In Ted Lasso season 2, Jamie Tartt is on a journey of self discovery

Date:
Sat, 24 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Description:
Ahead of Ted Lasso season 2s release, TechRadar spoke to actor Phil Dunster about Jamie Tartts stalled soccer career and his AFC Richmond future.

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Spoilers follow for Ted Lasso season 2 episode 1 Goodbye, Earl.

Ted Lasso is a TV show about overcoming adversity. Despite the humor and optimism that runs through Apple TV Plus most popular series to date, it doesnt overlook the struggles that its eclectic cast of characters go through
and, ultimately, their ability to rise above it.

With season 1 focusing on the hardship of key characters including Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), season 2 trains its eye on the shows supporting cast and the troubles personal and professional that they must conquer to grow as individuals.

That includes Jamie Tartt. The antagonistic former AFC Richmond stars circumstances are a mystery at the start of Ted Lasso season 2 but, by the
end of episode 1 titled Goodbye, Earl it appears that Jamie, more than anyone, needs a helping hand. Ted Lasso season 2 : everything you need to
know about the series' next chapter Here's when Ted Lasso season 2 episode 2 arrives on Apple TV Plus How to watch Ted Lasso season 2 online

Ahead of season 2s premiere, TechRadar sat down with Jamie Tartt actor Phil Dunster to discuss his characters stuttering soccer career. We also discuss the series examination of difficult real-life subjects and whether well see Jamie in a Richmond shirt ever again. Back to reality (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Ted Lassos season 1 finale left Jamie at a crossroads. Recalled from his Richmond loan spell by Manchester City, the attacker ended up relegating Richmond by setting up Citys winning goal on the final day of last season.

Rather than celebrate Richmonds demotion to Englands second tier, though, the egotistical soccer player found himself mulling over his part in proceedings especially after Ted leaves him a note praising his unselfish behavior in assisting a goal rather than trying to score himself.

Fast forward to season 2 and Jamie is conspicuous by his absence. That is, until the final scene in episode 1.

Sitting down with his elderly female yoga friends, ex-Richmond midfielder Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) settles in to watch the latest episode of satirical Love Island-style show Lust Conquers All.

To Roys surprise, arch-rival Jamie is revealed to be part of the series line up. So how did he go from starring for Manchester City to appearing on a reality TV show?

Jamies at this place now where hes trying these different avenues, Dunster exclusively tells us. Maybe he feels like he couldnt continue to do all that work on his own [without Ted]. Perhaps hes stepping away from football and maybe trying something that is less to do with his talent.

You see [Ted Lasso] challenge things like toxic masculinity and mental health Phil Dunster, Ted Lasso actor

It appears, though, that Jamie is missing Ted and AFC Richmonds players. Deprived of their infectious optimism, collective spirit and support, the former Richmond superstar is seemingly taking control of his life for the first time but that doesnt necessarily mean that Jamies self-made decisions are whats best for him.

Still, hes unlikely to admit to missing his former soccer coach and
teammates. Based on his brief appearance in season 2s premiere, Jamie is as narcissistic and cocky as he was in season 1. Dunster, though, believes that its all a front on Jamies part to hide his deep-seated insecurities, which
Ted was seemingly getting to the crux of before Jamies Richmond departure.

Jamie spent the first season tussling with emotional growth and doing some emotional heavy lifting for the first time in his life, Dunster admits. His shift in location [back to Manchester City] means that hes no longer around those people who were helping him try to grow. I think by doing that [emotional growth] on his own, by this point, he's been trying too hard and hes tired of doing it, and thats one of the reasons why we see him at this crossroads [in his life]. Tackling tough topics on and off the field (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Despite its uplifting and heartwarming moments, Ted Lasso doesnt shy away
from real world issues at the centre of the so-called beautiful game.

The alarming rise in online discrimination towards soccer players, particularly Englands Black footballers following the UEFA Euro 2020 final, made headlines across the globe and saw Sudeikis sport a sweater in support
of those who were racially abused.

It isnt, though, the only unwelcome aspect of the worlds most popular sport. Sexism and homophobia, among other prejudices, are also rife throughout the game and, in many instances, they appear to boil down to one major societal issue that has been prevalent in recent years: toxic masculinity.

Its a topic thats been explored in Ted Lasso before. During season 1s finale, Ted is shocked to overhear Jamies dad scream and physically abuse his son for assisting Manchester Citys winning goal rather than scoring himself. It makes for hard viewing and, unsurprisingly, leaves its mark on Ted and Jamie.

Jamies brief appearance in season 2s first episode, then, is his way of
trying to escape his fathers soccer-based mistreatment by removing it from
his life, albeit temporarily.

For Dunster, the examination of such difficult subject matter is what sets
Ted Lasso apart from its contemporaries.

As he puts it, Ted Lasso isnt a show thats eternally positive. By reckoning with tough topics, he hopes that viewers recognize that, much like the graft that Ted and Richmonds squad have to put in to become better players, hard work and education are required to try and eradicate these issues from soccer and society as a whole.

Theres a phrase in the show that goes be curious, not judgmental, and its so powerful and profound, Dunster says. Its a very simple thing but its
difficult to put into practise. As a series, you see us challenge things like toxic masculinity and mental health, but one of the things that the show does really well is it looks at them in an obtuse way. Were not going Oh, that toxic masculinity is real; the writers and creators look at it through a
sense of vulnerability and understanding. Hopefully that comes across to the audience.

Even though his soccer career is temporarily on the back burner, Jamies love for the game still shines through. His unashamed Im the islands top scorer sexually! comment in episode 1 teases the prospect of a return to the field
in the future. So what can Dunster tell us about Jamies next steps? Is a Richmond return on the cards, for instance?

Youll see a more emotionally evolved character [in season 2], Dunster teases without giving much away. I think Jamie will continue to tussle with his issues as we go forward and, just maybe, start to understand that the work is rarely finished.

Ted Lasso season 2 episode 1 is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV Plus now. Did Apple TV Plus secretly become one of the best streaming
services in 2020?



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/in-ted-lasso-season-2-jamie-tartt-is-on-a-journ ey-of-self-discovery/


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