Well, that was easily the best episode in weeks as the story started to focus a bit more on the team and less on the extracurricular actions of the legacy characters. We more or less solved the Keeley-Roy relationship drama without allowing the good doctor to be played for a fool*, Ted started to take steps to get out of his shell, and Alice once again took two steps forward – this time without immediately taking another three steps back. There were some moments that have me a touch worried about what might be coming down the line – such as the potential of a Lizzie-Beard relationship, which would be one of the worst choices the show could make for many reasons, not least of which that having a coach dating a player is such a terrible idea it might make me stop watching the show – but there was more than enough to like about this episode, so I won’t borrow trouble before it arrives.
*The ending of Keeley’s stupid dating requirement was about as positive as one could hope for, seeing as it allows Roy and Keeley to get together without Roy needing to break the doctor’s heart. That she had all the key information – namely, that Roy is still in love with Keeley, even if he isn’t consciously admitting it to himself – and she was the noble one who opted to save herself potential pain down the line and end things with Roy doesn’t make the whole arc any less frustrating and troubling, though. As I’ve said before, these two deserve each other because they’re pretty shitty people for coming up with and going along with a plan that could have ended in some pretty messy broken hearts all around.
It may have taken seven episodes, but we finally got to learn a bit more about the players on the team – even if that knowledge was essentially telling us all the issues they are currently facing as they attempt to achieve their dream of becoming professional footballers while still trying to earn a living. That means Lizzie needs to take her youngest to practice when her ex can’t make it – because he’s going on a last-minute trip. It means the twins are facing a rent increase and will need to make up that extra money somewhere. It means that Shannon has to deliver food despite being a professional athlete. And it means Gemma has to miss practice to make it to her internship interview with a swanky law firm.
Now, it’s that last one that gave me pause, as it’s pretty clear just what the show is setting up here. Gemma, the one person Alice has been riding harder than anyone else because she sees just how talented Gemma is and wants her to achieve the level of success she was denied due to her injuries, is absolutely going to get that internship. And, speaking as a lawyer, there’s no way in hell that firm is going to let her take time off from her internship – something that is more or less a stepping stone to employment with the firm – to play football. Which means we’re going to end up with either a cliffhanger or some sort dramatic moment where Gemma gets the internship and has to tell the team she’s leaving, prompting a showdown with Alice. A showdown where Alice will tell Gemma she’s an idiot for quitting, that she’s wasting her potential, that she could be a true star – and that she can’t quit now, not when she’s living her dream. She’ll tell Gemma that she’s twice the player Alice was, that her potential is limitless, but that if she quits now, she’ll regret it. Or, if the writers decide Alice needs to take three steps back that episode, it will just be a fight between them. But I’m willing to bet it turns into a chat that helps reveal more of Alice, that helps Gemma understand the pain Alice is dealing with over her own failed career on the pitch, and that sets up that cliffhanger over whether or not Gemma stays in football – and how far Rebecca is willing to go to really turn the women’s team into something special. Because money talks and there isn’t much going into the women’s team while a smarmy agent is able to try to suck more cash out of the men’s side without anyone really batting an eye.
In other arcs this week, it was encouraging to see Ted put himself out there – even if it didn’t end up with him getting that date. And you know what? I think that’s the best outcome out of the flirtation with the stage manager. Ted took a big step just in asking her out – and then he took an even bigger one in not self-destructing when things didn’t go his way (not that I expected he would, but again, always nice to see). On the other end of the spectrum, Beard took the rejection of the very young woman at the New Year’s Eve party as a sign that he’s old and he needs a reset – something that involves a spray tan and blue contacts. I love weird Beard – and I love introspective Beard who can read those around him and offer advice when needed – but what I don’t love is self-destructive Beard. And I worry that’s where we’re headed – especially if the show opts to try and throw him and Lizzie together.
So, we’re approaching the final two episodes of the season and it’s clear where some of the arcs are headed. It’s looking like there might be a reckoning with Gemma and Alice over Gemma’s choice to walk away from football for her legal career (a difficult choice, as there’s really no wrong choice to be made here – just whatever decision she feels most inclined to make). Beard will need to realize he’s gotta find a different dating pool and accept that he’s not really old – he’s just not someone who can pull 24 year olds (and shouldn’t even try). Alice learning about “yes, and” was a cute way to get her to start listening to those around her rather than just dictating what she wants (and in an episode full of Chicago references, it was easily my favorite – I refused to believe that Zelda knows about Da Bears, although if she wants to purchase them, I would be more than happy). And I’m very intrigued as to what the addition of Zelda to the Richmond executive team will mean for the club, Rebecca, and Keeley moving forward. She’s clearly not a bad businesswoman – despite some questionable friends – but she’s already shown that she’s more cut-throat than anyone else on the show. How will that impact Keeley, Rebecca, and the fate of the team? I’m intrigued to find out.
-
Writing
-
Acting
-
Direction
