Ted Lasso is one of the wholesomest shows on Apple TV+ or anywhere, really.
Every episode leaves the viewer with a warm feeling in their heart. It makes us realize everything will be okay — we just have to believe.
One of the most glaring problems with the show, especially in the early seasons, is how it did not feature queer characters, let alone gay ones.
For a show about positivity, it seemed like a missed opportunity to fail to address one of football’s biggest issues: homophobia.
Ted Lasso seemed willing to venture into complicated topics but somehow did not address the fact that there were no gay people in the team or the show, and statistically, at least one player is gay.
In Season 3 Episode 3, “4-5-1,” fans would meet Colin Hughe’s (Billy Harris) boyfriend, Michael (Luke Ashton). Later in Episode 8, “We’ll Never Have Paris”, Colin comes out to his teammates, and they are supportive — well, for the most part.
But looking back, there was always a plan to explore this storyline, even if it came when the show was ending.
Something that transpires in Season 2 Episode 3, “Do the Right-est Thing,” is a telltale sign about Colin’s sexuality, and while it is missable, it is a significant moment.
Bantr and Grindr Go Head to Head On ‘Ted Lasso’
The episode finds Keely (Juno Temple) working hard to launch a new dating app. While in the locker room with the team, she asks for their help.
She asks them to sign up for Bantr, hoping that having strapping football players will make the app alluring enough for fans to sign up.
Banter does not sound like a great name for a dating app. It sounds like something people with a passion for gossip would use to keep up to date with the latest.
The app’s name is Bantr sans the “e,” and Keely spells it out for them.
Out of nowhere, Colin draws the parallels between the app’s name and the real-life saying app for queer men called Grindr.
Like Bantr, Grindr does not feature the “e,” which makes it better. Otherwise, it sounds like something people use to grind things.
Everyone in the room hears, but most don’t react and continue with the chatter.
To most, it did not even register, and to some viewers, it didn’t seem significant.
While someone bringing up Grindr in a casual conversation in some circles would seem suspect, the app is mainstream now. Every straight man with a phone that he can listen to other straight men on a podcast knows Grindr.
The Pitfalls of Being a Closeted Footballer
Richard Montlaur (Stephen Manas) gives him a puzzled look and resumes his task. This is a great indicator that he knows something about Grindr but, luckily, is not interested in a gay hunt.
Keely affirms his comment and breaks a slight smile — almost like she, too, knows but does not wish to make Colin uncomfortable.
Either way, the ordeal is not great for him. Knowing that Colin was closeted now, how he retreats into himself is heartbreaking.
But even before that, one can see his discomfort when the dating topic comes up. Colin was presumably in a relationship and the last thing he wanted was to perform the straight football player role.
The app was meant to attract young women, but guess who has no desire for that?
It was a great scene that highlighted how much of a burden being closeted was for Colin and what the closet does to queer people who just want to live their lives.
One way to adapt is to shrink, like Colin did, or crack jokes to divert attention from yourself.
But buying flashy cars works, too.