The hilarious and impeccably-written characters ofApple TV Plus’Ted Lassoapparently had one last holiday surprise for fans this year. After the arguably premature (but still absolutely delightful) Christmas episode early in season 2, some may have been understandably worried that there wouldn’t be a more timely offering from the addictively charming series. But they’re back to spread some holiday cheer in the only way it should ever be done, through painstaking stop-motion.
Apple TV Plushas brought the main cast ofthe deceptively deep comedyTed Lassotogether to help fans celebrate the holidays. Luckily, this was done by way of a nostalgic stop-motion short, because one thing that enhances viewers' enjoyment is the knowledge that the stars probably recorded it in their pajamas. The special tells the story of Ted’s (Jason Sudekis) missing mustache, which is the kind of problem that, in any other context, would probably prompt fans to wonder if drugs were involved.
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The short starts with the main group wishing each other a Merry Christmas, including Nick Mohammed as Nate. So right off the bat, it’s made very clear that this little vignette, which wouldn’t technically be possible in real life anyway, is absolutely not set afterTed Lassoseason 2’s beautiful and ugly finale. However, that doesn’t mean the writers disregarded the events of the past year entirely. Higgins' (Jeremy Swift) line of “don’t ever change, Nate” most likely stung for a lot of fans who are still having trouble getting over that particular character’s rather unfortunate character arc.
The fact thatthe debatably CGI Roy Kent(Brett Goldstein) attempts to fix Ted’s missing mustache problem by ripping off his own eyebrows as an offering before simply growing them back in seconds is probably another great indication that this special isn’t exactly meant to be taken super seriously. However, that thankfully doesn’t affect the always incredible comedy writing behind it. Fans will feel right at home with moments like Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca asking “why do you have a disguise kit?” and Brendan Hunt’s Coach Beard dryly answering “why don’t you?”
The special also features Phil Dunster as Jamie Tartt and Juno Temple as Keeley Jones, rounding out the show’s central cast and bringing in that respectively dumb and snappy charm their characters are known for. It’s really a treat all the way through, offering all the comedy fans have grown to love without the anxiety-inducing drama that does admittedly makeTed Lassoall the more addictive. As a bonus, it doesn’t even give theTed Lassocharacters any opportunities to get soccer wrong.
This special’s status as a standalone piece that doesn’t incorporate the heavy themes and developments ofTed Lassoproper makes it an ideal viewing experience for the holidays, in this year and presumably many more to come. It’s a fantastic holiday treat, made only slightly unnerving by the rather creepy clay dolls. Now that’s a classic Christmas vibe.
