Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Season 3 of Ted Lasso.
Unfortunately,Ted Lassohas ended, but while there is no official announcement,a continuation doesn’t seem to be off the table. The popular show told a unique story of positivity and forgiveness, making it an instant favorite of many. Yet it missed a golden opportunity by never including a musical episode. The trend of taking a regular show andshaking things up with an episode full of songshas gotten more popular. A true musical episode would need several songs placed throughout the story, not simply a karaoke scene but an honest-to-god musical with dance breaks and everything. Though occasionally there is an in-universe reason for the change, more often, it’s an unexplained and a little surreal break from the norm.
Going full Broadway may not seem like the best fit for a show about sports, but in reality, it would line up well with thepositive and feel-good nature ofTed Lasso.Many musicals are made to be light and happy, like Ted (Jason Sudeikis) himself. The show demonstrated the musical abilities of several members of the cast, which is further proven by their participation in Apple TV+’sHannah Waddingham: Home for Christmaswith their costar. No, it wouldn’t fit the tone of the show per se, but a one-off surreal experience isn’t out of the question forTed Lasso.And with so many characters who can sing and dance, why pass up the opportunity to break the routine?
American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.
The Team Performs in the ‘Ted Lasso’ Finale
In theSeason 3 finale, the team says goodbye to Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) by performing “So Long, Farewell” fromThe Sound of Music.They have simple choreography, but all manage to stay together, which is pretty impressive. A few have solos, including Dani Rojas, or more accurately, actorCristo Fernández, hitting the high note at the end of the song without missing a beat. Certainly, there are standouts, but the entire team carries the tune well, begging the question, why didn’t we hear it before?
A few odd episodes have included some singing, including Ted and Beard singing along to “Hey Jude” with Henry (Gus Turner) in Season 3, Episode 8 and Ted and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) serenading the Christmas party in Season 2. Some characters can be found singing karaoke in Season 1, though most don’t get much of a spotlight. Yet there are no large-scale musical performances, despite the proof that the cast can manage it. The song in the finale is not their only dance number, either. Season 2, Episode 11 briefly shows the team working on a more complicated dance routine to “Bye Bye Bye” to say goodbye to Dr. Sharon (Sarah Niles). Although Ted and Beard are both critical of their dancing, they learn to correct themselves quickly. These moments are few and far between in the series' three-season run, but each time is a treat to watch.
Their talents were put on display again inHannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.Though like the star of this special, they are not in character, they appear to support their former costar. Not only do they add humor to the program, many show off their musical talents, withJames Lance,Nick Mohammed,Billy Harris, andKola Bokinni,and Hunt dancing whilePhil Dunstershares a duet with Waddingham.Several members of the cast are more than capable performers, yet the show didn’t utilize this talent despite the musical episode trend.It’s a shame the actors didn’t get more of a chance to show off what they can do inTed Lasso.
‘Ted Lasso’ Has One Outstanding Singer
While the team’s big chance to show off their voices is in the last episode, one character didn’t have to wait so long to demonstrate her abilities. Way back in Season 1, Rebecca stepped into the spotlight to sing “Let It Go” on karaoke night. Unlike Coach Beard and Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), who also sang, Rebecca’s song got more of a focus because it was a turning point for her character, but she is also the best singer of the lot.Waddingham managed the difficult song beautifully, making a memorable impression on fans.Her undeniable skill is evident in the single song, explaining why she was chosen to headline a Christmas concert.
Clearly, she’s not the only capable singer in the cast, butWaddingham is the most musically talented(though it’s hard to compare without seeing them perform together). Her voice was notable enough to get her the leading part in the Season 2 Christmas caroling, but beyond that, she hasn’t had the chance again. Though the series let her sing whenever they could logically work it in, there are never too many songs when the character can sing like her.
‘Ted Lasso’ Is Familiar With One-Off Episodes
A musical episode wouldn’t fully fit with the rest of the show, butTed Lassoisn’t against making risky choices occasionally.The most obvious example is the Season 2 episode “Beard After Hours,” which was inspired by the 1985Martin ScorsesefilmAfter Hours.This interlude in the actual plot is surreal at best and, at worst confusing. AsCoach Beard goes on a journeywith the occasional appearances of familiar faces, the episode does little to move the plot. And despite being solely focused on him, the episode doesn’t go intoBeard’s past. In fact, doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the series, and the events have no impact on the show as a whole.
However strange the episode may be,Ted Lassowas willing to try. “Beard After Hours” received mixed reviews, with some praising the ambition while others criticized the lack of connectivity. Like most one-off episodes, it’s not for everyone, but there is an audience for it.Ted Lassoisn’t meant to be a musical, but one episode that sets itself apart from the rest isn’t out of the question. Though it may not be the safest choice, it would have been an interesting addition to the series.
‘Ted Lasso’ Missed the Chance
Ted Lassois not a musical, and just because an actor can sing doesn’t mean they need to in every part. But the show doesn’t necessitate every episode be plot focused. And one slightly out-there episode where the cast performs musical numbers would have been a treat.With so many members of the cast capable of musical numbers,Ted Lassoshould have taken advantage of it.
Though there is a wide range of musicals, they have a reputation for being light and happy, fitting in withthe uplifting message thatTed Lassoconveys. The comedy often deals with serious topics, so a lighthearted romp to provide a break would have been more than welcomed. Plus, a musical episode would simply have been a fun addition to the series. It’s too bad that it doesn’t exist, and with the show now over, it’s too late to correct that.
Ted Lassois available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
