When Ted Lasso season 4 episode 5 ended, the team was coming together on the field, but the people in and around the team were struggling away from the field.
As we begin episode 6, we fast-forward through the Christmas holiday. It’s New Year’s Eve, and there’s the promise of a fresh start, but can they let go of the past? That’s the challenge facing many of our characters in the new episode, “Don’t Jump Around Much Anymore.”
Ted stuck in time
First, we catch up with Ted (Jason Sudeikis), who is enjoying a quiet New Year’s Eve at Mae’s (Annette Badland) tavern with Michelle (Andrea Anders) and Henry (Grant Feely). Henry is trying his hand as a tavern employee, which gives his parents time to catch up. It’s time for a conversation that’s been a long time coming.
We’ve seen Ted grow quite a bit over the last few seasons. That includes his evolving relationship with Michelle, with whom he’s now ready to talk about the past and the future. He learns a bit more about Michelle and her struggles after their split. And she presses Ted about his own romantic life — which is nonexistent. But she encourages him to get out there and to not make his life solely about his work.
That seems to hit home for Ted, especially following closely after the team asking if he’s lonely the week prior. Ted is ready to share his life with someone again. The question is how that’s going to happen. As we end the night, he’s able to go out and celebrate with his team.
Alice finding her way
Meanwhile, there are plenty of questions about Alice (Tanya Reynolds). We know that she cares a lot about the team, but she struggles to show it. That’s why Ted suspended her for a match. But that suspension is near over, and Alice is ready to face the team again at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by Zelda Southport (Tracey Ullman). It’s a wild party, but it provides the team a chance to bond.
That includes Gemma (Abbie Hearn) trying to make amends with Alice. She assures Alice that the team doesn’t dislike her; they just don’t know her. It’s a nice moment that seems to hit home with Alice. But as the night ends, when Lizzie (Faye Marsay) tries to make a connection with Alice and reveals that Gemma has spoken to the team about Alice, it seems to be a setback. Will she be able to finally open up and get on an even keel? That’s still a question as we leave.
Jamie Tartt returns
Meanwhile, Keeley (Juno Temple) and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) are starting the night at a special gathering before joining Zelda’s party.
Soon, Roy (Brett Goldstein) shows up, too. It’s a launch party for Jamie Tartt’s (Phil Dunster) new Vodka line. The image is terrible, and the launch is hilarious — at least for Roy. But it’s a chance for all these four to be together again. It leads to Roy and Jamie trying to dance to the classic "Jump Around." It’s all a lot of fun until Roy’s knee gives out again.
Keeley, Jamie, and Rebecca get Roy to the hospital. Keeley is still quite protective and still hurt that Roy might have found someone else. There, she meets Dr. Beaumont (Laura Haddock), and quickly realizes that she is Roy’s new lady. Keeley makes an exit, so they can enjoy the end of New Year’s Eve together.
Keeley leaves too quickly. As Dr. Beaumont tries to connect with a very drunk and drugged Roy, it seems like they’re about to share a moment. But Roy in his haze is still thinking about his true love — Keeley — who he mentions by name. Dr. Beaumont slips out, and it’s clear there is still something there for Roy and Keeley.
Meanwhile, Rebecca is still trying to make amends with Matthjis (Matteo van der Grijn). Just when it looks like she’ll be without him for New Year’s Eve, he arrives at the hospital. It’s a warm reunion that provides hope they’ll be able to work things out.
Ted Lasso is at its best when it connects to the lives of these characters. This episode was very light on action on the pitch but heavy on the interpersonal drama that makes the show hum.
From that standpoint, it’s a winner. It’s deeply emotional at times and one that has me excited to see where we’re going next.
Watch new episodes of Ted Lasso on Wednesdays on Apple TV.
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