Ted Lasso 2×02 picks up right where the last left off. Time to figure out why Jamie Tartt stepped off the pitch and onto Lust Island.

There is just so much to love about how Ted Lasso season 2 is shaping up. Not only are we watching Roy try to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up, but we also have a front row seat to a coach putting his team’s mental health over his own pride, a star who abandons his skill to frustrate his father, and a woman whose romantic future feels all to uncertain.

But let’s start with the team, shall we?

I’m beyond excited to watch how Ted guides his team past this whole tie scenario. Obviously, if they want to lead their league, and maybe even win it, they need to get a win at some point. I couldn’t think of a better way to get to the heart of the matter though, than to let them all take a moment or two with Dr. Sharon. She helped Danny get past his yips, and can help all of them get out of their heads long enough to put the ball in the net.

Related: ‘Ted Lasso’ season 2, episode 1: Lasso is back and hasn’t lost a single step

Speaking of Dr. Sharon, her ongoing interactions with Ted have me intrigued. Their relationship is not quite friendly, but also not hostile, either. No, they have a bit of an understanding between them, she gets that he doesn’t entirely want her there, but he’s willing to put up with her if she respects his boundaries and acquiesces to his biscuits and other small tokens of his superior rank in the team hierarchy. He isn’t doing this as a show of dominance, though, but rather as a way to prove to himself he is the leader supreme of AFC Richmond.

As far as Ted’s relationships go, I loved seeing his interactions with his players in this episode. He and Jamie Tartt have a complicated history. Thanks to Jamie’s star power and selfishness, he and Ted started a bit at odds, even if Mr. Lasso still did everything in his power to reach Jamie. Now that his future is more uncertain than ever, I’m glad Jamie is back under Ted’s wing. Hopefully Ted will be able to guide Jamie to being a better player and an even better man.

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And not only did we get his time with Jamie Tartt, and their discussion of his future, but we also watched him with Sam Obisanya.

Seeing Ted handle Sam, an otherwise agreeable character, in a moment of fury was both enlightening and heartwarming. He knew that whatever Sam was upset about was big, so he didn’t overreact or try to exert himself to prove his power over the player, but came with understanding and a need to solve whatever problem Sam was having. We don’t get that many examples of leadership coming with a need to understand that often. I swooned a little as they found their common ground and solved the problem. This team has me wrapped around their little finger.

I am obsessed with Higgins’ ongoing bit this season. Having given up his office so Dr. Sharon has somewhere to meet privately with the team, he is now hopping from room to room and table to table, looking for a space to call his own. If by the end of the season he doesn’t have an all new space all to himself, I’ll be shocked. Either that, or he’ll end up with a desk in Ted’s office, keeping the Diamond Dogs together at all times.

Another relationship that I’m excited to see blossom after Ted Lasso 2×02 is that between Ted and Rebecca. They established themselves as confidants and friendly last season, but there seems to be a friendship line they still have to cross before they’re entirely friends. I don’t know if this is because of Rebecca’s grand scheme in season 1 that didn’t work out as she planned, or if they’re just taking a bit longer to fully gain each other’s full confidence, but I’m eager to see their bond grow and grow as the season wears on.

Completely random, but I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce, but thanks to a specific Try Guy and his Eat the menu videos, I at least got the reference. There’s no better feeling than getting the reference, I swear. Tee hee hee.

Ultimately, I’m so glad Ted Lasso is back, and especially to watch Ted’s relationships with everyone at Richmond AFC progress. There is so much room for growth and substantial love for everyone, I’m anxious to get from Friday to Friday.

Until next week!

Ted Lasso 2×02 is available now (with subscription) on AppleTV+.