‘Ted Lasso’ Recap: ‘The Diamond Dogs’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 108 of ‘Ted Lasso’.
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For the most part, romance and sports stories go together about as well as toothpaste and orange juice. Because romances are supposed to make us feel all ooey-gooey inside and sports stories are designed to send our spirits soaring and inspire us to do something special in this world and seeing those two come together in any form of storytelling, often makes for an awkward experience. But believe it or not, there are some tales out there that have figured out how to balance both elements and keep the viewer engaged and enthralled at what they are reading or seeing, and for proof, look no further than the next episode of Ted Lasso. Since ‘The Diamond Dogs’ offered up a unique take on the romance/sports hybrid, all while offering up a few surprises along the way. But before we dive too deeply into said surprises, let’s talk about how this particular episode did a phenomenal job of injecting romance into a television series about a soccer team and their fish out of water head coach.
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Because this particular tale figured out that you can’t simply force romance into a sports show and expect it to work, it has to feel organic and natural within the framework of the story for the audience to accept it and that particular feat was accomplished in part, by having Ted experience a little bit of regret for what happened in Liverpool. Because his romantic evening with Flo/Sassy ended up being nothing more than a wild one-night stand, something Ted has never done before and that freaked him out a little bit. But thanks to his friends, they were quick to point out that he simply had a good time and that there is nothing wrong with indulging a powerful attraction in that manner if everyone is cool with it and well, this worked through and through. Simply because it was downright relatable since we’ve all been in Ted’s shoes at some point or another, and we’ve sought the counsel of our friends to help us sort out a dubious romantic choice we’ve made. 

But while that alone would have been enough to carry this tale, it took its relatable romance thread a little further by catching up on the big kiss that Roy and Keeley shared in Liverpool. Because things were a little awkward once they returned home since they really didn’t know how to proceed after that passionate moment and their confusion, and their fear of opening up to one another led to some mistakes. Such as Roy making it seem as though he wasn’t interested, which prompted Keeley to spend the night with her old flame and Roy’s most hated enemy, Jamie. A choice that eventually came to light and it frustrated Roy to no end. But with a little counsel from Coach’s new support group; Roy was able to get over it all and worked to woo Keeley in his own way. But what made this plot line so incredibly relatable, is that it did a phenomenal job of reminding us of how awkward and terrifying a new relationship can be. Especially when it comes to someone, we have a massive crush on, and it was equally as wonderful to have this particular plot line throw the audience a little advice as well and remind us to take a chance on someone who sends our spirits soaring. Because who knows where it could take us.

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However, while it was quite delightful to enjoy all of those storytelling elements, since they really did engage the viewer in a smooth and subtle manner, there was mention of some surprises in this tale. Such as the fact that Rupert decided to make a power play in order to get back into the decision-making process at AFC Richmond. Because it was revealed when Ted and Rebecca went to meet the minority owners in the club, that they sold their share to Rupert’s new fiancé, Rebecca 2, and well… it quickly became obvious that he not only influenced this decision as part of a long term plan to get his hands back on the club, but also to torture Rebecca to no end. ​But rather than let Rupert have the upper hand in the slightest, and work to break down his beloved boss; Ted found a way to flip the script by way of a friendly game of darts. Because Ted was a ringer at that game and he pulled a little hustle to keep Rupert out of the owner’s box and away from the cameras, and hurting his pride in the process just sweetened the pot. And truly, one had to wonder if that shining moment of heroism and kindness on Ted’s part would be enough to finally sway Rebecca away from her plot to bring down the team to get back at her ex-husband.
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But instead, Rupert’s actions only forced her to double down on her hate for AFC Richmond and Rupert. Which was another unexpected twist, one that gave way to several more. Because Higgins stepped up to the plate and told Rebecca this vendetta needed to end before it caused great harm to the team and others. An act that he didn’t seem capable of, but he did it none the less and he even apologized to Rebecca for hurting her by turning a blind eye to Rupert’s adulterous transgressions. But alas his words fell upon deaf ears, prompting Higgins to declare that he was done if things didn’t change and well, she should have listened to what he had to say. Because mere moments after he left her office, the first real fallout of her revenge plot came to fruition. Since Keeley came to discover that it was Rebecca who hired the photographer to take those scandalous pictures of her and Coach Lasso, and well… it would seem that at long last, a reckoning is coming for Rebecca Welton since Keeley expects her ‘good friend’ to own up to what she’s done. 

If anything, this really was a brilliant episode when all is said and done, simply because it manipulated the audience in all the right ways. For it truly made us believe that this was going to be a sequel story, one that would see several characters embark on new romantic endeavors. But instead, this was all a grand setup for the forthcoming season finale. Since Rebecca is clearly going to be at a crossroads, and soon. Because all of her transgressions are coming to a head and they will force her to decide whether or not she should continue on her path of revenge, or if the time has come to use AFC Richmond as a fresh start, and well at this point, it is anyone’s guess as to which path she will select. Because revenge has quite the hold upon her and all we can hope for at this point, is that Keeley’s request of her to be honest with Ted about her actions will finally allow for her to see the light. Otherwise, Rupert will use her fury to his advantage once again, and find a way to re-take control of AFC Richmond and ruin a great many lives in the process. Until next time.

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