The soulful joy of Ted Lasso springs from a monologue nestled within the eighth episode
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"In this scene Ted lays out the series' entire philosophical bent in a flawless monologue where Ted talks about being underestimated his entire life, and how much that used to bother him, until one day he drove his son to school and saw a Walt Whitman quote on a wall that changed his entire perspective. He recalls that it read, 'Be curious, not judgmental,'" says Melanie McFarland. "You can watch this passage in its entirety and it will not spoil the first season for you. Actually, I encourage you to do so. Seeing the action is the only way to appreciate the extensive and meticulous thought that went into constructing this moment. Whether you choose to watch or not, this moment's construction merits a pause and a closer look. Appreciate the monologue's prose, gorgeous and simple. The lilting score behind Ted's speech breaks through softly casting a gentle aura around Ted in contrast to his rowdy surroundings. Bringing it home is Sudeikis' manner as he shares Ted's folksy anecdote: it contains not a whit of vanity or gloating at his adversary's downfall. You can pick up shades of pain in the actor's delivery even when triumph is imminent. Take in all of these details and you'll understand why this series feels entirely right, especially right now."
