Apple TV+'s acclaimed series "Ted Lasso" has returned for a fourth season, picking up with the titular character after what was previously believed to be the show's finale. The premiere episode, titled "Home," sees Ted Lasso, played by co-showrunner Jason Sudeikis, in a new arrangement, tasked with leading the newly formed Richmond Ladies.
The episode finds Ted working as a supermarket cashier in Kansas, appearing to be living a modest life on an assistant manager's salary. Despite performing his characteristic acts of kindness, such as helping a former player and taking the blame for a co-worker's shoplifting, it's evident he feels unfulfilled. His ex-wife, Michelle, and his mother, Dottie, both subtly acknowledge his restlessness and the limitations he felt in his home state.
Meanwhile, the "Richmond brain trust"—Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins—travel to Kansas to recruit Ted. Their visit highlights cultural differences, with Rebecca struggling with American customs and Higgins attempting to navigate local attractions. Keeley, however, embraces the midwestern atmosphere, though she and Roy Kent are described as remaining just "good friends" back in London, hinting at potential future developments in their relationship.
Rebecca presents the offer to coach the women's team as a chance to rectify past mistakes, stating, "Last time, I hired you for the wrong reasons. This time, I want to hire you for the right ones." However, Ted initially refuses, prioritizing his time with his son, Henry, after years spent away in London.
The narrative takes a turn when Ted, feeling the pull to return to action, texts Michelle suggesting a move back to London. This is met with approval from both Michelle and Henry, indicating Ted's decision to return to England, a place he found a sense of home.
The episode, characteristic of "Ted Lasso," focuses heavily on the characters' emotional journeys and self-acceptance. However, the review notes that this laser focus on avoiding conflict and ensuring the protagonist gets his way can sometimes feel like a convenient narrative device. The rapid decision for Michelle and Henry to move across the Atlantic is presented as an example of this, raising questions about the underlying dynamics of Ted and Michelle's relationship.
The premiere also introduces the setting for the Richmond Ladies: CPKC Stadium, noted as the first soccer stadium built exclusively for a women's team. The stadium has an 11,500 capacity and reportedly sells out for every home game, reflecting the growing popularity of women's soccer. The review touches on the financial realities of women's teams in soccer, contrasting the current narrative with real-world club spending and the potential for women to bear the brunt of financial mismanagement within clubs.