Y'all may have heard the line from management consultant Peter Drucker, culture eats strategy for breakfast. Well, the team’s culture (relational) and strategy (rigid 4-4-2, 4-5-1, etc.) were not aligned. Now they will be.
Lastly (for now) in regards to triangles & systems theory: the triangle is, indeed, highly stable. We often think of it in terms of unhealth because it can so easily become so with lack of intentionality. But the bringing in of the third person (to form the triangle) is so that the two of the primary relationship don’t break or become overwhelmed. When done poorly, it becomes dysfunctional; when done well, it produces greater effectiveness. I think we’re going to see some of that in the coming episodes, I believe.
Found this in my reading last night. Looks like I can't post pics in comments, so I'll have to describe.
Watch the museum scene again, especially what's happening behind him. We first see a woman pushing a pram. Then we see a grown man, pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Then we see an old man, walking by himself. They all cross from right to left. The pram is bright blue, and then the man is wearing a blue hat both times.
Fred and I have watched this episode 3 times. I am overwhelmed. Great insights MA. I could have watched Rebecca and Boat Man all night long. #ThrowingWaterIntoTheDryer.
How could we forget: the catalyst for Ted’s exploration into broader ideas came from choosing to drink tea. The fact that it was a “dud batch” should undermine the fact that HE DRANK TEA! I invest more for Team Stay now.
I absolutely loved this episode. As soon as Ted had his basketball-triangle vision, I started noticing intentional triangle shapes, including the obvious one on the team bus.
The closing scene and credits with Amsterdam in the background featured a load of triangles: the boats, the focal point in the shot. You could literally divide the screen based on the imaginary lines of the city background
I like how a component of Teds new strategy is to let everyone be free and play to their instincts, much like Jordan and the Bulls
Which brings me to this, Teds new plan has been staring him in the face the entire series. In the last episode, I think, there was a long shot of Ted staring at the framed picture of basketball coaching great Woodens basketball pyramid, ahem, triangle.
Ted needed to get out of the office, out of the box to understand the implications
Also a friend pointed another fun tidbit in the credits: God, played by herself
It was a blink and miss but during Teds vision, it’s explained that God dropped a square and it broke into two triangles. A female hand (God) reaches down to pick it up and says “oops”
In the realm of its not a big deal with the totality of the show: interesting that neither Rebecca or Dutchman with boat exchanged names or said what their careers were.
Another observation of that interaction, a boat is just a fancy triangle.
Is it gellezig when we’re in the triangle or allowing the power of the triangle guide us?
Last but not least, for all you Presbyterians and Xians out there, anyone else have thoughts about the Trinity while watching?
So much in this episode, I don’t know if I can do much more THAN leave a plethora of unrelated observations as comments...but here a few of mine as we get started:
-Jaime’s mannerisms (physical & vocal) during this episode reminded me SO much of his dad’s, without the toxicity, passive-aggressiveness, or abusive aspects to them.
-Roy realizing his attitude toward the team/his role is being influenced by his own unresolved issues (and dare I say a recognition to address them).
-so much Roy and Jaime.
-I was so glad to see deep connection and restorative conversation without it directly leading to sex. Still holding that in tension against the Keeley/Jack dynamic (though I still don’t know what I make of that, either).
-all the callbacks: finally, the pillow fight alluded to in s1!! It’s life-changing...
-“I want to see a tulip.” “What, like a field of tulips?” “No, just one; an entire field would be overwhelming.”
-seeing more of Jan Maas in his native element, with the contrast of Montlaur the Parisian
-Will, casually mentioning to his mom that “he met a nice couple who invited me to a threesome.” And Higgins’s mentioning without context/explanation to anyone that he’s headed to the Red Light District, and everyone’s (including ours) reaction to that news.
There’s so much to say, there’s almost nothing to say.
Trent Crimm and Colin was everything and more. Beautifully handled.
I kept thinking about how you, MAMD, we’re waiting for the Jamie/Roy training montage and how we got it... but in a learning to ride a bike version, which was the most delightful, fun, hilarious writing and acting to date. So much heart.
I am still pondering Ted and his response to Rebecca not texting back. 12 texts and 3gifs?! That’s unhealthy co-dependence, not caring friend. Is Ted forming feelings for her? Or just deep care that is a bit suffocating?
Rebecca and the boatman.... gosh it was all so lovely. I’m kind of hoping she shows up at a game once he realizes who she is.... he clearly has a daughter. FAMILY.
And pink. We need to pay attention to the pink. It’s popping up everywhere this season. Women are wearing it or NOT. It’s gendered coloring, but that’s too easy for this show.
At no point does he say he has a daughter. Set design didn't hang any pictures of a child. They show Rebecca seeing a pink room, he says "family" once, and they don't have her follow up about the pink room – which contained no gendered anything and a rainbow unicorn.
I would be with you in keeping an eye on the borderline possibility of codependence in Ted/Rebecca, but in this case I think it was simply concern - they seem to have an established dynamic of responding to each other that was suddenly silent for no explanation
Yeah, something to watch, but I'm not too worried about it yet. We established in the last episode that Ted is a bit psychic. We know he and Rebecca share a rapport, but also a deeper connection--they both carry wounds from their respective traumas around their fathers. So I could see Ted having a sense that Rebecca was doing some important spiritual work. Maybe he found that threatening to their relationship and was like "hey don't forget me over here!" Or he's being chivalrous and wanting to check in and make sure she's OK.
1) Keeley was the dubbed tourist station in the hotel tv!! Great call back
2) Still loving the Roy-Jamie connection. Classic conversation that happens because you’re not looking at each other and goes deep enough you have to turn
3) They did.... find a way to the sort of intimacy that felt like contentment. The look on her face (not smitten, but relaxed and glad to be where she was) carried over to Don’t worry... bout a thing...
4) That moment Ted thought he saw Nate. That happened, right?
5) Trent Crimm wins the episode, with Higgins a very close 2nd
6) the emotional relational journey to the pillow fight. Yes!!! We could draw some triangles there... and the beautiful part was that it was the captain (who isn’t flashy or heroic on the field) who gut-led his way through it. The answer was all about sticking together until they could come together. Also- that was a spectacular Shakespearean rawr!!
7) I see a team that can trust one another again, ready to improvise and play loose. This bodes well!
Roy and Jamie! While we are all gushing (understandably) over Jamie's arc, let us also give Roy mucho credit for showing his vulnerable side: sharing the news about Keeley, talking about his granddad, and letting himself learn a difficult new skill and all the awkwardness that entails.
I told a friend a little while ago, their dynamic is a great example of the value of having a rough idea where you're going with your story, but letting yourself improvise as things happen. I doubt they had the Roy/Jamie bromance in mind when they began, but Phil+Brett is absolute magic on screen.
Yes- I meant that McAdoo was key to keeping them in the room until they found a way to move forward together. Sam’s smile as he started the napkin note around was perfection
That plot line felt like filler, and I don't say that negatively. It was SO real, because I remember so many times being in college (around the same age as the characters, give or take) and it taking For.Ev.Er to decide what to do. LOL.
It also dawned on me that the episode was built primarily on pairs:
Jaime/Roy
Rebecca/Sexy nameless boatman
Colin/Trent
Higgins/Will
(Keely/Jack at the head)
So it’s noticeable that Ted and Beard start as a pair and then break. And then Ted spends the episode alone. Desperately texting Rebecca. And I think there’s something to Ted finding himself (metaphorically and physically) in the American restaurant. And in the sunflowers. Perhaps his pair is Kansas itself....
Maybe it’s just because I spent the better part of 4 hours at Arena Stage in DC watching Angels in America Part 1, but I want to applaud series like TL that aren’t governed by the time constraints set for them. I was thrilled that this latest episode was over 1 hour long, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a time when the story should have been broken up. I know it must drive programmers crazy with the scheduling, but bravo for Apple to give TL this freedom. It’s a gift for fans like me.
Rebecca letting her hair down with Boat Man in the epic Kenny Rogers singing scene! What a joy to see her dropping her armor, being playful, and giving in to the moment. Flexible vs rigid, Rebecca style. 🎉
Ha, yes... Rebecca isn’t exactly a “wash and wear” kind of woman. 😂
I’d also venture to guess that most of us wouldn’t look so cute the morning after falling into a canal, drinking far too much, and not having access to any of our own grooming/makeup products.
Jamie not realizing that his experience with his dad in Amsterdam was traumatic for him killed me a little bit… I think Roy and Jamie lift each other up in so many ways none of us could have expected when we first saw them way back in the pilot!
As for Boat Man, I feel like we are never going to see him again sadly- they went out of their way to make sure there was no way for them to contact each other. He lives on a boat that will constantly be on the move, both of them lost their phones, they didn’t even tell each other their names. This was a one night experience that both of them needed.
That comment about Jamie is very astute--in my reading about trauma, kids normalize the messed-up stuff that happens to them as a matter of survival: "my parents can't be messed up, this must be the way it is/my fault if things feel sideways." And yes, that was gutting.
I'm inclined to agree that he was there for her growth (and vice versa?) and we'll not see him again. The only bit that leaves that open is they're leaning into the mystical this season, so serendipity could bring them back together.
So that's Ajax's anthem in real life. Here's where I'm fascinated to learn how this episode came together, and can't wait for the oral history. What was the seed for this episode? Amsterdam, probably, given Jason and Brendan's history. So is the "three little birds" song song simply kizmet? Triangles have been lurking in this show for a while--John Wooden's pyramid, the season 1 love triangle (does my face look like it's in the mood for shape-based jokes)...
"Triangle offense – the central component of which was for a player to always have two available teammates to whom he could pass the ball."
Ted has Beard and Roy.
"Our guys need freedom. Go wherever they want to go, follow their guts, their hearts – as long as they remember to fill in the spaces someone left behind. They gotta have one another's backs, that's for sure."
Ted's leaving. Or it's a red herring.
Not sure what "Three triangles, all leaning on each other" is yet.
Y'all may have heard the line from management consultant Peter Drucker, culture eats strategy for breakfast. Well, the team’s culture (relational) and strategy (rigid 4-4-2, 4-5-1, etc.) were not aligned. Now they will be.
Also gonna put this here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BqnN72OlqA&feature=youtu.be
I knew there was something quite familiar in that restaurant scene but couldn’t place it. That’s it!!!
Lastly (for now) in regards to triangles & systems theory: the triangle is, indeed, highly stable. We often think of it in terms of unhealth because it can so easily become so with lack of intentionality. But the bringing in of the third person (to form the triangle) is so that the two of the primary relationship don’t break or become overwhelmed. When done poorly, it becomes dysfunctional; when done well, it produces greater effectiveness. I think we’re going to see some of that in the coming episodes, I believe.
Well stated.
Found this in my reading last night. Looks like I can't post pics in comments, so I'll have to describe.
Watch the museum scene again, especially what's happening behind him. We first see a woman pushing a pram. Then we see a grown man, pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Then we see an old man, walking by himself. They all cross from right to left. The pram is bright blue, and then the man is wearing a blue hat both times.
The stages of life.
Fred and I have watched this episode 3 times. I am overwhelmed. Great insights MA. I could have watched Rebecca and Boat Man all night long. #ThrowingWaterIntoTheDryer.
So wholesome. Yet also hot 🔥
How could we forget: the catalyst for Ted’s exploration into broader ideas came from choosing to drink tea. The fact that it was a “dud batch” should undermine the fact that HE DRANK TEA! I invest more for Team Stay now.
Thank you for calling this out! Great connection I hadn't thought of. Incredible growth.
I missed this! Of course! Yes! The tea!
I absolutely loved this episode. As soon as Ted had his basketball-triangle vision, I started noticing intentional triangle shapes, including the obvious one on the team bus.
The closing scene and credits with Amsterdam in the background featured a load of triangles: the boats, the focal point in the shot. You could literally divide the screen based on the imaginary lines of the city background
I like how a component of Teds new strategy is to let everyone be free and play to their instincts, much like Jordan and the Bulls
Which brings me to this, Teds new plan has been staring him in the face the entire series. In the last episode, I think, there was a long shot of Ted staring at the framed picture of basketball coaching great Woodens basketball pyramid, ahem, triangle.
Ted needed to get out of the office, out of the box to understand the implications
Also a friend pointed another fun tidbit in the credits: God, played by herself
It was a blink and miss but during Teds vision, it’s explained that God dropped a square and it broke into two triangles. A female hand (God) reaches down to pick it up and says “oops”
In the realm of its not a big deal with the totality of the show: interesting that neither Rebecca or Dutchman with boat exchanged names or said what their careers were.
Another observation of that interaction, a boat is just a fancy triangle.
Is it gellezig when we’re in the triangle or allowing the power of the triangle guide us?
Last but not least, for all you Presbyterians and Xians out there, anyone else have thoughts about the Trinity while watching?
So much in this episode, I don’t know if I can do much more THAN leave a plethora of unrelated observations as comments...but here a few of mine as we get started:
-Jaime’s mannerisms (physical & vocal) during this episode reminded me SO much of his dad’s, without the toxicity, passive-aggressiveness, or abusive aspects to them.
-Roy realizing his attitude toward the team/his role is being influenced by his own unresolved issues (and dare I say a recognition to address them).
-so much Roy and Jaime.
-I was so glad to see deep connection and restorative conversation without it directly leading to sex. Still holding that in tension against the Keeley/Jack dynamic (though I still don’t know what I make of that, either).
-all the callbacks: finally, the pillow fight alluded to in s1!! It’s life-changing...
-“I want to see a tulip.” “What, like a field of tulips?” “No, just one; an entire field would be overwhelming.”
-seeing more of Jan Maas in his native element, with the contrast of Montlaur the Parisian
-Will, casually mentioning to his mom that “he met a nice couple who invited me to a threesome.” And Higgins’s mentioning without context/explanation to anyone that he’s headed to the Red Light District, and everyone’s (including ours) reaction to that news.
There’s so much to say, there’s almost nothing to say.
Trent Crimm and Colin was everything and more. Beautifully handled.
I kept thinking about how you, MAMD, we’re waiting for the Jamie/Roy training montage and how we got it... but in a learning to ride a bike version, which was the most delightful, fun, hilarious writing and acting to date. So much heart.
I am still pondering Ted and his response to Rebecca not texting back. 12 texts and 3gifs?! That’s unhealthy co-dependence, not caring friend. Is Ted forming feelings for her? Or just deep care that is a bit suffocating?
Rebecca and the boatman.... gosh it was all so lovely. I’m kind of hoping she shows up at a game once he realizes who she is.... he clearly has a daughter. FAMILY.
And pink. We need to pay attention to the pink. It’s popping up everywhere this season. Women are wearing it or NOT. It’s gendered coloring, but that’s too easy for this show.
Haven’t we seen Isaac in a pink tracksuit? In the trailer maybe?
We can't post images here, but go back and zoom in on what's at the very right side of that pink room.
The unicorn?
The rainbow unicorn.
At no point does he say he has a daughter. Set design didn't hang any pictures of a child. They show Rebecca seeing a pink room, he says "family" once, and they don't have her follow up about the pink room – which contained no gendered anything and a rainbow unicorn.
Actually...
Do we even know that's his boat?
Before I answer that, I want to know what you're suggesting/wondering.
Ohhhhhh maybe....
I would be with you in keeping an eye on the borderline possibility of codependence in Ted/Rebecca, but in this case I think it was simply concern - they seem to have an established dynamic of responding to each other that was suddenly silent for no explanation
Yeah, something to watch, but I'm not too worried about it yet. We established in the last episode that Ted is a bit psychic. We know he and Rebecca share a rapport, but also a deeper connection--they both carry wounds from their respective traumas around their fathers. So I could see Ted having a sense that Rebecca was doing some important spiritual work. Maybe he found that threatening to their relationship and was like "hey don't forget me over here!" Or he's being chivalrous and wanting to check in and make sure she's OK.
Ok- LOVED this one because So
Much happened while nothing happened.
1) Keeley was the dubbed tourist station in the hotel tv!! Great call back
2) Still loving the Roy-Jamie connection. Classic conversation that happens because you’re not looking at each other and goes deep enough you have to turn
3) They did.... find a way to the sort of intimacy that felt like contentment. The look on her face (not smitten, but relaxed and glad to be where she was) carried over to Don’t worry... bout a thing...
4) That moment Ted thought he saw Nate. That happened, right?
5) Trent Crimm wins the episode, with Higgins a very close 2nd
6) the emotional relational journey to the pillow fight. Yes!!! We could draw some triangles there... and the beautiful part was that it was the captain (who isn’t flashy or heroic on the field) who gut-led his way through it. The answer was all about sticking together until they could come together. Also- that was a spectacular Shakespearean rawr!!
7) I see a team that can trust one another again, ready to improvise and play loose. This bodes well!
Roy and Jamie! While we are all gushing (understandably) over Jamie's arc, let us also give Roy mucho credit for showing his vulnerable side: sharing the news about Keeley, talking about his granddad, and letting himself learn a difficult new skill and all the awkwardness that entails.
I told a friend a little while ago, their dynamic is a great example of the value of having a rough idea where you're going with your story, but letting yourself improvise as things happen. I doubt they had the Roy/Jamie bromance in mind when they began, but Phil+Brett is absolute magic on screen.
I would happily watch McAdoo (and/or Kola Bokinni) act Shakespeare. I also love that he led & captained, but the idea for that initially came from Sam
Yes- I meant that McAdoo was key to keeping them in the room until they found a way to move forward together. Sam’s smile as he started the napkin note around was perfection
That plot line felt like filler, and I don't say that negatively. It was SO real, because I remember so many times being in college (around the same age as the characters, give or take) and it taking For.Ev.Er to decide what to do. LOL.
See also coaching leadership teams/sessions toward consensus on ridiculous things so they can remember how to do it when it matters.
It also dawned on me that the episode was built primarily on pairs:
Jaime/Roy
Rebecca/Sexy nameless boatman
Colin/Trent
Higgins/Will
(Keely/Jack at the head)
So it’s noticeable that Ted and Beard start as a pair and then break. And then Ted spends the episode alone. Desperately texting Rebecca. And I think there’s something to Ted finding himself (metaphorically and physically) in the American restaurant. And in the sunflowers. Perhaps his pair is Kansas itself....
Maybe it’s just because I spent the better part of 4 hours at Arena Stage in DC watching Angels in America Part 1, but I want to applaud series like TL that aren’t governed by the time constraints set for them. I was thrilled that this latest episode was over 1 hour long, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a time when the story should have been broken up. I know it must drive programmers crazy with the scheduling, but bravo for Apple to give TL this freedom. It’s a gift for fans like me.
Rebecca letting her hair down with Boat Man in the epic Kenny Rogers singing scene! What a joy to see her dropping her armor, being playful, and giving in to the moment. Flexible vs rigid, Rebecca style. 🎉
It was such a joy. At the end when she pours herself into that seat on the bus, she looked like I feel whenever I get a massage :-)
I did see a comment though, "As if Rebecca wears anything that can be machine washed" lol
Ha, yes... Rebecca isn’t exactly a “wash and wear” kind of woman. 😂
I’d also venture to guess that most of us wouldn’t look so cute the morning after falling into a canal, drinking far too much, and not having access to any of our own grooming/makeup products.
She was radiant, eh?
I'm guessing 2:49 means it's a dryer on Delicate?
I just saw that and said “energy efficient European dryer.”
My first thought was “oh no her clothes are probably ruined!” But I guess he used a gentle setting?
The Netherlands Ministry of Tourism owes AppleTV some money.
💯
Jamie not realizing that his experience with his dad in Amsterdam was traumatic for him killed me a little bit… I think Roy and Jamie lift each other up in so many ways none of us could have expected when we first saw them way back in the pilot!
As for Boat Man, I feel like we are never going to see him again sadly- they went out of their way to make sure there was no way for them to contact each other. He lives on a boat that will constantly be on the move, both of them lost their phones, they didn’t even tell each other their names. This was a one night experience that both of them needed.
That comment about Jamie is very astute--in my reading about trauma, kids normalize the messed-up stuff that happens to them as a matter of survival: "my parents can't be messed up, this must be the way it is/my fault if things feel sideways." And yes, that was gutting.
I'm inclined to agree that he was there for her growth (and vice versa?) and we'll not see him again. The only bit that leaves that open is they're leaning into the mystical this season, so serendipity could bring them back together.
Ted has his two to hand off to.
"Three Little Birds" starts and ends the episode, with Rebecca calling it depressing at the beginning and singing it blissfully at the end.
And that would be THREE little birds.
Yes indeed!
So that's Ajax's anthem in real life. Here's where I'm fascinated to learn how this episode came together, and can't wait for the oral history. What was the seed for this episode? Amsterdam, probably, given Jason and Brendan's history. So is the "three little birds" song song simply kizmet? Triangles have been lurking in this show for a while--John Wooden's pyramid, the season 1 love triangle (does my face look like it's in the mood for shape-based jokes)...
Would love to hear the order of operations.
I love it when a plane comes together.
I'm not sure I understand this...
"Triangle offense – the central component of which was for a player to always have two available teammates to whom he could pass the ball."
Ted has Beard and Roy.
"Our guys need freedom. Go wherever they want to go, follow their guts, their hearts – as long as they remember to fill in the spaces someone left behind. They gotta have one another's backs, that's for sure."
Ted's leaving. Or it's a red herring.
Not sure what "Three triangles, all leaning on each other" is yet.
Stock in "Roy-Keeley-Jamie throuple" ticks up slightly after this episode...
(I actually hate the idea but it's out there)
Don't forget Jack!