fellow Friend of Bill W, and I just can’t focus on it anymore. So knock yourselves out, I said lovingly.
I continue to crave the discussion about all other matters regarding what I like to call the “We In Us” episode.
Having slept on it:
One of my favorite books is A Prayer for Owen Meany, and I used to say I wouldn’t have become a pastor without it (I’m not alone in that). This despite not wholly buying into the philosophy of the book, that everyone has a very specific divinely-ordained purpose—I think The Great Whatever is much more vague and general in her purposes for us. But how John Irving gets us there is so masterful and intricate and heartfelt, you are wholeheartedly buckled in for the ride.
I woke up thinking about the rest of Tish’s psychic vision: thunder and lightning, Rebecca upside down and soaking wet, but safe (paraphrasing). They’re setting that up to resolve in a truly masterful way, with a conclusion that will be deeply satisfying.
They did an homage to the romantic comedy last season. Might there be a musical episode as tribute to an artform that the writers clearly adore? Yes please.
The words ZAVA reflected in Jamie's sunglasses when he comes into the locker room. With training from Roy, Jamie will become the anti-Zava: a once in a generation talent, beloved by fans, with a big social media following, with his own tendencies to be a diva, prick, pre-Madonna (LOL), BUT fully bought into Ted's team philosophy and therefore unstoppable.
Also, his sunglasses are gold.
A thought and a prediction.
Thought: in an earlier comment it was observed how Zava picks out the kit man (Will) as the most important person on the team, and how that attitude plays toward valuing the people around you. I think that we’re going to see that Zava doesn’t truly value the people, he values how they make it possible to take the spotlight with him doing as little work as possible. The whole team (98%) seem to be on board, going along for the ride, but I think that’s only because they’re winning. They think they’re a part of the whole, but they’re really just props for Zava, and he knows how to manipulate that/set it up. But hey, when you’re winning, you don’t notice...
Prediction: in the near future (maybe even this week against West Ham), Zava is going to become a non-contributor - injury, epic hissy fit, something. Wouldn’t be surprised if Nate has an effective strategy to neutralize him, and then all the winning dynamics will fall apart and the team will realize that, despite the winning, they aren’t really a team anymore, and will need to be rebuilt, while addressing what truly makes a team and makes it great.
Re: Roy training Jamie to be better than Zava:
A great bottle of wine really doesn't need to be an expensive bottle of wine.
I’ve now begun to think, in the Star Wars milieu, of Jaime as the Luke Skywalker character. Especially as he recognizes the need to go/grow deeper in his own self and capabilities. And yes, bring me all the Roy/Jaime training montages!
-
I look forward to the journey of the Ted/Michelle/Enmeshed Doctor (ED, can stand for many things). Living through my own dynamics of enmeshed professional dynamics, it will be interesting to see how they navigate all of this.
-
As always with me, still shipping Ted & Sassy. And how all three romantic duos were on display with their distanced tensions (as well as Beard/Jane’s very not-distanced) in Ola’s - we’re in for a rollercoaster!
The pacing of this episode seemed about right. The first two of this season were weird and too fast.
If Colin is trying to keep things quiet, he's doing a poor job, driving that car to his SO's place, and making out in an alley next to where all his teammates are partying.
The team may get tired of Zava doing All The Things, including stealing goals. Has he had any assists in this great run for the team? They don't show any.
Dr. Jacob certainly shouldn't be dating any ex-client, knowing the damage it would inflict on the SO of that ex-client. Funny that Ted remembers the home number but not cell number. How does he Facetime his son?
Ok, so now the fun things, which is why I watch this show. I had no idea what Zava would be like but I have to say he so far has exceeded my expectations. I think he’s acting less of a super star than I imagined he would and more of a team player. I also think though that when he overshadows Ted by standing in front of him, Ted shows growth as he steps to the side so he’s seen as leader of the team. This makes me think Ted really likes his role this season. It was good for him to be able to make the decision to welcome Trent to the inner workings of the organization. Many people would not want that level of scrutiny.
I loved that the writers are trying to make some drama out of Trent seeing the gay kiss at the end of the show but I predict Trent has grown and is not looking for this kind of story to tell.
I’m not really a fan of Sassy so glad Shandy has joined the cast. Her emotional intelligence will carry her through situations where her business experience is lacking.
Just a few things I liked about this episode, but there were way more. So many plot lines to conclude before the series ends.
What's really rattling around in my brain a day later are Tish and Colin. I agree with you, MaryAnn, that we can trust the writers to come back to Colin's storyline soon, and to treat him with care. And that foreboding music at the end aside, Trent will show up for the good. I think we'll see some real growth for Isaac, who clearly loves Colin - "You're ok" (that's what he said at Ola, right?) - but makes homophobic comments in the locker room.
And Tish. I was really hoping Rebecca was going to a therapist, and was disappointed when it was Tish. But man did Tish project therapist vibes! The calm, the care, the kitsugi metaphors. And how much did their meeting parallel Ted's first meeting with Dr. Sharon?? It also felt very Macbeth. Rebecca gets to make her own meaning from the encounter, and filter her experiences through it. I totally agree that the parenting reference was left ambiguous - I love that tie to Frozen, that's great, I never would have thought of that. I would bet someone refers to her as the mom of the team at some point soon, and she sees what a true family she has helped foster (even unintentionally, in the hiring of Ted), and how much more connection can be made when she does truly try.
And to your point about the panic attack - he does manage! Yes! And what would have happened if Zava hadn't scored right then? One of the best coping skills: our teammates.
As I said in a family chat about this episode, if they harbor on this ethics thing, I’m going to be so sad about this turn and the multitude of discussions about it that follow. This episode was so rich that it pains me that this is the focus right out of the box, especially when the power dynamics involved in the boss/subordinate romantic relationship was characterized as cute and sweet by many. That was unethical too, but to the degree probably not so harmful but that’s not taking into consideration the rest of the people in the organization and their fear and feelings about it. What if Sam needed to be traded for the betterment of the team? What if Rebecca decided he was the star and gave him more compensation besides the bedtime happenings, thereby putting the team’s finances in trouble. Or what if Sam decided to talk to Trent about it or be paid hush money by Rebecca and the team to fund his restaurant? Rebecca should have known better but in matters of love, many times that doesn’t happen. I understand the role of a therapist is different, and still wrong. I just don’t accept the idea that the 3 adults involved were victims. Ted moved to England. Michelle fell in love with her therapist. Are we all so sure this was a master plan of her therapist to make their separation happen? I might have missed this episode(s) if so and I’m willing to be corrected that he was evil from the start. I’m a much more casual viewer and fan of the show so I might have missed the episodes where he displayed his horns.
I crave the positive loving moments way more than the controversy. I know the show needs both, but I watch the show looking for anything but controversy, as I totally know where to get that on steroids if I want to.
Finally I’ll let the rest of you proceed with the ethics board. But as I mentioned to my family, I’ve been down this road in my personal life, not with a professional therapist, but a trusted friend and fellow Friend of Bill W, and I just can’t focus on it anymore. So knock yourselves out, I said lovingly.
I continue to crave the discussion about all other matters regarding what I like to call the “We In Us” episode.