Unraveling the Mystery of Coach Beard
The Coach Beard-centric episode of Ted Lasso, titled Beard After Hours, provided viewers with a rare glimpse into the life of the enigmatic character. To fully appreciate its significance and seemingly odd placement within the season, it’s essential to delve into the history and background of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso series.
Launched in August 2020, Ted Lasso struck a chord with audiences worldwide, offering a much-needed dose of optimism amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and the racial unrest following George Floyd’s murder. The show’s premise revolves around an American football coach, Ted Lasso, who is hired to coach a British soccer team. While Ted may lack knowledge of British football, he excels at working with people. One of the unsung heroes in this equation is Ted’s right-hand man, Coach Beard, portrayed by Brendan Hunt.
Coach Beard: The Man Behind the Man
Coach Beard is an elusive figure who consistently supports Ted, content with working behind the scenes to make his boss look good. The audience’s knowledge of him is limited: he’s a great friend, a skilled chess player, and has a tumultuous relationship with Jane. His few spoken words are wise yet concise. Brendan Hunt, the man behind Coach Beard, serves as a co-creator, actor, and writer on Ted Lasso. Hunt has stated that Coach Beard’s reserved nature is intentional, adding an air of mystery to the character.
So, why did the writers decide to give the audience an inside look into one night of Coach Beard’s life? The answer lies in Apple TV’s episode order. The writers of Ted Lasso initially outlined a ten-season arc, but Apple TV executives requested 12 episodes. Faced with the challenge of adding two episodes without compromising the storyline, the writers opted to include the Christmas episode and the Coach Beard episode, allowing for a deeper exploration of peripheral characters’ lives.
The Evolution of Television Seasons and the Impact on Ted Lasso
The number of episodes in a typical television season has changed over time. Historically, network shows ran from September to April, with as many as 39 episodes per season. Factors such as the rise of streaming and British television’s influence have led to shorter, more story-focused seasons.
The Coach Beard episode has polarized viewers, with opinions ranging from love to hate. However, it does spark intriguing discussions, such as the potential deeper meaning behind Coach Beard losing his keys throughout the episode. The episode serves as an excellent showcase for Brendan Hunt’s acting talents and offers a rare insight into the mysterious Coach Beard. Viewers learn about his insecurities, his toxic relationship with Jane, and his interactions with pub regulars Baz, Jeremy, and Paul.
The downside of this episode is the lack of Ted Lasso’s presence, which can be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting their weekly fix. It’s worth considering how this episode would fare in a binge-watching scenario. Ultimately, time will tell how Beard After Hours holds up in the grand scheme of Ted Lasso. One thing is certain: Coach Beard will remain a character that audiences continue to analyze and discuss for years to come.
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