S03 E09 La Locker Room Aux Folles

three more episodes :-(

Discussion below.

Anybody else in the mood for this now? See also: The Birdcage.

~

If last week was about the ways heteropatriarchy impacts women, this one was about the cultural strictures around masculinity. Of course there’s the Colin/Isaac relationship, but also Rupert in full womanizer mode, and the crazed entitled fan. Roy regains his swagger—and his humanity. Even small moments reinforce the theme: Jamie makes a quick bid for the captain’s armband and Sam asserts his leadership with a one-fingered salute—and a smile. Classic Sam. Even Will gets a moment to share some wisdom about snowflakes on the mountain… followed by an offer of bubble gum. Because bubble gum’s awesome!

~

So appreciated the reminder that “not caring” isn’t the goal. That’s right up there with “not seeing color.” The goal is to care deeply, and to celebrate what makes each of us who we are, whether that’s our race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. We may mean well when we say someone’s identity “isn’t an issue,” but we convey that we aren’t really seeing the full person.

Ted’s gay/Broncos comparison—ill-conceived metaphor, but he apologizes and moves on. This show repeatedly demonstrates how to be an imperfect ally—own your mistakes, don’t dissolve in histrionics, agree to do better.

Related: Isaac’s feelings at the end are understandable, but they also center himself rather than Colin (what is it about me that you couldn’t tell me / it wasn’t about you). Those of us who seek to be allies: take note. It’s not about us.

~

The look on Nate’s face when he introduces Jade as his girlfriend to Rupert. So much earnest pride. Nate rehab continues.

We’ve had at least two subtle references to Friends this season. The first was when Zava referred to the “we and the us and the wenus.” Second was when Rupert referred to Jade as “Kate.” That was deliberate, and it’s strategy.

~

We talked before about Nate’s sad attempt to recreate the Diamond Dogs at West Ham. This episode we had one of his co-workers invite him to grab a beer. He declined in order to go hang with Rupert (though later begged off, thankfully). Many have speculated that Nate will return to Richmond, but I’d like to see him stay at West Ham (with new ownership) and start to transform the culture of that team. And maybe cultivate his own friendships there?

~

Do you think if Trent Crimm tried, he could be even more of an absolute legend? No. The answer is no. My guy, you had me at the lime green Cure shirt.

~

When Rebecca and Keeley are having girl talk and Ted comes in to the deliver the biscuits and sings a country song. A perfect example of that Ted Lasso warmth (gezellig) that we will miss. Only three episodes left, y’all…

~

The Beard press conference. It’s played for laughs, but it’s a great example of knowing one’s gifts and one’s role. Not everyone is meant to be the leader. Beard is a great second chair. (Brendan Hunt has had some great moments this season.)

~

Love that it was Rebecca who delivered the Come to Jesus talk to Roy. Could anyone else have gotten away with it? No, because they’re both big dogs, and game recognizes game.

And that closing press conference?
That was the moment Roy became head coach.

~

Discuss!

To get the Ted Lasso posts via email:

1. Go to the Blue Room homepage and grab a free subscription to the Blue Room if you haven't already.

2. Once you’re on the Blue Room main page, click on the three horizontal lines in the top right and go to Manage Subscription.

3. From there you can select or deselect whatever you want emailed to you. I write each Friday about anything and everything, but you can customize exactly what you want to get, including just the Crown and Anchor/Ted Lasso content.

4. When the email comes in each week, click on the Comment button to read and share thoughts with fellow fans!