OK, you know I haven't been on Team Nate for awhile and although he's been winning me back with some of his moves/actions, I was still on the fence. Off the fence now. He had me at finding the violin in the attic and playing it (I learned violin probably at the same age as young Nate).
If Rupert expected that from her it would only be so that he could decline without losing face... and if it went sideways, not his problem. Basically, let her take the risk and the blame.
His wife may have kicked him so hard he had a fecal scare... the new admin made me think maybe she is done with his shenanigans and did a little office staff overhaul.
Nate's violin piece is Arvo Pärt's Spigel im Spigel - Mirror in Mirror. Mirrors, which feature prominently throughout the series, also feature importantly in this episode - (Rebecca seeing herself as a small girl , and making herself big in the mirror). Interesting.
The rubber is meeting the road. And that is great and also means some of the more satisfying guesses I've had seem less likely. I have tried to predict the future of this show more than the psychic woman, and at some point, writers have decisions to make. I enjoyed parts of this episode: some great quotes and character development. I love the idea that Nate, Rebecca, and even Rupert are reckoning with their childhood selves. The mirror and the violin and the soundtrack, brilliant. Roy "red right hand," loved it. Rebecca held the green matchbook and green army man... she can keep herself safe perhaps.
But there were some unnecessary diversions... the Akufo league. It was probably a way for Rebecca to stand up for the game itself, a way for her to overcome her revenge toward Rupert, for people to see even him as redeemable... but it took us away from the team for a long time and the food fight was confusing. The tenderness of Rupert was hard for me to believe. The reunion of Roy and Keeley was welcomed but so quick, it also left me confused. The vanishing of Jack and then Rebecca fixing the slight (enormous) money issue makes Keeley seem like she is still jerked around on other people's agendas. Dani being aggro seemed off too - he doesn't do that in normal games toward their opponents. And the Ted-isms felt forced. Maybe that's intentional because he hasn't been himself with all that he's facing but, man, I wish they'd focus on him. What about his dad, his son, his prospects, what he is passionate about, what the heck with Dr. Jacob and Michele's indiscernible smiles, and whether TED loves football or not... uggh, who cares about stupid Rupert's fecal tests. But ok, he's part of Rebecca's arc. The whole thing was a bit of a snow globe and I just wanted them to settle and focus on the TOTAL FOOTBALL, the original team becoming themselves. Higgins and Jamie were just that, and I am here for it!
The department of speculation over here assumes Ted is going home, Rebecca will catch a passing glance of Boat Man at a game (Total Football is from Amsterdam -- maybe that gets referenced in Amsterdam such that he sees her on TV and comes to watch a game?) and they will have a quick but promising trajectory and the daughter. And Nate comes back to Richmond, with Roy getting promoted to coach. Maybe we see a nice wedding or two.
MaryAnn, maybe my resistance to this show ending is kind of like a teenager getting ready for college who finds all kinds of reasons it's ok to be done. I doubt I'd be so tough on the episode if there were a long runway ahead.
I totally get this feeling. I had a group of girlfriends I used to get together with every year, and they would affectionately point out that I would get very prickly on the last day because I didn’t want it to end. (I guess I’ve grown since then because I don’t do that at the Well ☺️)
Like Higgins and his dad, I’m trying to love the season for what it is and forgive it for what it isn’t.
Becca, I had some feelings about Rebecca saving Keeley with the funding. I wish it had been offered like a loan or as an investment. A little tweak would have made a big difference there.
I kind of loved that he's a big puppy in his own pack but an attack dog against others, but that's true, he hasn't been like that against other opponents. I wonder if playing for Mexico is the difference.
I feel like each episode this season finds ways of topping the previous ones- it’s truly amazing that they are bringing such authenticity to the characters and such amazing, beautiful moments between them! My favorites this week are:
1) Something that was talked about a bit less with Nate was that he quit his dream job because he didn’t like what he was becoming or the people around him. While quitting your job with zero prospects is a bit too “TV” for me, the fact that he recognized the toxic situation and removed himself from it is extremely impressive. Also, when his dad told him to just do something that makes him happy, I genuinely thought for a second that he should become a Busker!
2) The fact that Jack texted Keeley and tried to play it off like it wasn’t her choice to remove funding was perfect to the character she had shown us- it was sad to see, but honestly it was unrealistic to expect her to just let Keeley continue to work for her. The blame/deflection angle seems to be her go to so it was a gut punch, but one that makes sense for the type of person she is.
3) Roy’s interaction with Ms. Bowen was interesting- at first I thought he was going to ask her out, and their first date would be when he realized what he needed to do for Keeley, but the fact that he did his classic “Fuuuuuuuu” of realization just from seeing how stuck he was in his headspace before was amazing.
4) I absolutely agree with the idea that Rupert brought Rebecca in to be the one to say no to Edwin, so that he didn’t get the blame from the owners. For all of Rupert’s (many) faults, it’s been clear from day one that he loves football, and the last thing he would want to do is dilute it with this super league. Also, during the scenes with him I was reminded of what Keeley said in the first episode of this season: “sometimes you’ve got to let Rupert be Rupert too.” I think Rebecca is finally at a point where she can see Rupert for who he really is, and while redemption isn’t really what I see for him, she can definitely just accept who he is and let it all go, which is what is best for her.
5) The fact that it cost Edwin Akufu $20 million to keep Sam off the Nigerian national team is a testament to how much Sam deserved it. If he keeps excelling, eventually no amount of money will keep him away- I would love to see a flash forward of him finally getting to make his dream happen, which is so rightfully deserved!
I could go on, but I’ve already written way more than I expected to… just 2 more episodes of this beautiful, brilliant show!!
All these points, but you’re definitely spot on with #1 in that it was huge for Nate, in recognizing what the job (at least at West Ham) was leading him to become, to walk and determine that was not who he is or wanted to be. It created a miserable feeling, but not one he regretted, and from there he could revisit who he sees himself being and valuing, now with the ability to speak up and tell his dad what that dynamic has meant/been (and to hear it dad’s response, too, not just in order to respond but to actually hear it). So beautiful.
I feel like Nate has becoming more and more himself - at each crossroads, he has chosen to be himself. Leaving the job is the perfect plot turn, and the depression makes sense - his WonderKid ego crashing into his true selfhood. Something that Ted first awakened in him, remembering his name. How did a genius end up working as a kit boy anyway?
I wonder what the details of Nate's separation from West Ham were, besides "walked." It seems possible Rupert's been humbled and it involves Nate, Bex, Ms Kake, Ms Bread, his fecalist, and his new limp.
Perfectly said. As my therapist likes to ask, are the unpleasant symptoms/sensations occurring in the service of growth or regression? Nate fell into a terrible funk of being unable to leave his childhood room, but it led to some wonderful explorations of his literal and figurative attic, and that healing exchange with his father.
Yes. Reminds me of that need to just be alone with oneself and truly be in the space of it all stripped away in order to finally find oneself. Didn’t see him scrolling on his phone. Didn’t hear him verbally processing. Just found a safe space to just “be”. This whole episode with Nate felt like his version of a spirit quest - losing oneself to find it.
Pink! But also all the colors tonight and the ah-ha that ROY is red, orange, yellow. Half of the rainbow. And after he and Keely are back together it’s the whole f-in rainbow. 🌈 I keep thinking about Roy’s realization he wants to coach in the “rainbow” episode with the Beatles song. I suspect there’s more to all the colors. I need to watch from the beginning and dissect every color!
There’s a lot of chatter about Ted and Rebecca and that final scene. I really just want them to be friends who deeply care for one another. Are they taking us down a romantic road? When Rebecca pulled out the matchbook, I had less faith that this would be the breadcrumb that leads boatman back to her.
I want to point out that next week is the penultimate episode which means, if the pattern holds, there will be a confession between Ted and Rebecca in the office.
The spitting of tea on Ted definitely points back to the end is season 1. It feels like an opening for Rebecca to try on some of the transparency that has been Ted’s trademark. I could see next episode being both Rebecca and Nate and maybe even Michelle fully owning the harm they have done and Ted having a chance to own his feelings of betrayal. Is that too much to ask for in one episode?
Also, Jen, good catch with rainbow. I had noticed the second shirt Roy wore was darker colors more fitting to him but hadn’t registered it was the other half of the rainbow. Love that!
Watching the episode again, and especially the scene with Rebecca in front of the mirror, I was reminded of Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and seeing/honoring the inner child.
Everything felt jarring for the first several minutes... like we missed just one day too many to be in the flow (not bad, just discombobulating until we’d made the rounds to see everyone... then wow. Definitely going to watch again.
How had Keeley not met Mae before? Love that we got her coaching moment.
Also #TeamBarbara
Phoebe must have college paid for by now
Roy Effing Kent + Keeley Effing Jones = ForEffingEver. #BillMe
I love that Trent pops up everywhere now. Part of the fam.
So little Ted this round, and that felt right, too.
Laura-I'm so glad you mentioned the pace of this episode at first. I was almost feeling like I had just started a race when first tuning into this episode. I don't know whether it was coming from my expectations that they had so much to tie up before the finale but I just kept thinking..."we're running out of time." I too, settled in as the hour proceeded.
And I think Barbara needs Keeley as much as Keeley needs Barbara. I'm more of a Keeley than a Barbara, by far, but if I had a business, I'd need the seriousness of Barbara because I'm sure many of my clients wouldn't like my schtick and know that there is a responsible person in the room. I had this relationship with my dearly departed sister Sherry when we worked together and it was powerful.
I haven’t been able to complete my rewatch, but some of my thinking on the character arcs in this episode (some of which have been building all season, others less so) begins with the brief interaction of Jade with Nate. Her portrayal of supportive honesty (“sometimes you’re an idiot, yes” and “do you regret your decision? No? Then there’s your answer”) is what ultimately works to unlock us from the places we’re stuck. And in getting ourselves unstuck, we begin redemption - of ourselves, and of others; when we’re stuck in whatever negative space we’re in, we can only view the world through that.
Rebecca began to become unstuck with boat man. Jamie has been working on “unstuck” for a couple seasons now, and we can see those dividends. Ted began to unstick when he realized (with Rebecca’s help) that his relationship with Henry is more important, and not strictly defined by, his relationship to Michelle. Etc. Etc.
Rupert? Perhaps, as MAMD opines above, he’s having a mortality scare (and combined possibly with how he sees himself in relationship to his wife & daughter - who have been absent since early on), and that unsticking him from the worldview he’s lived in so long. Not all the way, but somewhat.
I think there’s a lot to the redemption of our selves and the relationships we’re connected in when we do the work on unsticking from where we’ve been stuck. And that’s certainly in line with the Brene Brown understandings in the writers’ room!
About Rupert, it's also possible that the pure authenticity and courage Rebecca displayed has a disarming effect--at least temporarily. You see some genuine Rupert there in the way he listens to Rebecca. Then he tries to kiss her, which you could see as a power play and/or emotional immaturity as he doesn't know how to respond to such authenticity. The narcissism is still there.
Oh absolutely; even as he moves back away from complete narcissism, I saw that encounter as he totally didn’t know how to respond, but sensing their was an emotional connection saw it the only way that made sense to him (which is still way off base!) Rupert still has a LONG way to go, but he’s come further already than I ever thought he would.
Roy's color journey picks up the recurring theme of integrating existing personality with a newly encountered approach that seems good but feels alien. First he's all black (sorry, dark heather charcoal), then he goes orange/yellow tie-dye, then he's in black jeans and Keeley's pink/magenta robe, and then he integrates it all with a dark tie-dye at the end. (See also: Jamie being a prick, then encountering true team playing, then integrating the two.)
I want there to be a whole show just about Keeley and Barbara!!! I love them together. I feel a bit like a missed something with Roy's realization on the playground after talking to the teacher he'd been flirting with... was it just that he messed up? I think signs are pointing to Beard staying - 17 axes is a big, rather immobile investment. Almost all the books he reads are about football - as if he's studying to stay in this business. I like that we only experience Jane off-screen - she's a mystery, and somehow the off-screen goofiness adds to the humor. I am still holding out hope for the Dutch guy to reappear for Rebecca. Maybe he will see her on TV? I love all the ways characters are forgiving themselves and each other, and letting go of ego/false self in favor of love and honest relationship. Finally, I am grateful for all the ways that the show doesn't allow bullies to win, because that's sure how it seems in this world we live in, always and forever.
Been noodling on the way Ted has been “sidelined” even as he is the titular main character... relegated, even. Initial meandering thoughts..
We’re getting less of him as he’s doing even more of what a good coach does - letting his team and his staff shine. Because it’s not all about him. Opting out of the presser was for Henry *and* Roy (who else would Rebecca tap?). Letting Beard (and Roy and Nate) take the wheel on game play wasn’t only about his initial incompetence... his gift in American football was team building via culture shift, and he brought that to Richmond, too.
He was winging a fair bit of it, as some of us are wont to do, but the patterns show a method to the Lasso Way madness.
When the mental/emotional energy drain of being stuck broke loose, he could see the whole game from the perspective of the team culture he had cultivated. But even that a-ha! evolved to shared leadership, cultural course correction (yes, it matters, Colin), and celebrating success.
It’s a bit counter-cultural, given the weirdness of American sports-hero worship that celebrates coaches who are as legendary as their records (if not more).
They've been so cagey about this being the last season--that's the assumption, but I wonder whether there will be a marvelous surprise for the fans, that the show will continue more or less as is, but without Ted. Virtually all of the characters are beloved and we enjoy hanging out with them. Of course, some of the actors may want to do other things.
Season one of Andor was a coherent whole, but it told 3 (4?) sub-stories of about 3 episodes each. Wouldn't it be cool if a fourth (maybe even final) season of TL did that. Multiple characters get their own arc, with the other characters in and out of those stories. It might provide some space for these actors to explore other projects, while continuing to play the characters they clearly enjoy playing (Brett G has said he'd gladly play Roy forever, probably an exaggeration but indicative of the vibe on set).
Call back to season 1 in that, when FaceTiming Henry who commented that “it doesn’t look like you do much” when he’s on the sidelines of a match. “You know, you just got to let the players play and hope they remember what you tried to teach them.”
I have loved following this conversation all season (and before on Facebook), so thank you MaryAnn!! I will miss reading these posts when (if??) the show ends.
I am still undecided about whether I am rooting for a Ted and Rebecca relationship or friendship, but the way that the show portrays their strong connection is so amazing. The subtle one I loved in this week's episode was during Rebecca's speech to the other owners. At one point she says, "Just because we own these teams doesn't mean they belong to us." This is the exact same sentiment that Ted said to Beard earlier in the season at the pub talking about letting fans attend practice: "It's their team. We're just borrowing it for a little while." ❤
The Canadian announcers were Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie from Whose Line Is It Anyway!! When they apologize for the language 🤣
OMG! I didn’t catch that. Wonderful catch!!!
The apologies in this episode: Roy’s simple note, and Nate’s big gesture with Will. The entire spectrum.
Good Place fans: the violin piece was also used in the finale of that series. (I scroll through Reddit so you don’t have to)
I heard that Nick M actually played the whole piece and that the piano part was played by his real life wife.
I wondered!!
OK, you know I haven't been on Team Nate for awhile and although he's been winning me back with some of his moves/actions, I was still on the fence. Off the fence now. He had me at finding the violin in the attic and playing it (I learned violin probably at the same age as young Nate).
I sensed strongly that Rupert brought Rebecca to the meeting to do exactly what she did. But why?
Speculation on Reddit that he’s having a mortality scare--the fecal sample being more than just a joke.
If Rupert expected that from her it would only be so that he could decline without losing face... and if it went sideways, not his problem. Basically, let her take the risk and the blame.
His wife may have kicked him so hard he had a fecal scare... the new admin made me think maybe she is done with his shenanigans and did a little office staff overhaul.
Could it be that the student informs the teacher? Could it be that Nate's morality has rubbed off on his boss? .... nah! :-)
I'm actually wondering if Nate's departure is related to the new assistant, and if Bex is part of that story, too.
You probably noticed that Rupert went from Ms. Kakes to Ms. Bread...
I knew "Bread" must mean something, but I didn't remember Kakes!
Nate's violin piece is Arvo Pärt's Spigel im Spigel - Mirror in Mirror. Mirrors, which feature prominently throughout the series, also feature importantly in this episode - (Rebecca seeing herself as a small girl , and making herself big in the mirror). Interesting.
Ahhhh thank you for this I!!
Lastly: the return of Phoebe, finally meeting her mom, and how Phoebe invited Jamie because he’s Roy’s “BF” - and Jamie actually took it all to heart!
Someone on Reddit pointed out that the gift was wrapped in black, with a black bow. Jamie knows his boi well!
And Jamie thought Phoebe's mom / Roy's sister was hot!!! Loved that scene.
The rubber is meeting the road. And that is great and also means some of the more satisfying guesses I've had seem less likely. I have tried to predict the future of this show more than the psychic woman, and at some point, writers have decisions to make. I enjoyed parts of this episode: some great quotes and character development. I love the idea that Nate, Rebecca, and even Rupert are reckoning with their childhood selves. The mirror and the violin and the soundtrack, brilliant. Roy "red right hand," loved it. Rebecca held the green matchbook and green army man... she can keep herself safe perhaps.
But there were some unnecessary diversions... the Akufo league. It was probably a way for Rebecca to stand up for the game itself, a way for her to overcome her revenge toward Rupert, for people to see even him as redeemable... but it took us away from the team for a long time and the food fight was confusing. The tenderness of Rupert was hard for me to believe. The reunion of Roy and Keeley was welcomed but so quick, it also left me confused. The vanishing of Jack and then Rebecca fixing the slight (enormous) money issue makes Keeley seem like she is still jerked around on other people's agendas. Dani being aggro seemed off too - he doesn't do that in normal games toward their opponents. And the Ted-isms felt forced. Maybe that's intentional because he hasn't been himself with all that he's facing but, man, I wish they'd focus on him. What about his dad, his son, his prospects, what he is passionate about, what the heck with Dr. Jacob and Michele's indiscernible smiles, and whether TED loves football or not... uggh, who cares about stupid Rupert's fecal tests. But ok, he's part of Rebecca's arc. The whole thing was a bit of a snow globe and I just wanted them to settle and focus on the TOTAL FOOTBALL, the original team becoming themselves. Higgins and Jamie were just that, and I am here for it!
The department of speculation over here assumes Ted is going home, Rebecca will catch a passing glance of Boat Man at a game (Total Football is from Amsterdam -- maybe that gets referenced in Amsterdam such that he sees her on TV and comes to watch a game?) and they will have a quick but promising trajectory and the daughter. And Nate comes back to Richmond, with Roy getting promoted to coach. Maybe we see a nice wedding or two.
MaryAnn, maybe my resistance to this show ending is kind of like a teenager getting ready for college who finds all kinds of reasons it's ok to be done. I doubt I'd be so tough on the episode if there were a long runway ahead.
I totally get this feeling. I had a group of girlfriends I used to get together with every year, and they would affectionately point out that I would get very prickly on the last day because I didn’t want it to end. (I guess I’ve grown since then because I don’t do that at the Well ☺️)
Like Higgins and his dad, I’m trying to love the season for what it is and forgive it for what it isn’t.
Becca, I had some feelings about Rebecca saving Keeley with the funding. I wish it had been offered like a loan or as an investment. A little tweak would have made a big difference there.
And I still have hopes for the boatman!
I get that, about Dani being that aggressive.
I kind of loved that he's a big puppy in his own pack but an attack dog against others, but that's true, he hasn't been like that against other opponents. I wonder if playing for Mexico is the difference.
People on the TL subreddit were saying his behavior was right on brand for the Concacaf league (Central America/Caribbean)
I feel like each episode this season finds ways of topping the previous ones- it’s truly amazing that they are bringing such authenticity to the characters and such amazing, beautiful moments between them! My favorites this week are:
1) Something that was talked about a bit less with Nate was that he quit his dream job because he didn’t like what he was becoming or the people around him. While quitting your job with zero prospects is a bit too “TV” for me, the fact that he recognized the toxic situation and removed himself from it is extremely impressive. Also, when his dad told him to just do something that makes him happy, I genuinely thought for a second that he should become a Busker!
2) The fact that Jack texted Keeley and tried to play it off like it wasn’t her choice to remove funding was perfect to the character she had shown us- it was sad to see, but honestly it was unrealistic to expect her to just let Keeley continue to work for her. The blame/deflection angle seems to be her go to so it was a gut punch, but one that makes sense for the type of person she is.
3) Roy’s interaction with Ms. Bowen was interesting- at first I thought he was going to ask her out, and their first date would be when he realized what he needed to do for Keeley, but the fact that he did his classic “Fuuuuuuuu” of realization just from seeing how stuck he was in his headspace before was amazing.
4) I absolutely agree with the idea that Rupert brought Rebecca in to be the one to say no to Edwin, so that he didn’t get the blame from the owners. For all of Rupert’s (many) faults, it’s been clear from day one that he loves football, and the last thing he would want to do is dilute it with this super league. Also, during the scenes with him I was reminded of what Keeley said in the first episode of this season: “sometimes you’ve got to let Rupert be Rupert too.” I think Rebecca is finally at a point where she can see Rupert for who he really is, and while redemption isn’t really what I see for him, she can definitely just accept who he is and let it all go, which is what is best for her.
5) The fact that it cost Edwin Akufu $20 million to keep Sam off the Nigerian national team is a testament to how much Sam deserved it. If he keeps excelling, eventually no amount of money will keep him away- I would love to see a flash forward of him finally getting to make his dream happen, which is so rightfully deserved!
I could go on, but I’ve already written way more than I expected to… just 2 more episodes of this beautiful, brilliant show!!
You’re a great analyzer Jack!
All these points, but you’re definitely spot on with #1 in that it was huge for Nate, in recognizing what the job (at least at West Ham) was leading him to become, to walk and determine that was not who he is or wanted to be. It created a miserable feeling, but not one he regretted, and from there he could revisit who he sees himself being and valuing, now with the ability to speak up and tell his dad what that dynamic has meant/been (and to hear it dad’s response, too, not just in order to respond but to actually hear it). So beautiful.
I feel like Nate has becoming more and more himself - at each crossroads, he has chosen to be himself. Leaving the job is the perfect plot turn, and the depression makes sense - his WonderKid ego crashing into his true selfhood. Something that Ted first awakened in him, remembering his name. How did a genius end up working as a kit boy anyway?
I wonder what the details of Nate's separation from West Ham were, besides "walked." It seems possible Rupert's been humbled and it involves Nate, Bex, Ms Kake, Ms Bread, his fecalist, and his new limp.
Perfectly said. As my therapist likes to ask, are the unpleasant symptoms/sensations occurring in the service of growth or regression? Nate fell into a terrible funk of being unable to leave his childhood room, but it led to some wonderful explorations of his literal and figurative attic, and that healing exchange with his father.
Yes. Reminds me of that need to just be alone with oneself and truly be in the space of it all stripped away in order to finally find oneself. Didn’t see him scrolling on his phone. Didn’t hear him verbally processing. Just found a safe space to just “be”. This whole episode with Nate felt like his version of a spirit quest - losing oneself to find it.
Pink! But also all the colors tonight and the ah-ha that ROY is red, orange, yellow. Half of the rainbow. And after he and Keely are back together it’s the whole f-in rainbow. 🌈 I keep thinking about Roy’s realization he wants to coach in the “rainbow” episode with the Beatles song. I suspect there’s more to all the colors. I need to watch from the beginning and dissect every color!
There’s a lot of chatter about Ted and Rebecca and that final scene. I really just want them to be friends who deeply care for one another. Are they taking us down a romantic road? When Rebecca pulled out the matchbook, I had less faith that this would be the breadcrumb that leads boatman back to her.
I want to point out that next week is the penultimate episode which means, if the pattern holds, there will be a confession between Ted and Rebecca in the office.
Also I NEVER WANT THIS TO END. 😭😭😭
The spitting of tea on Ted definitely points back to the end is season 1. It feels like an opening for Rebecca to try on some of the transparency that has been Ted’s trademark. I could see next episode being both Rebecca and Nate and maybe even Michelle fully owning the harm they have done and Ted having a chance to own his feelings of betrayal. Is that too much to ask for in one episode?
Also, Jen, good catch with rainbow. I had noticed the second shirt Roy wore was darker colors more fitting to him but hadn’t registered it was the other half of the rainbow. Love that!
Yeah, will be waiting with baited breath for the confession scene
Watching the episode again, and especially the scene with Rebecca in front of the mirror, I was reminded of Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and seeing/honoring the inner child.
The music for this episode. Wow.
Everything felt jarring for the first several minutes... like we missed just one day too many to be in the flow (not bad, just discombobulating until we’d made the rounds to see everyone... then wow. Definitely going to watch again.
How had Keeley not met Mae before? Love that we got her coaching moment.
Also #TeamBarbara
Phoebe must have college paid for by now
Roy Effing Kent + Keeley Effing Jones = ForEffingEver. #BillMe
I love that Trent pops up everywhere now. Part of the fam.
So little Ted this round, and that felt right, too.
Laura-I'm so glad you mentioned the pace of this episode at first. I was almost feeling like I had just started a race when first tuning into this episode. I don't know whether it was coming from my expectations that they had so much to tie up before the finale but I just kept thinking..."we're running out of time." I too, settled in as the hour proceeded.
And I think Barbara needs Keeley as much as Keeley needs Barbara. I'm more of a Keeley than a Barbara, by far, but if I had a business, I'd need the seriousness of Barbara because I'm sure many of my clients wouldn't like my schtick and know that there is a responsible person in the room. I had this relationship with my dearly departed sister Sherry when we worked together and it was powerful.
I haven’t been able to complete my rewatch, but some of my thinking on the character arcs in this episode (some of which have been building all season, others less so) begins with the brief interaction of Jade with Nate. Her portrayal of supportive honesty (“sometimes you’re an idiot, yes” and “do you regret your decision? No? Then there’s your answer”) is what ultimately works to unlock us from the places we’re stuck. And in getting ourselves unstuck, we begin redemption - of ourselves, and of others; when we’re stuck in whatever negative space we’re in, we can only view the world through that.
Rebecca began to become unstuck with boat man. Jamie has been working on “unstuck” for a couple seasons now, and we can see those dividends. Ted began to unstick when he realized (with Rebecca’s help) that his relationship with Henry is more important, and not strictly defined by, his relationship to Michelle. Etc. Etc.
Rupert? Perhaps, as MAMD opines above, he’s having a mortality scare (and combined possibly with how he sees himself in relationship to his wife & daughter - who have been absent since early on), and that unsticking him from the worldview he’s lived in so long. Not all the way, but somewhat.
I think there’s a lot to the redemption of our selves and the relationships we’re connected in when we do the work on unsticking from where we’ve been stuck. And that’s certainly in line with the Brene Brown understandings in the writers’ room!
Love the meditations on stuckness!
About Rupert, it's also possible that the pure authenticity and courage Rebecca displayed has a disarming effect--at least temporarily. You see some genuine Rupert there in the way he listens to Rebecca. Then he tries to kiss her, which you could see as a power play and/or emotional immaturity as he doesn't know how to respond to such authenticity. The narcissism is still there.
Oh absolutely; even as he moves back away from complete narcissism, I saw that encounter as he totally didn’t know how to respond, but sensing their was an emotional connection saw it the only way that made sense to him (which is still way off base!) Rupert still has a LONG way to go, but he’s come further already than I ever thought he would.
Roy's color journey picks up the recurring theme of integrating existing personality with a newly encountered approach that seems good but feels alien. First he's all black (sorry, dark heather charcoal), then he goes orange/yellow tie-dye, then he's in black jeans and Keeley's pink/magenta robe, and then he integrates it all with a dark tie-dye at the end. (See also: Jamie being a prick, then encountering true team playing, then integrating the two.)
I haven’t gone back to check, but IIRC his t-shirt at the end had blues and purples, meaning he wore the entire rainbow 🌈
Also: there’s the pink again Jen!
I can't post a screenshot, but it's blue, indigo, violet. He skipped green.
Trent's mug in that scene, though had all of them.
I read in a Facebook group that the costume designer says green was in there.
I still don't see it, so maybe how they shot and color-corrected the scene dropped the green out.
Not to mention in the nickname Akufo gave Sam.
Speaking of which, I wonder if Akufo just created Sam's team of superfriends when he treated them to the same kind of tantrum.
I want there to be a whole show just about Keeley and Barbara!!! I love them together. I feel a bit like a missed something with Roy's realization on the playground after talking to the teacher he'd been flirting with... was it just that he messed up? I think signs are pointing to Beard staying - 17 axes is a big, rather immobile investment. Almost all the books he reads are about football - as if he's studying to stay in this business. I like that we only experience Jane off-screen - she's a mystery, and somehow the off-screen goofiness adds to the humor. I am still holding out hope for the Dutch guy to reappear for Rebecca. Maybe he will see her on TV? I love all the ways characters are forgiving themselves and each other, and letting go of ego/false self in favor of love and honest relationship. Finally, I am grateful for all the ways that the show doesn't allow bullies to win, because that's sure how it seems in this world we live in, always and forever.
Been noodling on the way Ted has been “sidelined” even as he is the titular main character... relegated, even. Initial meandering thoughts..
We’re getting less of him as he’s doing even more of what a good coach does - letting his team and his staff shine. Because it’s not all about him. Opting out of the presser was for Henry *and* Roy (who else would Rebecca tap?). Letting Beard (and Roy and Nate) take the wheel on game play wasn’t only about his initial incompetence... his gift in American football was team building via culture shift, and he brought that to Richmond, too.
He was winging a fair bit of it, as some of us are wont to do, but the patterns show a method to the Lasso Way madness.
When the mental/emotional energy drain of being stuck broke loose, he could see the whole game from the perspective of the team culture he had cultivated. But even that a-ha! evolved to shared leadership, cultural course correction (yes, it matters, Colin), and celebrating success.
It’s a bit counter-cultural, given the weirdness of American sports-hero worship that celebrates coaches who are as legendary as their records (if not more).
They've been so cagey about this being the last season--that's the assumption, but I wonder whether there will be a marvelous surprise for the fans, that the show will continue more or less as is, but without Ted. Virtually all of the characters are beloved and we enjoy hanging out with them. Of course, some of the actors may want to do other things.
Season one of Andor was a coherent whole, but it told 3 (4?) sub-stories of about 3 episodes each. Wouldn't it be cool if a fourth (maybe even final) season of TL did that. Multiple characters get their own arc, with the other characters in and out of those stories. It might provide some space for these actors to explore other projects, while continuing to play the characters they clearly enjoy playing (Brett G has said he'd gladly play Roy forever, probably an exaggeration but indicative of the vibe on set).
Call back to season 1 in that, when FaceTiming Henry who commented that “it doesn’t look like you do much” when he’s on the sidelines of a match. “You know, you just got to let the players play and hope they remember what you tried to teach them.”
I have loved following this conversation all season (and before on Facebook), so thank you MaryAnn!! I will miss reading these posts when (if??) the show ends.
I am still undecided about whether I am rooting for a Ted and Rebecca relationship or friendship, but the way that the show portrays their strong connection is so amazing. The subtle one I loved in this week's episode was during Rebecca's speech to the other owners. At one point she says, "Just because we own these teams doesn't mean they belong to us." This is the exact same sentiment that Ted said to Beard earlier in the season at the pub talking about letting fans attend practice: "It's their team. We're just borrowing it for a little while." ❤
Yes--alignment of values! So special, whether it happens between colleagues, friends, or life partners.