Ted Lassoclosed out season 4 on a melancholic note. Although the fan-favorite football coach is known for his comical charm, the show hasn’t shied away from tackling difficult issues, such as depression, anxiety and loss. And this season hit viewers with one character’s devastating demise. But it also delves deeper into Ted’s background and the loss of his father.
Coach Lasso’s dad died by suicide when Ted (Jason Sudeikis) was just 16 years old. Although season 4 hints at it, Ted actually talked about it for the first time back in season 2.
The second season of the hit Apple TV series explored Ted’s anxiety attacks. He wound up unpacking his father’s death with Dr. Fieldstone in season 2, episode 8.
My father killed himself when I was 16
“My father killed himself when I was 16. That happened to me and to my mom,” Ted told the doctor. Later in the season, Ted called Dr. Fieldstone again to hash it out, even saying, at one point, “‘Cause [my dad] quit. You know, he quit on his family. He quit on himself. And I hated him for that. I think I still hate him for it.”
In the most recent season, Ted’s son, Henry, asks how his grandfather died. He was initially told that Ted’s father just fallen down a flight of stairs and hit his head. Ted hesitates to respond, and when Henry asks if his father died at the same age, Ted says, “Hey. Don’t worry. I’m good on the stairs. You ain’t gonna lose me any time soon. I promise.”
Later in the season 4 finale, Ted confesses to Beard (Brendan Hunt) that he went a little “too serpentine” around Henry while discussing his late dad’s death. Eventually, Ted sits down with Henry to discuss his dad’s death while apologizing to his son about his absence.
I’m sorry I missed so many games this
“I’m sorry I missed so many games this season, but I just want to let you know that I’m gonna shift some stuff around on my side of things and make sure that won’t happen next year. I promise,” Ted tells Henry, before adding, “And there’s actually something else I want to talk about with you. It’s about how your grandfather passed away.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
