Last week, our favorite Richmond football players celebrated Christmas in their own ways. This stand-alone episode was such a stark difference from the deeply emotional third episode of the season. This Christmas episode was an instant classic, and will definitely be in my personal rotation of Christmas themed episodes I re-watch during the holiday season. I must admit, I was skeptical about enjoying a Christmas episode during the heat of August, since I’m a person who doesn’t enjoy Christmas music until December 1st. However, here are my top five reasons why this episode was perfect in every way.
5. Ted’s very realistic Christmas video chat.
Perhaps one of the most heart-breaking moments of the episode was watching Ted try to spend Christmas with his ex-wife and son— virtually. Ted had expectations of staying on the phone all day and spending time with his son, but of course, as children do, his son gets distracted by his awesome Christmas gifts and leaves Ted to play with his toys. Ted feels very alone in this and resorts to drinking whiskey and watching It’s A Wonderful Life. This situation feels very realistic, even in the midst of an otherwise cheery Christmas celebration. However, it does set up the perfect situation for another reason why this episode is perfect.
4. Roy Kent and his undying love for his niece.
Brett Goldstein blew me away with his acting in one very specific moment of the episode. “I think you might be dying” was one of the most well-delivered lines of the series and I could not stop laughing. But in all seriousness, Roy and Keeley giving up their Christmas time to spend their day with Phoebe was so incredibly sweet. From the door-to-door journey of finding a dentist to diagnose Phoebe’s horribly bad breath, to the Love Actually reference with the poster boards, everything about the Kent’s Christmas adventure was comical and heartwarming.
3. Ted & Rebecca spreading cheer.
Learning that Rebecca’s Christmas tradition included delivering gifts to underprivileged kids almost made me cry, especially when she mentioned she hadn’t done so in years because of Rupert. Rebecca’s growth is unique in the sense that not only has she grown so much since knowing Ted, but she is so clearly returning to the person that she once was before her relationship with Rupert. Bringing Ted with her on this journey was such a sweet gesture. Rebecca knew he needed support during a difficult holiday, especially the first one after a divorce. Bringing Ted into that space with her was just as helpful for both of them as it was for the children.
2. The team camaraderie.
Seeing the episode open with the Greyhounds doing a Secret Santa gift exchange was so precious. It’s amazing to see how much the team has bonded under Ted’s management. Even the new players are welcomed into the team family so easily. (Side note: Isaac as Santa, incredible. Amazing. Showstopping.) My favorite example of this was at the end of the episode when the Richmond team just overtook the entire block to sing Christmas music and dance in the snow. What a sweet family.
1. The Higgins family.
Words cannot EXPRESS how much I adored the Higgins family’s storyline. Seeing this very English family host all of the international players in their home was so touching to me and incredibly personal. Growing up, my parents, who are South African, always invited international students from the schools they worked at into our home for holidays since they don’t have family around. Holidays are constantly a cultural melting pot for me, so seeing this happen on my favorite show was incredibly emotional. Seeing the players interact with the children in Nerf wars and video games, seeing the passing of the plates of different non-traditional Christmas food, and hearing the laughter and languages bounce off the walls was so touching. Higgins listing off all the players’ hometowns even made me tear up! As Higgins stated, “I know you would have preferred to have been with them [their families], but it was truly an honor to have you with us to share our traditions and help make a few new ones. To the family we’re born with and to the family we make along the way.” I couldn’t help but think about how these characters have sort of become a family to me over the past year.
If you need a little holiday spirit, or just want to see an incredibly heartwarming story, this episode is for you.
Ted Lasso 2×4 “Carol of the Bells” is streaming now on Apple TV+.
