History Recap / TedLassoS1E02Biscuits

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This episode premiered on August 14, 2020.

!!This episode provides examples of:

* GilliganCut: When Ted receives a harsh greeting from the fans at his first match, he states "[him and Beard] have 90 minutes to prove them wrong". Cut to the end of the game, where AFC has suffered an embarrasing 1-4 defeat.

* NotSoAboveItAll: Rebecca desperately tries to be above the "would you rather be a lion or a panda" discussion and then immediately contradicts herself by insisting the answer is lion.

* EarlyBirdCameo: Roy's niece Phoebe, who is properly introduced in the next episode, can be seen holding Roy's hand as he walks onto the pitch for the match against Crystal Palace.

Ted and Beard prepare for their first real day coaching AFC Richmond. Ted starts a new tradition that he calls "Biscuits with the Boss," wherein he brings Rebecca a box of shortbread every morning and the two of them get to know each other; Rebecca isn't thrilled with the idea, but admits that the biscuits are delicious. Rebecca tells Higgins that she's concerned by the loyalty Ted inspired in the players he coached back in Kansas--if he is able to similarly win over the Richmond players, it could undermine her efforts to destroy the team. She also orders Higgins to find out where Ted got the biscuits he brought her. Ted makes little headway with the team on his first day, but remains undeterred. He has Nate put out a suggestion box where the players can leave anonymous feedback. In the parking lot, Ted and Rebecca run into Keeley, whom Rebecca notices has strong chemistry with Ted.

Ted and Beard get dinner at a [[MyLocal local pub]], The Crown and Anchor, which is frequented by Richmond supporters. The two of them discuss Sam, who has been underachieving since he arrived from Nigeria, and decide to help him feel more at home by having the team celebrate his 20th birthday after Saturday's match. They go through the suggestion box, which contains a huge number of insulting notes and one legitimate complaint about the water pressure in the showers being weak. At training the next day, Nate passes around a collection box for the players to chip in for Sam's birthday present, but Jamie puts gum in the box instead of cash. Ted calls Jamie out on it, and Jamie pretends to apologize before making a jerk-off motion once Ted's back is turned.

In anticipation of Richmond's first match with Ted as coach, Ted and Rebecca host another press conference, where a tabloid reporter ambushes Rebecca with the news that yet another one of Rupert's mistresses has come forward. Rebecca is hurt by the revelation, but hides her distress; nevertheless, Ted goes to her office afterwards to ask if she's okay. He tells her that he has just received a care package from his son Henry that includes a bag of green plastic army men to keep him safe, and gives Rebecca one of the army men to protect her. He also asks her for advice on how to handle Jamie, and she tells him to talk to Keeley. Ted takes her advice and has lunch with Keeley, who tells Ted that Jamie responds well to positive reinforcement. Because Keeley is in the middle of a photoshoot that requires her to wear fake paws, Ted has to feed her and help her wipe food off her face. From behind a tree, a paparazzo takes photos of their interaction, which looks very flirtatious out of context.

In the locker room before the match on Saturday, the team surprises Sam with a birthday present that includes some snacks from Nigeria. Ted also gives Sam one of his plastic army men; Sam appreciates the spirit of the gift, although he still gives it back to Ted because he's not a fan of the American military, which Ted understands. The team heads out to the pitch, where the entire stadium of Richmond fans is chanting the word "wanker" in protest of Ted's hiring, as are the fans watching at The Crown and Anchor. Richmond proceeds to lose the match 4-1, with Jamie scoring the only goal; however, the commentators note that Sam played extremely well. Ted calls Jamie into his office and tells him that he is an amazing athlete, but he needs to remember that on the pitch, he's just one of eleven team members. The team, with the exception of Jamie, celebrates Sam's birthday with cake and music. Out in the parking lot, Trent Crimm, a reporter who has been tough on Ted, asks Jamie how he's taking the loss; Jamie initially repeats what Ted said about being just one of eleven, but after overhearing some opposing players laugh about how easily they won, he complains to Trent that Ted and the rest of the team are having a party instead of taking the loss seriously. While the party continues in the locker room, Roy goes to take a shower and finds that Ted has fixed the water pressure.

At home, Rebecca receives the photos of Ted and Keeley from Higgins, who is revealed to have hired the photographer on her behalf. Higgins asks if she's sure she wants to publish the photos and subject Ted and Keeley to the scrutiny of the British tabloid press; Rebecca looks at the army man that Ted gave her and seemingly wavers before seeing a news story about Rupert's latest mistress. She tells Higgins to publish the photos and tosses Ted's army man aside. Meanwhile, it's revealed that Ted is not buying biscuits for Rebecca, but making them himself from scratch.

[This description was copied in violation of our Administrivia/{{Plagiarism}} policy. Please replace it with original writing.]

On his first day at AFC Richmond, Ted attempts to win over the players and management. He brings Rebecca shortbread as a present; she rebuffs his attempt at friendliness but becomes obsessed with the biscuits. He quickly sees the team has a division in the locker room: Roy Kent, an aging star, is constantly angry and at odds with Jamie Tartt, a young egotistical talent. Seeing that another player, Sam Obisanya, is homesick for Nigeria, Ted throws him a birthday party even though the team had lost a game earlier in the day. Trying to win over Jamie, Ted seeks advice from Keeley, Jamie's model girlfriend. She advises praise, which Ted does. In an attempt to cause more problems for the team, Rebecca has a tabloid photograph of Lasso and Keeley seemingly being intimate with each other, with the intent of enraging Jamie. It is revealed that Ted bakes the biscuits he gives Rebecca himself.