Ep 1. Pilot

Ted Lasso is an American sitcom that follows the story of an American football coach who is hired to manage a struggling British football team. The showstars Jason Sudeikis in the lead role of Ted Lasso, and it premiered on August 14, 2020.

The first episode of Ted Lasso is titled "Pilot," and it sets the stage for the remainder of the series. The episode introduces us to Ted, an affable and enthusiastic football coach who has enjoyed great success coaching a Division II college football team back in the United States.

As the episode begins, Ted receives a call from Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), the new owner of AFC Richmond, an English Premier League football team. Rebecca has inherited the team from her ex-husband, and she's determined to run it into the ground as revenge for his infidelity. Her plan is to hire a clueless American coach who knows nothing about soccer and who will inevitably fail to get the team out of its current slump.

Ted, of course, has no idea what he's getting into when he takes the job. He's a fish out of water in more ways than one. Not only is he an American trying to navigate the complex world of English football, but he's also out of his depth when it comes to the interpersonal dramas that plague AFC Richmond. The team's star player, Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), is a self-absorbed diva who refuses to play with anyone else on the team. The assistant coach, Beard (Brendan Hunt), is a man of few words who seems perpetually confused by what's going on around him.

Despite all this, Ted is determined to win over his new team. He's a man of unbridled enthusiasm and positivity, and he genuinely believes that his unconventional coaching methods can turn things around. His first move is to introduce himself to the players and give them a rousing speech that's heavy on sports clichés but light on actual strategy.

Predictably, Ted's speech goes over like a lead balloon with the team. They're skeptical of his abilities and, in some cases, outright hostile. Jamie, in particular, makes it clear that he has no interest in working with Ted or anyone else on the team.

But despite the resistance he faces, Ted remains unflagging in his optimism. He goes out of his way to get to know each of his players, asking them questions and listening to their concerns. He forms a particularly meaningful connection with Sam (Toheeb Jimoh), a Nigerian immigrant who's struggling to fit in with the team. Ted's kindness and support give Sam a newfound sense of belonging, and the rest of the team begins to take notice.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Ted's personal life. He's recently divorced, and he's grappling with the loss of his marriage. He talks to his young son on the phone, trying to maintain a connection despite the distance between them. We also see him bonding with Rebecca's assistant, Keeley (Juno Temple), who seems to take a liking to him despite her initial reservations about his coaching abilities.

The episode ends with the team's first game under Ted's leadership. Despite their initial skepticism, the players begin to take heed of Ted's unorthodox coaching methods, and they manage to eke out a win against their opponent. Ted's enthusiasm is infectious, and the team's spirits are lifted in a way they haven't experienced in a long time.

All in all, "Pilot" is a promising start to the series. The show deftly balances humor and heart, and Jason Sudeikis is an engaging and likable presence as Ted Lasso. The episode sets the stage for what looks to be an uplifting and enjoyable series about the power of positivity and the importance of kindness, both on and off the pitch.