Currently watching...

...and enjoying the hell out of the second season of the wonderful "Ted Lasso."

Season one of this truly charming series was something very special. And I am delighted to be able to visit these characters again and spend time with each of them. My husband and I initially resisted this show because it presents itself as a series about soccer, and we are not sports fans. In fact, I would rather chew broken glass than watch any film or series about sports. But after some cajoling from some English ex-pat friends who assured us that the show is resolutely not about soccer (football), but about personalities and a fun culture clash between English and American sensibilities, we decided to give it a try and we are so glad we did.

We were rewarded with a series not about soccer/football but a sweet comedy with a serious message at its heart: kindness. I know it may sound very Pollyanna-ish, but this is a show that holds up the value of kindness as something to strive for, something that will make us whole, something that has the power to change the world if only we let it. And it feels like there is so little kindness in the world right now, I find that my exposure to this show has acted as some kind of antidote. I find my mood actually uplifted after watching such vulnerable, caring people genuinely relating to each other and supporting each other despite apparent flaws and mistakes. There is no manufactured drama here, no irreversible trauma, just people looking out for one another...and if someone makes a mistake, they apologize and because the others know the essence of that person, they forgive.

And the attitude comes from Ted Lasso himself, masterfully played by Jason Sudeikis. Lasso is an American football coach hired by an English soccer club to move to London and lead the team. Unbeknownst to him, he is actually there at the behest of the ex-wife of the owner of the club in order to run it into the ground and destroy it in a plot of revenge. But Lasso has winning ways that are irresistible. And soon, everyone's life is the better for his presence, his wit, and his heart.

It sounds simplistic but it's actually a nuanced show with equal parts heart and true wit. Mixed in with the message of kindness, each character gets a chance to play with some screamingly funny lines and dialogue, mostly done in an understated way. And the relationships and character studies are refreshing as well: men can talk with each other in a profound way and share intimate thoughts, women can be friends without resorting to clichéd catty behaviour, and angry athletes can express great love for children.

Recommend? Yes, if you want to feel like there is some goodness in the world, please do spend some time with Coach Lasso and the team.

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy