Top 10 Small Details You Missed in Ted Lasso
#10: “Escape to Victory”
“Make Rebecca Great Again”
At the whiteboard, Coach Beard etches out a strategy, writing the name Hatch under the opposing team’s goalie position. If this name sounds familiar, that means you’ve probably seen the 1981 sports drama “Escape to Victory,” which centers on allied POWs who compete against the German National Team in a football match. Sylvester Stallone led the picture as Captain Robert Hatch, who isn’t the only name on Beard’s board. Hayes, Brady, Harmor, Fileu, Rey, and Colby all refer to characters who were on Hatch’s team. Beard also works in some of the German players like von Steiner, who was played by Max von Sydow. There’ve been reports that a “Victory” remake is in development, and we think Beard at least deserves a cameo after this.
#9: Everybody Knows Your Name
“Rainbow”
Top 10 Small Details You Missed on New Girl
“Ted Lasso” contains several nods to the classic sitcom “Cheers,” although one, in particular, possesses a deeper meaning. At the Doner Kebab restaurant, a photo of Roy Kent can be seen hanging alongside an autographed picture of actor George Wendt, who played frequent Cheers patron Norm Peterson. Wendt’s older sister is Kathryn Sudeikis, who, as you might’ve guessed, is the mother of Ted Lasso himself, Jason Sudeikis. Long before “SNL,” Jason made one of his earliest TV appearances with his uncle on an episode of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” We guess this is Jason’s way of returning the favor to Wendt, who appropriately signs his photo with the word, “Cheers.”
#8: Ted Left-Handed
Various
Top 10 Small Details You Missed on Schitt's Creek
In one of Ted’s most triumphant moments, he bests Rupert in a game of darts. Rupert initially underestimates Ted as a coach and dart player until he “remembers” that he’s left-handed. Although it’s the first time that Ted mentions he’s a lefty, this detail was cleverly alluded to at the end of the previous episode. Struggling to come to grips with the end of his marriage, Ted finally brings himself to sign the divorce papers. The shot is carefully established to emphasize Ted picking up a pen with his left hand. So, anyone who noticed Ted playing poorly with his right hand surely caught on to his dart hustle. And in case you were wondering, yes, Sudeikis is a leftie in real life.
#7: George Cartrick Resurfaces
Various
10 Times George Cooper Sr Was Nothing Like Sheldon Described on The Big Bang Theory
We all remember the scene in the pilot episode where Rebecca fires AFC Richmond coach George Cartrick, played by Bill Fellows. Yet, many fail to realize that this wasn’t Cartrick’s sole appearance. The character returns in Season 2 as a pundit on Gillette Soccer Saturday. In addition to Roy, Cartrick makes up a panel that includes real-life pundits Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara. Those who recognize Cartrick from the pilot will have a better understanding of his harsh comments about Ted. Cartrick’s fellow pundits would also agree with Rebecca that he’s a total sexist. By the way, remember Tommy, who briefly appeared in the pilot as well? He’s played by Bill Skinner. His mother is Claire Skinner, who played Dr. Rogers in the Christmas episode.
#6: Jamie Is Himself
Various
Top 10 Best Jamie & Claire Moments on Outlander
In the second episode, Ted asks Jamie a crucial question: lion or panda? Jamie doesn’t see the relevance, wondering why he would want to be anything other than himself. This sums up Jamie at the show’s beginning, only caring about his personal goals. Throughout the series, Jamie matures into a genuine team player, but his self-assured nature is also stripped away to reveal a shadow of doubt. The coaches come up with a signal to help Jamie accept what he is, a prick. The signal resurfaces during a locker room conversation, once again giving Jamie permission to be a little pricky when necessary. Growing while remaining true to his instincts, we’ve seen Jamie evolve into the best version of himself.
#5: Marcus Mumford Manifests
Various
Going back to the kebab restaurant, Roy Kent and George Wendt aren’t the only famous names adorning the walls. The musician in the photo next to Roy’s is Marcus Mumford, who not only sings the “Ted Lasso” theme song, but also co-wrote it with Tom Howe. The Mumford & Sons lead singer first met Sudeikis while performing on “SNL” in 2012. Suedeikis went on to pop up in Mumford’s “Hopeless Wanderer” music video the following year. While developing “Ted Lasso,” Suedeikis thought of Mumford for the theme song, which isn’t restricted to the show’s opening. In Season 1’s penultimate episode, Dani Rojas belts out a certain tune in Spanish. He’s singing the show’s theme song, which immediately follows Rojas’ rendition.
#4: Allen Iverson’s “Practice” Rant
“Two Aces”
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy “Ted Lasso,” although you might miss a few references. Frustrated with Jamie, Ted delivers a passionate speech about practice. Ted gets his point across, but Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers deserves most of the credit. Coach Lasso’s monologue borrows from a 2002 press conference where Iverson said the word “practice” over 20 times. This isn’t the only quote from the sports world. When Sam speaks out against the home secretary, she cruelly tells him to “shut up and dribble.” This mirrors a real-life instance where Fox News host Laura Ingraham told LeBron James to do the same after criticizing Donald Trump. James showed his appreciation to “Ted Lasso” by wearing an AFC Richmond hoodie.
#3: Movie References
Various
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In addition to sports fans, “Ted Lasso” is just as much for movie buffs. The show’s premise shares several parallels to “Major League,” which centers on a woman who acquires a baseball team that she plans to sabotage. In the Season 1 finale, Ted pays homage to the 1989 comedy by reciting one of Tom Berenger’s quotes. Echoing another 80s comedy, Sassy tells Ted that she’s going to charge a large breakfast to his tab. Ted compares himself to Mr. Underhill, who unknowingly picks up an expensive lunch order in “Fletch.” Rom-com lovers will also spot several deep-cut references, from Rebecca and Sam’s “You’ve Got Mail”-esque usernames to the fact that Phoebe’s tormenter, Bernard, shares the same name as a “Love Actually” character.
#2: The Proust Effect
“Sunflowers”
Top 20 Amazing Small Details in Family Guy
Several characters reach a turning point in Season 3 with a visit to Amsterdam. (xref) This pivotal trip has been hinted at since the season premiere when Ted drops Henry off at the airport where a flight to Amsterdam is delayed. Upon arriving in Amsterdam, Higgins pays respects to Chet Baker while Ted finds inspiration in Van Gogh, both of whom had their demons. Most notably, Rebecca proposes a toast by attempting to say “cheers” in Dutch. She struggles with the language, saying “proust” instead of the proper translation, “proost.” In a later scene, though, Ted comes up with a new strategy after the smell of barbeque sauce triggers something inside his mind. There’s a term for the phenomenon that Ted experiences: The Proust Effect.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
There’s No Place Like Kansas, Various
Sudeikis’ Love For His Hometown & Its BBQ Sauce is Constantly In the Background
Kathy The Old-School Travel Agent, “Inverting the Pyramid of Success”
Sudeikis’ Mother is a Travel Agent Named Kathy
Higgins & Hometowns, “Carol of the Bells”
The Actors Hail From the Same Hometowns
Handshake Practice, “Inverting the Pyramid of Success”
Soon He’ll Be Ready For a Hand With More Meat
Pillow Fight, “Sunflower”
After Having a Movie Night in Season 1, The Team Finally Has Their Pillow Fight
#1: Ted’s Books for the Team
“Trent Crimm: The Independent”
Top 10 Small Details You Missed in The Vampire Diaries
Shortly after arriving at Richmond, Ted can already read all of his players. This is exemplified through the individual literary works that he gives each team member. This confuses the players at first, but those who take the time to read the books come to see reflections of themselves. “A Wrinkle of Time” mirrors Roy’s struggle to step up as a leader both on and off the field. Jamie tosses aside his copy of “The Beautiful and The Damned,” which centers on a greedy socialite who lacks motivation and lives a shallow existence. Sam parallels the protagonist of “Ender’s Game,” who possesses unique skills and must leave his home to unlock his full potential. Sometimes, you just need to read between the lines.
