Ted Lasso review: The beloved coach returns to Apple TV for season three. But is it still worth watching?

Ted Lasso

Wednesday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

“You can’t always get what you want,” sings Mick Jagger in the promo for the latest series of Ted Lasso. Honestly, never a truer word has been spoken. Especially when it comes to the third season of this Emmy Award-winning series.

I had SUCH high expectations for this slow-burn-turned-TV-phenomenon for its third outing. Mostly because season two ended on such an unexpected note. Tensions had been bubbling under the surface all series, and when Nate (Nick Mohammed) committed the ultimate betrayal in the dying moments of the finale episode — complete with silver hair and a physical transformation — I gasped.

Oh, the possibilities for season three!

Would the show veer in a much darker direction? Had Jason Sudeikis, the man who created and stars in the show, been playing us all along?

Going into this third and final season, I was holding out hope. But from what I saw of the first two episodes, it didn’t feel like much had progressed at all. It felt like it was serving more of the same. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing — this series, about an American football coach (Sudeikis) who implausibly becomes the coach of a Premier League football team, is perfectly watchable television. The characters are well drawn and, much like another slow-burn TV phenomenon, Schitt’s Creek, it’s good at giving the warm and fuzzies. But I wanted so much more. Much like the players of Richmond AFC, I wanted to believe this was taking us into much more interesting territory.

I’m pleased to say that by episode four, it appears I may be getting my wish. Sure, there are plenty of gags, plenty of Ted’s famous one-liners, but the unfolding storyline hints at something much bigger — and darker — at play.

I can’t wait to watch it unfold.

Outlast

Streaming now on Netflix

This show is so genius in its simplicity it’s a wonder no one’s thought to do it before now. The gist: take 16 “lone wolf” survivalists, drop them in the Alaskan wilderness, then tell them they’re competing for a million-dollar prize. The catch? The only way they can win is if they complete the contest (the contest being to survive in said Alaskan wilderness) as part of a team. It’s like Survivor meets Alone meets all-out war — and I am 100 per cent there for it. Mostly because of the dirty tactics the teams are able to employ to make sure they stay in the game. And trust me: things get FILTHY. This is about to become your new reality TV obsession.

The Last of Us finale

Monday, 10am, Binge

Starting a support group for the emotional damage caused by nine exceptional episodes of this drama. Who knew a show about fungus zombies could wreck me so bad? Something tells me this week’s finale won’t provide much respite.

Cobra S2

Streaming now on SBS on Demand

If you’ve not caught this under-the-radar series, starring Trainspotting’s Robert Carlyle, run, don’t walk. SBS on Demand has dropped season two this week and I can’t wait to dive in.

Extrapolations

Friday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

Wanted to love this drama about the ramifications of catastrophic climate inaction so badly. I mean — the cast! Matthew Rhys! Edward Norton! Meryl freaking Streep! But ep one was so cringe, I doubt I’ll return for more of the interconnected stories. Someone watch and let me know if it gets better . . .