The fourth season of Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" finds the titular character in a more circumspect role, shifting the show's focus from its earlier explorations of masculinity. As Ted takes a step back, the series introduces new narrative threads, particularly concerning the women's soccer team, the Lady Greyhounds, and the complex dynamics within the AFC Richmond organization.
One significant challenge for the season is Ted's role as a father figure to the young female athletes. The show navigates a delicate balance, where guidance from Ted could be perceived as paternalistic or even mansplaining, while excessive deference might appear as an attempt to be a performative male feminist. This perceived awkwardness leads to Ted being positioned largely on the sidelines, with female characters like Alice and, at times, therapist Sharon Fielden taking the lead in addressing issues within the team.
The shift in focus also extends to the portrayal of the female characters. While actresses Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple deliver charming performances as Rebecca and Keeley, their joint business venture struggles to develop beyond a superficial level, often depicting their interactions as juvenile. Despite the presence of female writers and directors in the current season, the critique suggests that only Alice, a prominent character in the season's second act, truly feels free from a male gaze.
The series, which once centered on masculinity, has evolved into a more generalized workplace comfort show. The new season grapples with character relationships and team dynamics, with storylines exploring individual players like the team's goalie who opts not to wear gloves, but lacks the strong character archetypes that defined earlier seasons, such as the impactful presences of Roy Kent or Jamie Tartt.