Critics Point to Stagnant Storylines and Repetitive Tropes in 'Ted Lasso' Season 4

The fourth season of Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" continues to draw audiences, with three of its seasons ranking among the most-watched on the platform. However, the show is facing criticism for what some perceive as stagnant storylines, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on past plot devices. The series, which premiered in August 2020, was initially lauded as a comforting antidote to the societal strains of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political climate of the time. Creator Jason Sudeikis reportedly began developing the show in 2015 with the ambition to "heal the discourse."

Despite its enduring popularity, the current season has been called out for several recurring issues. One significant criticism centers on Ted Lasso himself, played by Sudeikis. Critics argue that Ted's persistent ignorance of soccer, a core element from the show's inception, has become a narrative crutch rather than a source of growth. This lack of development is particularly noted in Season 4, where Ted appears out of his depth not only with the sport but also with the specific challenges faced by women's football players. His struggles to grasp basic technological concepts, like downloading an app, are highlighted as examples of character stagnation.

The show's handling of the women's team has also drawn scrutiny. The absence of a character with the narrative weight of Sam Obisanya from earlier seasons means that many of the female players remain underdeveloped. While Gemma Jay has received some focus, the other players are often relegated to mere character traits, lacking individual story arcs. This issue is compounded by a reduction in the amount of soccer games filmed in Season 4, a decision made to save time and money, which critics argue is counterintuitive for a show about a soccer team.

Furthermore, the plotlines for legacy characters are perceived by some critics as having exhausted their narrative potential. Ted's personal arc in Season 4 is described as minimal, involving brief considerations of dating and a lack of connection with his players. Rebecca Welton's storylines regarding her relationship and balancing business interests are noted as being resolved too quickly or inconsistently. The central conflict between Roy Kent and Keeley Jones is criticized for being drawn out and featuring contrived plot mechanics, especially as the season progresses towards their anticipated parenthood. Even characters like Coach Beard are seen as reduced to a series of codependent tics without substantial development.

Season 4 is also noted for its heavy reliance on callbacks and references to earlier seasons. While common in some sitcoms, critics argue that "Ted Lasso" combines this with a level of pathos that doesn't always land, especially given the time gaps between seasons. The show's structure and plot points in Season 4 are described as closely mirroring earlier storylines, with new characters often serving as echoes of previous ones, leading to a sense of narrative repetition.

The show's core "BELIEVE" ideology, which emphasizes kindness and community, has also been a point of discussion. While the show has addressed the material realities and inequalities faced by women's footballers, critics argue that the "BELIEVE" message can defang these serious issues. The narrative's tendency to resolve challenges through motivational slogans and camaraderie, rather than acknowledging the systemic economic and labor conditions, is seen as a limitation.

Finally, the visual presentation of "Ted Lasso" has been a consistent point of critique. From Season 2 onwards, episodes have increased in length, and the pacing is often described as bloated, with extraneous shots and lengthy reaction moments that dilute the comedic timing. Despite a reduction in runtime for Season 4 compared to Season 3, the pacing issues and a perceived lack of care in cinematography, lighting, and blocking persist, diminishing the impact of both jokes and narrative moments.