Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 2, “Curiouser and Curiouser,” steps back into Richmond with a new perspective towards a new goal. Its opening most obviously follows Ted, who finds things aren’t as they were three years ago. This episode, written by Leann Bowen and directed by MJ Delaney, also emphasizes that some returning characters and relationships face really familiar obstacles.
In a lot of ways, “Curiouser and Curiouser” works better as an intended season premiere for what it signals for the season(s) ahead. There’s far more set up for everyone else, as opposed to the (understandable) Ted-forward, Kansas City-set opener. For one, this episode actually introduces the AFC Richmond Women’s Team. In turn, Ted Lasso – the show and the character – meets new characters who are instantly intriguing and unique. Tanya Reynolds is an easy and engaging standout as Alice Chilton. She looks to have a really layered arc ahead of her that’s so easy to look forward to after just a single episode.
Watching “Curiouser and Curiouser” is also for being absolutely giddy about seeing Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent again. He’s just so good! Goldstein falls right back into Roy’s broad stance and strained voice, but there’s a distinct lightness – however slight – to Roy now, reflecting where Season 3 leaves him. Plus, Goldstein and Juno Temple still have their easy, electric chemistry. They’re a joy to watch three years later, and seeing Roy and Keeley share a scene is another one of those big elements that makes it feel like Ted Lasso is really back. Because, somehow, this all still feels like a dream.
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Meeting Alice Chilton
Going into this season, I was looking forward to Tanya Reynolds joining the show because Sex Education made me such a fan of her. Introducing her as such a key player — or coach, rather —in Ted Lasso’s future is exciting. The previous episode tees up Alice Chilton with a reputation that precedes her, especially with Rebecca Welton. So, there’s a pre-existing energy around this character before she even makes an introduction on her own terms. In that sense, the audience gets to play along in a challenge of choosing curiosity.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that in Ted Lasso Season 1, Episode 4, “For the Children,” Keeley tells Rebecca, “That’s okay. You are a bit judgy.” It’s one of the reasons why I love her, but it also means that there’s a chance the audience should take Rebecca’s perception ( Higgins doesn’t offer many of his own thoughts) of Alice with a grain of salt. Ted Lasso uses that angle as a launchpad to get into Alice’s characterization. It moves from judgement to curiosity.
With that, Reynolds has these gorgeous beats where flickers of vulnerability illuminate Alice’s layers. I also didn’t anticipate how refreshing it would be to see someone on the outside of Ted’s charms. Roy and Ted’s first scene back together after three years proves that Roy’s even on the inside of it now. Of course, it takes the first three seasons, but Roy encourages and knows Ted. It’s why he pushes Beard back towards Ted. (I’m not sure where that leaves the men’s side’s coaching staff, though, with Nat’s strangely unexplained absence.)
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Coaching Staff Shake-Ups
“Curiouser and Curiouser” posits that Beard and Ted haven’t interacted much – if at all – in the last three years. Therefore, it’s necessary that the show address that distance. It’s charmingly predictable that Ted Lasso leans into their friendship as a love story. Everything between them at the Crown & Anchor is perfect! Well, everything but the additional confirmation that Beard and Jane are still in a weird (to say the least) spot after getting married. This season already has far more interesting and less repetitive storylines.
Most importantly, there are all of these new characters on the women’s team. Boots, the Lady Greyhounds’ goalkeeper, is such a fun addition. The idea of twin sisters, Niamh and Siobhan, on the same team is exciting. There’s even a spark in Josie Gordon’s skills before Alice recognizes Josie’s scream. Unfortunately, fans of women’s football likely know that it’s a torn ACL before the confirmation.
It’s impactful and important that Ted Lasso leads with that harsh but very honest reality from the beginning. The prevalence of that injury in the women’s game is a staggering statistic that affects real people. For the show, the team needs a new striker. “Curiouser and Curiouser” also bakes its relevance into Alice’s backstory. From that and her ambition to be manager to the detailed dossier and the character shown on her desk, there’s so much to glean about Alice.
MORE: It’s the Perfect Time for ‘Ted Lasso’ to Introduce the AFC Richmond Women’s Team
Building the AFC Richmond Women’s Team
Ted Lasso tries to address why Rebecca passes Alice and any other woman up for the role of manager. It’s a question that should be asked, and the show knows that it’s odd that Rebecca didn’t think to ask it of herself. There’s a chance to explore Rebecca’s internalized and implicit biases and privilege. There’s some of that in her scenes with Deborah, her mother. By the way, Harriet Walter remains excellent — every line reading is better than the last.
There’s an intention to navigate the thornier issue with a well-intentioned sense of humor. That sets Hannah Waddingham up for some side-splintering comedy — Rebecca trying to blend into the wall to hide from Alice! All that said, “Curiouser and Curiouser” doesn’t go on all that convincing or long enough a journey to earn Rebecca’s speech to Alice in the end. It feels rather condensed and final rather than an ongoing opportunity to explore the character. Then again, the rest of the season can still circle back and still unpack all of this.
Alternatively, the Higgins Report has a multi-season story in its many, many pages. The wide-ranging warning signs are unavoidable. With Rebecca reaffirming her backing of this venture, the question remains of how long she will keep Keeley in the dark. Beard spells out some of what they’re up against: “Lack of resources, underwhelming media coverage, subpar pay. It’s a tougher gig all around.” The episode then shows those – from the press conference to the locker room. But Beard also says, “The only people in it are truly in it for the love of the game.” And the episode shows that in the characters, too.
MORE: Grant Feely Talks Joining Ted Lasso Season 4 and Who He Wants Henry to Share Scenes with the Most
The Roy and Keeley of It All
The locker room – or lack thereof – easily streamlines the A, B, and C storylines. Richmond’s freshly renovated facilities create a stark contrast with the women’s team. They don’t have any space of their own. Keeley’s attempts to fix that fold nicely into Keeley and Roy’s story, while Roy also deals with what to do about Beard and Ted. It’s a letdown that “Curiouser and Curiouser” doesn’t showcase more of Roy and Beard as a coaching duo after missing their time together.
Similarly, it’s wild that Roy and Keeley haven’t been alone together in three years. It’s hard not to see that as a concerning sign for them – individually and as a couple. Have they just been on hold the entire time they’ve been off-screen? Regardless, it’s endearing that Roy still knows Keeley well enough to spot her bait-and-switch. He also starts fixing the locker room, which he intricately boobytrapped, without being asked. It’s a sweet gesture that feels like a loose continuation of the development from Season 2’s “Headspace.”
It’s a real testament to Brett Goldstein and Juno Temple that their chemistry hasn’t faded over time. When Roy steps to Keeley before knocking down the pillar?! The care Goldstein infuses into Roy’s expression when Keeley’s not looking – they’re soulmates. The show practically confirms it with Keeley’s line: “I think keeping two people apart who belong together is bad, not just for them but for everyone.” If that’s the case, I wonder what keeping Roy and Keeley apart means for Ted Lasso. Together, they create a locker room that is a lot more than a locker room. It’s intentional investment. That emotional reveal feels like Ted Lasso’s right back in its heartwarming niche like it never left.
MORE: Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 11 Review: “Mom City”
Other Winning Moments:
- The parallels to the pilot in the episode’s opening with Ted
- Alison Hammond and Dermot Leary’s guest appearance as the new This Morning hosts
- Remember when that apartment above the Crown & Anchor was an Airbnb?
- Roadwork outside Ted’s apartment to cover for the Ted Lasso store across the street
- I need to know Higgins’ middle name now
- Roy’s alternative milk budget is such a silly callback to the Christmas episode
- Brisket with the Boss to ease out of Kansas City
- Roy making Rebecca protein biscuits in Ted’s absence
- The Caroline Seaward transition
- Seeing the men’s locker room again
- Did Colin and Sam leave the club?
- Pilkowskas is the new #9
- All of Alice’s Post-It quotes – ending with Shakespeare is funny
- Keeley’s “knock knock”
- Marcus, Gary, and Sarah in the press room
- Baz, Jeremy, and Paul in the Crown & Anchor
- The Paddington Bear reporter follow-up to Roy’s mention
- Jamie’s at FC Barcelona, and I have zero chill about it
- Beard’s reading Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife
- “You don’t get a lot of that in men’s football.” “Not that you know of.”
- Rebecca’s reading bell hooks’ Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics
- Roy thinks a budget “isn’t a real thing,” like he does friendlies
- Leah Williamson as a football consultant
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