When last we left off in Ted Lasso season 4 episode 6, the coaches and the support staff were facing up to some of their deficiencies and challenges.
Season 4 episode 7 is about how they move forward, or rather if they can move forward. The episode, “Yes & Baby,” is about the journey toward a better self.
Agent issues
For Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Higgins (Jeremy Swift), the challenge is a feisty agent. That agent is Derek Tarp (Luke Norris). He represents Dani Rojas, and he is threatening to take his client elsewhere unless he gets a lot more money.
He even suggests that Dani has an offer from another club, which would be a huge violation if it went through an agent. That leaves Rebecca fuming, especially since it seems like Derek is setting the stage for an even bigger ask for his other client, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).
Rebecca and Higgins need answers, but they don’t know where to turn. That’s when Zelda (Tracey Ullman) steps in. She works some magic and tricks Derek into giving up his advantage. After some sleuthing, it turns out it was a bluff—and not a great one. Zelda applies some pressure, and it isn’t long before Derek returns, hat-in-hand, promising nothing but cooperation.
It’s enough for Rebecca, who sees the value in having someone like Zelda available. Quickly she’s offered a position with the club and accepts. Will it turn out to be a good move or a future problem? That’s a question that remains unanswered.
Roy’s love life
Roy, meanwhile, doesn’t remember much of New Year’s Eve. He is still recovering from his latest knee procedure, arriving at the office on a slick scooter. Keeley (Juno Temple) has an opportunity for him, but Roy bristles a little at some public celebration and a speech. It isn’t long before Dr. Beaumont (Laura Haddock) arrives.
She is still with Roy, obviously not mentioning the Keeley slip-up. But when she sees them together, it’s clear there is something between them still. After making sure Roy is patched up, she ends things. Roy protests — but she points out he’s still in love with Keeley.
He can’t deny it. Dr. Beaumont asks how they ended up together, and he shares the 10-date challenge. It’s clear that Roy learned to see people and open up, even if this relationship doesn’t work out. They part at the end, opening things up for Roy to pursue Keeley once again. Will it work out this time?
Coaches making strides
Meanwhile, all three coaches are working on bettering themselves. For Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), it’s trying to recapture youth. After being called old on New Year’s Eve, he’s determined to give himself a cool new look. It doesn’t exactly work out smoothly, but it’s clear he’s trying to find his groove again. And he’s not the only one.
Alice (Tanya Reynolds) is trying to change her approach. The advice for the day is to say yes. So, she begins to liberally apply her yes. It’s a positive idea, but Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Beard are there to offer a little gentle redirection. Instead of just a yes, they encourage her to follow their old improv routine and say "Yes and," allowing her to inject a little personality. It’s a small tweak, but it shows that Alice is on the right path.
Meanwhile, Ted, fresh off his talk with Michelle (Andrea Anders) is ready to date. He tries to get set up on a dating app, but he’s stymied by the first question—to describe himself in three words. Ted turns to Keeley for advice, and she helps him finish out his profile. He’s most of the way there, but he still needs those three words. He finds the perfect three words to life Keeley’s spirit and then eventually finds the right ones for him — I am loveable.
With his dating app profile set, Ted is ready to make a bold move. He returns to the theater and finds the stage manager (Charlotte Riley). He asks her out this time. She’s seeing someone, so declines his offer. It’s a bit of a setback, but it’s nice to see Ted is able to put himself back out there again.
I am really enjoying the return of Ted Lasso. The new cast and the new setting have made for a fun new chapter for the show. There are some interesting storylines up in the air as we move down the stretch of the season.
With three episodes left, it’s fair to wonder what’s going to happen with Roy and Keeley, and whether the ladies will face more success or adversity on the field.
Ted Lasso season 4 episode 8 hits Apple TV on Wednesday, Sept. 23!
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