The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Why soccer coach Ted Lasso was the perfect pitch for Sudeikis
JASON Sudeikis had reservations about whether a whole TV series centred around Ted Lasso – a comedic character he created for NBC Sports back in 2013 – would work.
But, while making two successful commercials about the hapless football coach, the 44-year-old writer and actor “unlocked this childlike wonder and enthusiasm and eternal optimism to the character that just resonated to me”.
So, he wrote a pilot with his “buddies” Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly (Hunt also stars in the show as Coach Beard).
A week later, they had 10 episodes down – which have become Apple TV+ comedy, Ted Lasso – and any concerns were quashed. The show follows Ted, a small-time college football coach from Kansas who, despite having no experience coaching “soccer”, is hired to coach AFC Richmond, a struggling Premier League team in England.
Other brilliant characters include Jamie Tartt and Roy Kent, who are the team’s two most famous players (and they really don’t like each other); the club’s new owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), who
is desperate to get back at her cheating ex and WAG Keeley Jones, played by Juno Temple.
At the beginning of the show, Keeley happens to be dating Jamie. But, as the series goes on, “she ends up having this good disco dance, romantically, with Roy”, reveals Temple.
“She has a good brain on her and a good pair of shoes on; she can walk the walk and talk the talk, and that’s something I really loved about her.”
Waddingham based Rebecca on 51-year-old Karren Brady, who is currently chief executive of West Ham United Football Club and, at just 23, was made managing director of Birmingham City Football Club.
“I’ve followed her unswerving power through a man’s world for years,” she said. “And yet, she never for a second loses her femininity or chooses to hide it.
“I think she’s a wonderful role model for young women who must get sick and tired growing up seeing overly glossy, plastic women on the front of women’s magazines”
EMMERDALE (STV)
It seems Malone will do anything to get what he wants, as this week’s trip to the Dales proves. He intimidates Dawn by telling her the testimony against him has been taken as false.
He pulls a gun and tempts Dawn to take her own life by overdosing on heroin.
Thankfully, help is at hand. But is this the last we’ve seen of the dodgy DI?
Meanwhile, Nate is fuming when Al fires him for not attending the meeting because he went to the hospital with Tracy.
Jamie wants to reveal his relationship with Belle to everyone, but she thinks it’s too soon. A stressed Gabby opens up to Leyla about how lonely she feels as Bernice has refused to let her join her in Australia.
While Mandy is irritated to see Paul and Vinny continuing to get on like a house on fire, Dan panics as he tries to keep his money worries a secret from Amelia.
CORONATION STREET (STV)
Maria might be Gary’s bride, but these days it seems he only has eyes for Sarah.
Though he saved her life the other week, it remains to be seen whether the former soldier will jilt Maria to be with his old flame.
Meanwhile, Seb has another reason to moan at
his mum. They are supposed to say goodbye to the twins before the kids begin a new life in Australia, but unknown to him, Abi is involved in a 127 Hours-style scenario at the garage. Just watch his face when he realises a car engine has put her in hospital.
Tim is unhappy with the way his dad spoke to
Sally, so they’ve decided to stay with Gina.
Todd is (almost) in touch with Eileen, looking for money. However, Mary and Sean intercept the letter first, and hatch a plan. And Paul is miffed about his pending 30th birthday; he thinks nobody cares, but Billy wants to surprise him.
HOME AND AWAY (CHANNEL 5)
Things are looking bleaker than ever for Jasmine. While she further alienates herself from those looking out for her, Tori’s thoughts turn to her friend’s psychological support. However, a stunned Jasmine feels betrayed. Later, the troubled soul’s disappearance leads to friction between Irene and Justin.