I LOVED this episode and it's intense focus on the show's most mysterious character. Everyone has demons, and most of us don't get to explore them in the safe confines of a psychiatrist's office. Many deal with them in our own trenches. I can appreciate the way Beard explored his - by opening himself up to a journey, an odyssey really, that ended up going FULL EPIC. Everyone Beard encountered along his tortured journey somehow came out better for it (excluding a couple of unrepentant villains), even those that originally greeted him with skepticism. He's a good man navigating much pain but bringing joy to others in the process. I grew a little just watching it. And the rave finale was so confusing and filthy and awesome - no easy answers - life at its best. All the haters should watch it again with an open heart.
KenT - 3 years ago
This after hours episode with Beard was a total downer. In fact it made me angry. After all the good story lines and character development it came as a helluva shock. I'll never get that time back again.
Theresa - 4 years ago
I kept assuming we were going to find out that Beard had had some sort of break with reality, and that we’d come back to the “real world” and find him face down at the bar or something. Nope. Just a bunch of writers trying to throw stuff at the wall to see if anything stuck.
Dan - 4 years ago
I respect the attempt and appreciate the artistry but having never seen the Scorsese Movie or understand the subtle music clues, the whole thing just flopped for me. I ended the episode thinking the production wanted to give lower paid actors an episode to save money. I assume, like a lot of others, we all googled, WTF to find an answer and this explains a lot, but in the end, I’d delete that episode from the library of what is otherwise an amazing show. Just as the FLY episode from Breaking Bad needs to be deleted.
Drea - 4 years ago
I couldn’t follow or want to care about this episode. I actually told my husband that this episode was written while taking a new drug. Then 5 minutes later, with a mixture of all the drugs. I would never watch another episode of Ted Lasso if this was in the first season…unfortunately I watched the whole episode hoping there would be a rhyme or reason. Nope.
Juliet davon - 4 years ago
Found this episode totally boring and out of context. Why devote entire episode to a somewhat minimally interesting character? Totally missed Ted snd others and continued watching only because my partner wanted me to do. Would never be interested in a repeat of this sort. This character can’t possibly command sufficient interest for an entire episode. He’s moderately amusing at best.
Juliet davon - 4 years ago
Found this episode totally boring and out of context. Why devote entire episode to a somewhat minimally interesting character? Totally missed Ted snd others and continued watching only because my partner wanted me to do. Would never be interested in a repeat of this sort. This character can’t possibly command sufficient interest for an entire episode. He’s moderately amusing at best.
John Doyle - 4 years ago
This episode reminded me of the last episode of Patrick McGoohan's "The Prisoner" and the 1968 public outcry is identical to the response to Ted Lasso's Episode 9.
Hope - 4 years ago
It is so interesting how wide the reception is to this episode. I guess it’s all about taste and what we like. I LOVED IT! I am an Alice In Wonderland fan though. I loved how it felt like a movie and just got more bizarre and bizarre. Bravo Ted Lasso!
Andrew Hayes - 4 years ago
Coach Beard is such an odd fellow. Always full of surlprises. I noticed a few times that he is napping with his feet up just like he was at the end of this episode wearing his fancy pants. Made me wonder if this is somewhat of a normal night for Beard.
Debbie - 4 years ago
So misaligned with the tone and spirit of the other episodes. Artistic value aside, not worthy watching and could skip altogether.
RLW - 4 years ago
It was well written, well executed and so from an artistic perspective, it was great but it was not representative of the funny ensemble show I tune in to eagerly watch at the end of a tough week. At the end of it, I felt like I had been cheated out of an episode of Ted Lasso.
Brandon - 4 years ago
I loved this episode end keep thinking about it, which is how I ended up here. Beard is a great character and his development is appreciated.
One absurd exchange keeps me smiling days after watching this episode.
Seductress: I live over there.
Beard: in that pointy building? [modern skyscraper off in the distance]
Seductress: no. [perfect deadpan]
Serena - 4 years ago
Absolutely awful. I thought I had finally found a show without fight scenes and violence. I was so enjoying the show’s feel good comedy. This was such a huge miss, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.
Etienne - 4 years ago
I am in the majority of voted "excellent" though most of us weren't motivated enough to comment. Reading viewer reactions here is entertainment itself! Perhaps not surprisingly, the unexpected twists stirred both positive and negative opinions, depending on viewer background and expectations.
My reasons for voting positive:
(1) intrepid break away from becoming formulaic
(2) yet, stayed true with to the theme of never making assumptions about people--e.g., threatening hulk appears with good intentions and rides away on scooter, or minor characters Baz Jeremy and Paul proving their mettle in an exclusive club. Rhymes with themes from Season 1: hidden genius of Nate or the vulnerability of cold-hearted Rebecca.
(3) the disorientation one must feel after a devastating loss, taunted by none other than Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker. It was indeed nightmarish, and hence the use of violence...which did not seem gratuitous but conveyed horror, something to truly run from.
(4) after reading this article, agree with the thoughtful application of "supporting artists."
Hiloha - 4 years ago
That episode did not fit with the series. Spent the entire time wondering about it and if the show was taking a turn in a new direction. Missed the humor and banter of Ted Lasso and others. Although the acting and scenes were played out spectacularly I just could not wrap my head around why such a dark feeling theme.
Wonder - 4 years ago
People are not getting this episode or this show.
This is a mirror of Joyce’s Ulysses. There, the character has adventures through the day that bounce off of, through humor, parody, exaggeration, etc. the Odyssey of Homer. Here, Beard lives through a night structured by Ulysses but rather than references to Homer (with a few exceptions like the lady in red siren and the fearsome Cyclops, or Jane’s text message Penelope) they are all references to movies. Hundreds of textual and visual references. Matrix, Fight Club, Clockwork Orange, Field of Dreams, Good Will Hunting, often the same scene working on numerous movie-referent levels. The keys, when dropped and who hands them back, is the key to Beard’s problems. But the bigger picture is made about storytelling and the ‘myths’ we use to tell stories, and what does it mean if all the signposts or streetlights (see how many appear throughout) we have to understand our lives are forged from and limited by our recent culture?
Daddy issues. Mental health. Suicide. Violence. Parental abuse. This is not a lighthearted comedy.
Nancy - 4 years ago
I feel exactly the same way Laurie. I went to the web to try to figure out why they made this episode. I could maybe stomach it except for the obscene, ridiculous, disgusting fight scene. This is a lighthearted comedy. There is no room for terror like that. If I watch one more violent episode like that I’m done. I told so many people about this awesome show. It was my favorite show! No longer. I am so disappointed that they lost their way with such violence. I want Ted back. Beard’s mystery was part of the genius of the show. We didn’t need a dark episode to explore more about him.
Tom Araya - 4 years ago
Quirky and a bit bizarre…but I absolutely loved it! All you sticks in the mud complaining about “NoT aDvAnCiNg MuH pLoTs” really need to loosen up and get over it.
EJ - 4 years ago
This episode blew my husband and I away. I see in the comments we are in the minority, but I loved every minute of "Beard After Hours". It was a refreshing and bracing departure from Ted's eternal optimism, and a realistic view of how a person might handle crushing defeat. The music, actors, sets all created this atmosphere of Beard being buffeted by universe, and then dealing with a series of improbable events. The dance sequence was hands down amazing tv. There was an acid-like feel to the night as it wore on, and at the same time this episode was life-affirming. A worthy nod to "After Hours".
Eileen Glenn - 4 years ago
We felt that Episode 8 ended on a strange note and then this!! It was awful. We wondered if everyone was on a drug trip or something. It did nothing to add to the storyline. We hope things are back to “normal” by this Friday. We will not continue watching if that is not the case. This episode was very disappointing and added NOTHING to what has been a series we looked forward to watching!
Eileen Glenn - 4 years ago
We felt that Episode 8 ended on a strange note and then this!! It was awful. We wondered if everyone was on a drug trip or something. It did nothing to add to the storyline. We hope things are back to “normal” by this Friday. We will not continue watching if that is not the case. This episode was very disappointing and added NOTHING to what has been a series we looked forward to watching!
Heikr - 4 years ago
Pretty much the worst bit of tv i've ever seen in my life. Ruined the entire season for me (which wasn't that great to begin with).
Krissy - 4 years ago
Say hi to the crowd! Only highlight for me this time.
Joan - 4 years ago
It was plain weird, it had nothing to do with anything. Dance scene was by far the best, unfortunately the shortest.
Karen Pendlebury - 4 years ago
No Roy…no Keely…no bosslady…no good! The best of Beard was missing—his wisdom. Love the pub guys. And what’s with lost/ broken the keys????
Ronni - 4 years ago
I absolutely loved this episode. I especially loved the rave scene. It was such a cool and creative and unexpected shift from the usual episodes. Like many, I love this show overall; and I think it’s brilliant that they can surprise us the way this episode did.
Sarabeth - 4 years ago
The only thing I had problems with was when Coach Beard was saved by the boyfriend. How did he find Beard? Beard had disappeared on the bus. How would the guy even know where Beard got off? Plus the guy had to get his scooter. Didn’t make sense at all. But the hula hoop scene was stellar!!
Johnson Jessica - 4 years ago
It was terrible, disjointed and stupid… especially when he ran into Jamie Tart’s dad and when he followed the weird pregnant woman home. It was so far off the storyline. We couldn’t wait to watch the new episode and then we couldn’t wait for it to be over. I liked that Beard was always sort of a mystery that had it all together. He was a solid man. This episode made him out to be a drifter and simply weird. I am so disappointed.
Erin - 4 years ago
Was it “bring your kid to work day”, or was everyone including writers and producers on strike this episode?
Greg B. - 4 years ago
The same as commenter Laurie, I adore the series but thought this episode was simply terrible. It just did not fit in, did not advance the storyline, and unlike all the other episodes, many of the things that happened within it weren't just far-fetched, but simply not possible. I kept thinking it was a dream sequence, but it clearly wasn't by the end. This was the first episode I nearly shut off without finishing. A big misstep for the writing and production team.
Pat - 4 years ago
One of the most brilliant story lines I’ve ever watched on tv! I could not believe how creative and well written and acted…LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Rave and hula hoop scene! Just BRILLIANT!
Vera Nunnally - 4 years ago
I thought it was a dream Beard was having and I kept hoping he would wake up.
Luna - 4 years ago
I can’t believe the comments I have just read. I thought the episode was brilliant, the soundtrack perfect, and Brendan Hunt’s performance was award worthy!
Lulu - 4 years ago
The film After Hours is one of my all time favorites. I feel like people who didn’t get this episode, haven’t seen/don’t get After Hours. Ted Lasso is the Gen Xer’s inside joke, and I appreciate that :)
Dab - 4 years ago
Ditto. Horrible episode.
Joe Azzinaro - 4 years ago
The dreadful equal to Seinfeld’s Puerto Rican Day parade. Will never appear again.
Richard Epstein - 4 years ago
It was good through the first bar scene. As it got more absurd, I lost interest and then started to dislike it. Couldn’t wait for it to end. I think it’s a big mistake and will be very disappointing to the Fanbase to have such a departure from the usual type of show. It would be like having a Seinfeld episode that was one half hour of just Kramer.
Inaya - 4 years ago
I loved this episode! We don’t get to see Coach Beard enough. We. Need. More. Beard. Please!
RV - 4 years ago
What the hell did that have to do with the main storyline? Just a sad diversion. If there are more episodes like that I’m gone. I’ve told dozens of people how great this series is, no more. Very disappointing they took their eyes off the ball.
Laurie - 4 years ago
I love the show, but this episode of Ted Lasso is so disappointing. In fact, the reason I read this article is because I wanted to find out why this episode was made. I really hope the show goes back to its normal quality.
I LOVED this episode and it's intense focus on the show's most mysterious character. Everyone has demons, and most of us don't get to explore them in the safe confines of a psychiatrist's office. Many deal with them in our own trenches. I can appreciate the way Beard explored his - by opening himself up to a journey, an odyssey really, that ended up going FULL EPIC. Everyone Beard encountered along his tortured journey somehow came out better for it (excluding a couple of unrepentant villains), even those that originally greeted him with skepticism. He's a good man navigating much pain but bringing joy to others in the process. I grew a little just watching it. And the rave finale was so confusing and filthy and awesome - no easy answers - life at its best. All the haters should watch it again with an open heart.
This after hours episode with Beard was a total downer. In fact it made me angry. After all the good story lines and character development it came as a helluva shock. I'll never get that time back again.
I kept assuming we were going to find out that Beard had had some sort of break with reality, and that we’d come back to the “real world” and find him face down at the bar or something. Nope. Just a bunch of writers trying to throw stuff at the wall to see if anything stuck.
I respect the attempt and appreciate the artistry but having never seen the Scorsese Movie or understand the subtle music clues, the whole thing just flopped for me. I ended the episode thinking the production wanted to give lower paid actors an episode to save money. I assume, like a lot of others, we all googled, WTF to find an answer and this explains a lot, but in the end, I’d delete that episode from the library of what is otherwise an amazing show. Just as the FLY episode from Breaking Bad needs to be deleted.
I couldn’t follow or want to care about this episode. I actually told my husband that this episode was written while taking a new drug. Then 5 minutes later, with a mixture of all the drugs. I would never watch another episode of Ted Lasso if this was in the first season…unfortunately I watched the whole episode hoping there would be a rhyme or reason. Nope.
Found this episode totally boring and out of context. Why devote entire episode to a somewhat minimally interesting character? Totally missed Ted snd others and continued watching only because my partner wanted me to do. Would never be interested in a repeat of this sort. This character can’t possibly command sufficient interest for an entire episode. He’s moderately amusing at best.
Found this episode totally boring and out of context. Why devote entire episode to a somewhat minimally interesting character? Totally missed Ted snd others and continued watching only because my partner wanted me to do. Would never be interested in a repeat of this sort. This character can’t possibly command sufficient interest for an entire episode. He’s moderately amusing at best.
This episode reminded me of the last episode of Patrick McGoohan's "The Prisoner" and the 1968 public outcry is identical to the response to Ted Lasso's Episode 9.
It is so interesting how wide the reception is to this episode. I guess it’s all about taste and what we like. I LOVED IT! I am an Alice In Wonderland fan though. I loved how it felt like a movie and just got more bizarre and bizarre. Bravo Ted Lasso!
Coach Beard is such an odd fellow. Always full of surlprises. I noticed a few times that he is napping with his feet up just like he was at the end of this episode wearing his fancy pants. Made me wonder if this is somewhat of a normal night for Beard.
So misaligned with the tone and spirit of the other episodes. Artistic value aside, not worthy watching and could skip altogether.
It was well written, well executed and so from an artistic perspective, it was great but it was not representative of the funny ensemble show I tune in to eagerly watch at the end of a tough week. At the end of it, I felt like I had been cheated out of an episode of Ted Lasso.
I loved this episode end keep thinking about it, which is how I ended up here. Beard is a great character and his development is appreciated.
One absurd exchange keeps me smiling days after watching this episode.
Seductress: I live over there.
Beard: in that pointy building? [modern skyscraper off in the distance]
Seductress: no. [perfect deadpan]
Absolutely awful. I thought I had finally found a show without fight scenes and violence. I was so enjoying the show’s feel good comedy. This was such a huge miss, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.
I am in the majority of voted "excellent" though most of us weren't motivated enough to comment. Reading viewer reactions here is entertainment itself! Perhaps not surprisingly, the unexpected twists stirred both positive and negative opinions, depending on viewer background and expectations.
My reasons for voting positive:
(1) intrepid break away from becoming formulaic
(2) yet, stayed true with to the theme of never making assumptions about people--e.g., threatening hulk appears with good intentions and rides away on scooter, or minor characters Baz Jeremy and Paul proving their mettle in an exclusive club. Rhymes with themes from Season 1: hidden genius of Nate or the vulnerability of cold-hearted Rebecca.
(3) the disorientation one must feel after a devastating loss, taunted by none other than Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker. It was indeed nightmarish, and hence the use of violence...which did not seem gratuitous but conveyed horror, something to truly run from.
(4) after reading this article, agree with the thoughtful application of "supporting artists."
That episode did not fit with the series. Spent the entire time wondering about it and if the show was taking a turn in a new direction. Missed the humor and banter of Ted Lasso and others. Although the acting and scenes were played out spectacularly I just could not wrap my head around why such a dark feeling theme.
People are not getting this episode or this show.
This is a mirror of Joyce’s Ulysses. There, the character has adventures through the day that bounce off of, through humor, parody, exaggeration, etc. the Odyssey of Homer. Here, Beard lives through a night structured by Ulysses but rather than references to Homer (with a few exceptions like the lady in red siren and the fearsome Cyclops, or Jane’s text message Penelope) they are all references to movies. Hundreds of textual and visual references. Matrix, Fight Club, Clockwork Orange, Field of Dreams, Good Will Hunting, often the same scene working on numerous movie-referent levels. The keys, when dropped and who hands them back, is the key to Beard’s problems. But the bigger picture is made about storytelling and the ‘myths’ we use to tell stories, and what does it mean if all the signposts or streetlights (see how many appear throughout) we have to understand our lives are forged from and limited by our recent culture?
Daddy issues. Mental health. Suicide. Violence. Parental abuse. This is not a lighthearted comedy.
I feel exactly the same way Laurie. I went to the web to try to figure out why they made this episode. I could maybe stomach it except for the obscene, ridiculous, disgusting fight scene. This is a lighthearted comedy. There is no room for terror like that. If I watch one more violent episode like that I’m done. I told so many people about this awesome show. It was my favorite show! No longer. I am so disappointed that they lost their way with such violence. I want Ted back. Beard’s mystery was part of the genius of the show. We didn’t need a dark episode to explore more about him.
Quirky and a bit bizarre…but I absolutely loved it! All you sticks in the mud complaining about “NoT aDvAnCiNg MuH pLoTs” really need to loosen up and get over it.
This episode blew my husband and I away. I see in the comments we are in the minority, but I loved every minute of "Beard After Hours". It was a refreshing and bracing departure from Ted's eternal optimism, and a realistic view of how a person might handle crushing defeat. The music, actors, sets all created this atmosphere of Beard being buffeted by universe, and then dealing with a series of improbable events. The dance sequence was hands down amazing tv. There was an acid-like feel to the night as it wore on, and at the same time this episode was life-affirming. A worthy nod to "After Hours".
We felt that Episode 8 ended on a strange note and then this!! It was awful. We wondered if everyone was on a drug trip or something. It did nothing to add to the storyline. We hope things are back to “normal” by this Friday. We will not continue watching if that is not the case. This episode was very disappointing and added NOTHING to what has been a series we looked forward to watching!
We felt that Episode 8 ended on a strange note and then this!! It was awful. We wondered if everyone was on a drug trip or something. It did nothing to add to the storyline. We hope things are back to “normal” by this Friday. We will not continue watching if that is not the case. This episode was very disappointing and added NOTHING to what has been a series we looked forward to watching!
Pretty much the worst bit of tv i've ever seen in my life. Ruined the entire season for me (which wasn't that great to begin with).
Say hi to the crowd! Only highlight for me this time.
It was plain weird, it had nothing to do with anything. Dance scene was by far the best, unfortunately the shortest.
No Roy…no Keely…no bosslady…no good! The best of Beard was missing—his wisdom. Love the pub guys. And what’s with lost/ broken the keys????
I absolutely loved this episode. I especially loved the rave scene. It was such a cool and creative and unexpected shift from the usual episodes. Like many, I love this show overall; and I think it’s brilliant that they can surprise us the way this episode did.
The only thing I had problems with was when Coach Beard was saved by the boyfriend. How did he find Beard? Beard had disappeared on the bus. How would the guy even know where Beard got off? Plus the guy had to get his scooter. Didn’t make sense at all. But the hula hoop scene was stellar!!
It was terrible, disjointed and stupid… especially when he ran into Jamie Tart’s dad and when he followed the weird pregnant woman home. It was so far off the storyline. We couldn’t wait to watch the new episode and then we couldn’t wait for it to be over. I liked that Beard was always sort of a mystery that had it all together. He was a solid man. This episode made him out to be a drifter and simply weird. I am so disappointed.
Was it “bring your kid to work day”, or was everyone including writers and producers on strike this episode?
The same as commenter Laurie, I adore the series but thought this episode was simply terrible. It just did not fit in, did not advance the storyline, and unlike all the other episodes, many of the things that happened within it weren't just far-fetched, but simply not possible. I kept thinking it was a dream sequence, but it clearly wasn't by the end. This was the first episode I nearly shut off without finishing. A big misstep for the writing and production team.
One of the most brilliant story lines I’ve ever watched on tv! I could not believe how creative and well written and acted…LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Rave and hula hoop scene! Just BRILLIANT!
I thought it was a dream Beard was having and I kept hoping he would wake up.
I can’t believe the comments I have just read. I thought the episode was brilliant, the soundtrack perfect, and Brendan Hunt’s performance was award worthy!
The film After Hours is one of my all time favorites. I feel like people who didn’t get this episode, haven’t seen/don’t get After Hours. Ted Lasso is the Gen Xer’s inside joke, and I appreciate that :)
Ditto. Horrible episode.
The dreadful equal to Seinfeld’s Puerto Rican Day parade. Will never appear again.
It was good through the first bar scene. As it got more absurd, I lost interest and then started to dislike it. Couldn’t wait for it to end. I think it’s a big mistake and will be very disappointing to the Fanbase to have such a departure from the usual type of show. It would be like having a Seinfeld episode that was one half hour of just Kramer.
I loved this episode! We don’t get to see Coach Beard enough. We. Need. More. Beard. Please!
What the hell did that have to do with the main storyline? Just a sad diversion. If there are more episodes like that I’m gone. I’ve told dozens of people how great this series is, no more. Very disappointing they took their eyes off the ball.
I love the show, but this episode of Ted Lasso is so disappointing. In fact, the reason I read this article is because I wanted to find out why this episode was made. I really hope the show goes back to its normal quality.