Why do we cry?  The Ted Lasso Affect

By Mark A. Leon

We cry for three primary reasons:

1. Loss
2. Yearning
3. Happiness and joy

In times of loss, yearning for something missing within our own lives and joy, our body produces tears.  It is these salty droplets that bring us to a point of aching that make us human.  Empathy, vulnerability, and the pure uncontrollable urge to let others penetrate your outer core to touch your soul are unconditionally the most special feelings one can ever achieve.

Ted Lasso reminded us it’s okay to cry and be vulnerable.

Cheers to Ted Lasso

If we are fortunate, each generation may find one or two shows that define “perfection”.  These shows stay true to their vision, connect with the audience in an immersive way and develop an emotional connection as they are guided through the journey of the narrative.

I’m so proud to say Ted Lasso has made it to the top of my list.  For that, I will always believe!

Believe

Ted Lasso captured the world in a way, so few shows have ever done before.

In message of positivity, Ted and the Richmond Greyhounds taught us to believe!

• Believe in love
• Believe in friendship
• Believe in second chances
• Believe in trust
• Believe in inner strength
• Believe in support
• Believe in teamwork
• Believe in kindness
• Believe we are all in this together

In one of the most profound moments in the final montage, Mae straightened a picture of Geronimo in the bar.  This was a homage to Nick “Coach” Colasanto from Cheers in a replication of the final scene of the iconic show’s finale when Sam made the same gesture.

That episode of Cheers aired May 20, 1993, almost 30 years ago to the day we said farewell to Ted.  Truly an honored and respectful moment connecting two of the most iconic shows in television and streaming history.

Like Sam, Mae opened up her bar and created a new bloodline with Richmond, its common lineage, where her patrons could come together and find a safe harbor.

Goodbye and Farewell

Ted went home a better person; a better father; a better human being.  Through the support of a group of strangers that emulated to his energy, her found another family that understood and accepted his struggles.  In a way, the final episode was not a finale, but a new beginning.

When you say goodbye, you immediately think about all the things you wish you had done but didn’t.  Ted Lasso left nothing on the table.  He walked into a situation designed for failure and walked out a winner in life.  He was able to deal with his struggles of anxiety and mental health by seeking help, uncovering years of held back emotions and find comfort in the most unexpected of places; his Richmond family.

As you watched Ted impart lessons of soccer and life on his son, you knew he was home.  You also knew, he never left.

Perhaps the most important recurring lesson in this shows run is that we are not perfect.  As Higgins stated so eloquently, “Human beings are never going to be perfect, Roy.  The best. We can do is keep asking for help and accepting it when you can.  And if you keep on doing that, you’ll always be moving towards better.”

Lessons in life

The profoundness of Ted Lasso will continue to have an impact on the lives of millions.  This show will continue to be watched and new lessons will come with each viewing.  To create a show that makes us want to be better people in unprecedented. 

It’s okay to not be okay

We struggle every day.  We make mistakes.  We have regrets.  We take risks.  We even avoid risks.  But, knowing there are others that going through some of our own pains and are willing to listen and help is so comforting.

In the end, Henry took his dad’s advice to heart; “be a goldfish”

I think we can all use that advice sometimes….

Thank you, Ted.