Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 7: A Step Towards Normalcy, But at What Cost?

Season 4, Episode 7 of Apple TV+'s 'Ted Lasso,' titled "Yes & Baby," marks a noticeable shift in the series' typical pacing and structure, leaning towards a more conventional television format. This departure from the show's often meandering, multi-plot style offers a more focused narrative, though not without its criticisms.

The episode begins by highlighting the material realities faced by the women's football team, a refreshing focus after previous installments reduced many players to mere tropes. The opening montage depicts the daily struggles of players like Lizzie, who must balance childcare with training, and Boots, dealing with a broken-down vehicle. The twins, Niamh and Siobhan, face rent increases, while Shannon works a second job as a food delivery driver, encountering a surprised Richmond supporter. These scenes, which delve into the players' off-field lives and the sacrifices required to play, have been described as the season's most compelling, yet their depth has often been underdeveloped due to the need to service established characters.

Within the more structured narrative, subplots move along with greater efficiency. Dr. Erin Beaumont (Laura Haddock) steps aside for Roy and Keeley, a resolution that felt inevitable but was nonetheless drawn out. Rebecca is no longer entangled in the Matthijs drama; instead, Zelda (Tracey Ullman) takes center stage, attempting to secure better contracts for Roy and Dani Rojas with a new, exaggerated accent and a surprising new role as Richmond's special advisor. Meanwhile, Ted works on his dating profile with Keeley's assistance, providing an opportunity for his signature comedic timing.

A central conflict emerges with the character of Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds), who, after a promising start, seemed poised for emotional growth. The episode introduces improv techniques, specifically the "yes and" principle, as the catalyst for Alice's transformation into a more effective coach and person. This narrative device, rooted in the creators' own improv backgrounds, has been criticized for presenting an overly simplistic path to emotional development.

Alice's rapid evolution and the team's immediate acceptance of her new persona are juxtaposed with their earlier rejection of her insecurities, leading to inconsistencies in character responses. The episode also revisits the iconic "BELIEVE" sign, remade by Ted's ex-wife. The sign's move to the locker room prompts a direct challenge from the players, who question the relevance of "believing" when faced with tangible issues like childcare, transportation, and insufficient pay. This moment provides a rare instance of the show confronting the inherent contradictions between its optimistic ethos and the harsh realities of professional women's football.

For a brief 90 seconds, the show "grows teeth," as the players articulate their frustrations and the show acknowledges the precariousness of their careers. However, this genuine conflict quickly dissolves as Alice modifies the sign with "And Win." The new slogan, while an attempt to provide a more actionable mantra, is criticized for remaining vague and abstract, failing to inspire the kind of profound motivation seen in more impactful speeches. The episode ultimately pulls back from a deeper reckoning, falling into its familiar pattern of relying on platitudes rather than confronting complex issues.

This tendency to pivot away from real confrontation is seen as a missed opportunity, especially given the show's success and its potential to introduce new audiences to women's soccer and its associated challenges. The episode's conclusion, with the team embracing "Believe and win," leaves a sense of lost potential, as the show opts for a tidy, albeit unearned, resolution over a more meaningful exploration of the issues raised.