TED LASSO SEASON 4 EPISODE 7 REVIEW: Comfort Zones.

This episode is about something so many of us struggle with, and that is getting out of our comfort zones and trying something new. It could be as simple as saying yes to something, asking someone on a date, or even just reading. Episode 7 brings us crashing back to Earth after leaving off on a beautiful Christmas episode, and it’s time once more to face the reality of being a Division 2 Women’s Soccer Club.

SPOILERS AHEAD

As I mentioned, this episode is all about comfort zones, and we see each of the women facing the harsh realities of life. Gemma is offered an internship at a highly touted Law Firm; Alice is trying to say yes more; Boots has no car; the twins’ rent is going up; Ted wants to date, and Lizzie’s a single mom with a deadbeat ex. As if that’s not enough, Danny Rojas and Roy Kent’s agent is attempting to pull slimy backdoor deals to get Danny transferred to a new club.

Alice has become one of the best characters of this season for me, as in this episode she is trying to grow, and so she begins to say yes to everything, much to everyone’s surprise. However, Ted teaches her that saying yes simply isn’t enough; sometimes you need to add the word to it. She’s growing right before our eyes, giving Shannon time during practice and hanging the Believe sign up in the women’s locker room, giving them their theme, becoming “Believe and Win.” We’re seeing her rough exterior and walls come down before our eyes, which has endeared me to her, and Tanya Reynolds is a standout actress, playing off Ted and Beard extremely well.

The Woes of Love

Ted is looking to date again after having the discussion with his ex-wife on Christmas, and struggles to make his dating profile, which, with Keeley’s help, he learns a bit about himself. This show knows how to hit us at our highest and bring the audience right back down because Ted finally asks the theater woman on a date but finds out she has recently begun to see someone. Jason has built in a layer of sadness underneath his cheery personality this season. He plays it so well because, despite feeling home again, there is still a piece of himself missing, which he portrays beautifully through his eyes.

Even Roy finds out more about himself as he and Erin decide to break up, revealing that she knows he is still in love with Keeley and that he deserves love. It’s a side of Roy we’ve not seen, as during this, Brett’s ability to soften Kent’s character makes for an emotional goodbye between the two of them. Lost in it all is how big a fan of Zelda I have become when she helps Rebecca and Leslie fight off the agent, thus earning herself a permanent position with the club.

Final Thoughts

This episode is able to once more give real life messages through characters that us as the audience can take and input into our everyday lives. Getting out of our comfort zones can be scary, but starting small by saying yes can open doors and shift our mindset. This isn’t simply a show about a Women’s Soccer Club but so much more, full of life lessons and values. We have our slogan “Believe and Win,” and the Women’s identity is becoming more and more clear, setting us apart from the men. I truly am loving this season so much, as it is hitting all of the right marks each episode. Don’t be afraid to try something new; you never know where it may lead.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Let us know and check out more reviews by Matt!