jgershma

Almost every great series starts out as something entertaining-something that's engaging and full of potential. Then, there's a singular episode that elevates the show into something special. "Breaking Bad" had Half Measures. For "This Is Us," it was Memphis. For "Only Murders in the Building," it's The Boy from 6B.

So novel in its delivery without ever being contrived. 31 minutes of plot advancement and empathy with only three spoken words. It's the moment when you go all in. Yes, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are the heart of the show, but it's Nathan Lane who makes you love him and hate him without ever uttering a spoken word. Brilliant.

Rewatching "Ted Lasso" again and, with the knowledge of how the show ends, I'll say it here-"Sunflowers" is the best episode of the series. Yes, Season 3 was inconsistent (although now watching it again, it's actually far tighter than it seemed in real time) and, yes, the series finale might arguably be one of the best in TV history (because, honestly, how often does an acclaimed show give their viewers a true sense of closure-looking at you "Breaking Bad," "Mr. Robot," and the maybe GOAT finale, "Six Feet Under"). This episode, though-especially the "Let's Get Lost" montage-reminded everyone who loved this show exactly why they loved it just when we needed it the most.

Yes, I know there are two episodes left. Yes, I also know that this last season has been, at times, frustratingly inconsistent. But Rebecca's speech about the importance of football, underscored by Nate's playing of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel" (actually performed by Nick Mohammed!) will be the single best scene in the entire series. I'm calling it here. I know Ted Lasso's fanbase is often divided when it comes to ratings about if this is a show about football or a show about relationships. But in this remarkable 4 minutes, it shows that it's about both. As beautiful and moving as anything I've watched in a long time.