Love it or Hate it? Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding Coach Beard's Solo Ted Lasso Episode

Summary

Ted Lasso season 2, episode 9, "Beard After Hours," received a lot of criticism for its departure from the show's usual structure and tone.

The episode "Beard After Hours" received numerous complaints from viewers regarding its perceived lack of purpose and its dark tone, leading them to label it as a "poor filler episode."

However, disregarding the negative reception, "Beard After Hours" actually offered valuable insights into Coach Beard's internal musings, contributing to the growth of his character, particularly in his interactions with Jane.

Ted Lasso season 2 primarily focused on character development, but episode 9, titled "Beard After Hours," received significant criticism for its departure from the typical ensemble-centered approach. Following AFC Richmond's loss in the FA Cup semifinals in episode 8, Beard's frustration with Ted's coaching methods prompted him to embark on a solo adventure in London instead of returning home with the team. With minimal appearances from the other main characters, episode 9 deviates from the show's usual structure and takes on a dreamlike sequence, reminiscent of Scorsese's After Hours. This tonal shift and the events that unfold throughout the episode garnered significant dislike from viewers, making it one of the most disliked episodes of Ted Lasso. The episode currently holds a rating of 6.8 out of 10 by IMDb reviewers, the second-lowest among the season 2 episodes.

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Coach Beard's Ted Lasso Season 2 Solo Episode Was Heavily Criticized

"Beard After Hours" stands as the Ted Lasso episode with the highest number of reviews on IMDb, totaling at 356 user reviews. Out of these, a staggering 91 users have rated it with a measly one star out of ten, surpassing the combined number of reviews giving it two to five stars. Detractors of the episode voiced various complaints, ranging from perceiving it as a superfluous installment in Ted Lasso season 2, episode 9, to labeling it as a "poor filler episode." There were also accusations that the writers attempted to be clever without providing entertaining content through the episode's structure. It is undeniable that "Beard After Hours" deviates from the show's typical tone, as expressed by several IMDb reviewers who found the transition to be "horrendous."

Why "Beard After Hours" Was A Brilliant Ted Lasso Episode

The episode in question, titled "Fly," received criticism from certain reviewers who deemed it "pointless," drawing comparisons to a similar sentiment expressed towards an episode from Breaking Bad season 3. In the case of Ted Lasso season 2, episode 9, the perceived lack of purpose stemmed from the events of the episode failing to significantly impact the overarching storyline of AFC Richmond, instead focusing primarily on the personal journey of Beard.

Furthermore, another notable grievance was directed towards the episode's shift in tone, which veered towards a darker and more twisted atmosphere compared to the typically uplifting nature of Ted Lasso. This sudden deviation proved jarring for some viewers, resulting in a sense of disconnection and disappointment. Ultimately, these factors combined to make the episode unappealing and a perceived waste of time for those who held these criticisms.

In Ted Lasso season 2, episode 9, while the majority of events did not directly impact the team or the show's main characters, the episode delved into a better understanding of Coach Beard's inner thoughts and workings. The conclusion of Ted Lasso season 3 made it clear that the story revolved around the team, primarily seen through Ted's perspective. However, the inclusion of Beard's viewpoint in an episode with a contrasting tone compared to the show's typically cheerful atmosphere signifies a shift in perspective. The incorporation of a darker tone becomes significant in the series finale of Ted Lasso as it finally unveils Beard's past.

The reconciliation between Beard and Jane at the end of Ted Lasso season 2, episode 9 may appear to be a minor development, but it plays a crucial role in helping Beard overcome his insecurities about their relationship and his involvement in the training leading up to the FA Cup match against Manchester City FC. "Beard After Hours" not only delivers enjoyable and absurd moments, but it also offers insight into why and how Beard became drawn to Jane, a concept that his friends and the show's narrative previously failed to comprehend. The episode's departure from Ted Lasso's typical cheer adds to its uniqueness and suits the purpose of telling Beard's story.