Lassoing in the Laughs: Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” succeeds in its balance of humorous and serious tones

If you think you’re a positive person, you haven’t met Ted Lasso. Apple TV’s second season of the hit show “Ted Lasso” continues to inspire audiences with Ted’s resilient zeal and hilarious one-liners. Since Ted first cluelessly strutted out onto the soccer field — being a Kansas football coach turned English soccer manager — he’s coached the team with underdog optimism. 

While he still might not know what “offsides” means in soccer, as the team continues to warm up to Ted, season two reveals deeper personal and team struggles for them to resolve while still bringing fresh punchlines.

So, who’s this Ted guy?

Played by SM West alum Jason Sudeikis, Ted implements a constructive coaching philosophy for the team, AFC Richmond, which is about “helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.” He accomplishes this with untraditional methods like giving them books that reflect their role on the team. And while the nerdy heroine of “A Wrinkle in Time” seems like an odd match for team captain Roy Kent’s furrowed brows and brewing growls, they share the same struggle with leadership. 

While the amateur soccer coach plotline is compelling, you’ll mostly be clicking “next episode” to see the characters and their personalities in action.

One of the main reasons “Ted Lasso” is a golden show is its character development. Season one sets the stage with two-dimensional characters, but the layers to their personalities are revealed in season two. The first impression of the egotistical star player Jamie Tartt is of him tormenting the equipment manager, picking fights with older teammates and hogging the ball. But he’s gradually becoming more vulnerable by making amends with teammates, especially as the audience learns the motive behind his pride.

And while the show has its cliche sporting moments, like the “BELIEVE” sign Ted hangs above the door for him to hit on the way to his office, you can’t help but smile as his golden retriever excitement makes it feel unique.

Even then, instead of carrying the same happy-go-lucky character energy across seasons like most comedic shows, season two unveils previously hidden layers of Ted as he delves into his struggles with anxiety. The show balances the new serious tone and ensures not to gloss over its characters’ personal struggles, while still carrying the plotline with light-hearted moments.

Despite the trials the characters face, the show succeeds in maintaining an upbeat tone in the midst of rough times.

The show’s humor hits close to home with Ted being a Kansan himself and dropping Midwest farm jokes throughout the show. With his Kansas charm, Ted brings camaraderie to the head-butting teammates in the most random ways — like sacrificing personal items to cleanse the treatment room from ghosts and going to a celebratory karaoke night after a big win.

It’s no spoof comedy with actors that could be substituted with Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler — it had an authentic humor. Ted’s unapologetic positivity, the player’s quick comebacks and the way Ted and his assistant coach, Coach Beard, finish each other’s jokes will have you cry-laughing. They take dad jokes to a whole new level — a level that’s actually funny.

Even though season two is still releasing episodes every Friday, the show’s already been confirmed for a third and final season. While it’s sad I only have a season and a half left of Ted’s silly yet inspiring quotes, I’m glad they’re not dragging the series out until it becomes another “Grey’s Anatomy” scenario.

If you haven’t watched yet, give yourself the gift of a mini pep talk each episode. If you’re like me — and the rest of my family — you’ll find yourself dropping Ted quotes in every situation even slightly applicable and taping a “BELIEVE” sign above your door.