Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 4 Review: U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. That’s a Unity
Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 4, “Greyhounds’ Day Off,” is so far the best episode of the season. It serves as a reminder of why we fell in love with this show in the first place, and why Ted became a symbol of hope.
Something that could have so easily fallen into stereotypical female behavior is transformed into the unique experience of the Lady Greyhounds. Yes, we all know cliques exist, but depending on how the show handled them, it could have felt terrible for viewers.
However, the explanation Alice gives as to why these women are forming cliques is perfect, and the way in which Ted handles it is just as perfect.
The first thing that’s written in a very thrilling and exciting way is the reintroduction of Trent and Sharon. Watching these two characters talk about what’s happening within the Lady Greyhounds, having experienced it with Ted before, is incredible.
Not only do they bring back memories of Ted’s first experience in Richmond, but they also explain in more “professional” terms why the team is forming cliques and what this means for the team as a whole.
It’s also quite fun to watch these performers slip back into two characters that fans love and adore. Trent and Sharon symbolized change in Ted’s life in different ways, and it’s good to see that the writing team hasn’t forgotten that.
Those tiny moments that point back to previous seasons, reminding us of the show’s heart and soul, are a warm hug for the fans who waited too long to see more.
Even though the separations within the team are obvious, the explanation that stands out the most and stays with us is Alice’s. She knows exactly what’s going on, but instead of simply saying that, she looks for a way in which Ted will understand.
By bringing “one of your stories that you like so much” to the table, she shows she’s come to understand how Ted works and is trying her best to reciprocate his energy. Even though she chooses Harry Potter and Ted hasn’t read or seen it, there’s still a way to connect with him.
As Beard translates what Alice says into “Ted terms,” we witness the dynamic this coaching team has found. They are surely finding a rhythm that works for the three of them, with an understanding that each brings something unique to Richmond.
When Alice catches Ted and Beard in the locker room and tells them to walk out without looking because Boots just walked out of the shower, we see another way in which their dynamic works. Without Alice, Ted and Beard would not be able to coach this team.
Alice brings something to the team that is important. Even though she might not like to admit it, there is a tenderness to her that helps everyone do their best.
Trivia is the perfect excuse to bring the Lady Greyhounds together, and, let’s be honest, it is quite entertaining to see how the night develops.
Ted forcing everyone to attend trivia is a move that viewers recognize. Once upon a time, Ted made the players walk in the sewer, so trivia is definitely not the weirdest thing we’ve seen him pull.
By teaming them up and mixing the already-formed cliques, the coaches are pushing them to see that they all bring something to the table. As they each bring an answer to trivia night, they recognize that is something they can bring to football.
Each of these women’s uniqueness shines through as they make it through trivia night, showing us why this new Richmond group is special. If at any point the fans were hesitant about whether they would like these new characters, this episode proves there’s nothing to be afraid of. Each and every single one of these characters is just as special as the ones we fell in love with during the first three seasons.
By the end of the night, these women are a team. They fight together, dance together, complain together, and run together. They sing “We’re Richmond till we die” together, finally showing that they are the team Ted can lead to victory.
Ted Lasso Season 4 isn’t just showing the hardships women face as they dive into a male-led industry. It’s also showing the hardships of doing business with your best friend in a manner that is respectful and allows both Keeley and Rebecca to face their fears and biases.
Rebecca is having a visible hard time working with Keeley because she doesn’t know how to say no, and when she says no, she has a difficult time accepting it. She wants to keep Keeley happy because she thinks that’s her job, but the truth is that Keeley is much stronger than everyone gives her credit for.
Keeley tells Rebecca that every no pushes her to figure things out differently, and that’s what allows her to continue to grow. The truth is that Keeley is resilient and has always found a way to stay afloat and thrive. She has also found a way to stand up to Rebecca and tell her things as they are.
And that’s the beauty of their friendship. There is trust and understanding between them that allows them to be raw and honest.
But Keeley isn’t just standing up to Rebecca; she’s standing up to Roy as well. Even though he’s never kept his feelings for her hidden, she is not sure that he is sure he wants to be with her.
Pushing him to go on ten dates and confirm that he is sure he wants her might not be the right move. This might be what pushes Roy in a different direction. But then again, that might be what Keeley wants to see.
It seems Keeley needs him to put his feelings to the test to confirm they are real. To confirm he’s not just holding on to old feelings.
As we watch him make out with the bartender and meet his sister’s friend, we see two possibilities of women Roy might find himself exploring his feelings with. Could it be that Roy ends up with someone else at least for a short while?
Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 4, “Greyhounds’ Day Off,” introduces us to Zelda Southport. Something tells us that a woman who tells a room full of rich men they need to care about women’s football, not just throw their money at it, is going to be a memorable character.
Can Rebecca trust her enough to allow Zelda to work her magic with the team?
We must also say that ending the episode with Queen Latifah’s U.N.I.T.Y. is the perfect touch for such an empowering episode.
What did you think of this episode of Ted Lasso? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Ted Lasso airs Wednesdays at 3/2 am on Apple TV.
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Lara Rosales
By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.