1x04 For the Children

[7.7/10] I like the theme of older and younger generations teaching each other in this one. The most obvious is Roy and Jamie. Ted convinces Roy to emphasize with his younger counterpart and remember the days when he himself was a “primadonna bitch.” Roy connecting with Jamie over the fact that he too remembers what it’s like to have an older teammate whose seniority is a good beat. And he doesn’t pretend that it’s all sunshine and rainbows after that, just that setting aside their differences for a common goal benefited them both. Hearing grumpy Roy sound like a human being seems to get through to Jamie, just a little, in making him recognize that he can be an arrogant prick.

You have the same deal with Rebecca and Keeley. Keeley teaches Rebecca how to pose for the camera and pumps her up in front of the paparazzi in her big post-divorce coming out party. Rebecca returns the favor by teaching Keeley to hold people accountable, including both her boyfriend and herself. So when Jamie embarasses her by setting up an extra “plus one” to improve his image by having two women bid for him, she calls him out on it. She even apologizes for bidding on Roy, using him as an object in their “little game.” And when Jamie doesn’t get that, doesn’t understand the difference between simply saying “I’m sorry” and actually apologizing for something you regret, she has the self-possession to dump his ass.

It seems obvious that the show is veering toward pairing up Roy and Keeley. But that notwithstanding, I’m much more invested in the friendship between Keeley and Rebecca. The two of them doing what Rebecca always wanted to -- riding around in a tacky peddle cart -- is a wonderful note to go out on.

I also love the introduction of Rebecca’s ex. It doesn’t hurt that it’s ANthony Stewart Head (!!!). I’ve never seen him play such a scumbag before, and he’s surprisingly great at it. You know that type of guy, the schmoozer who can work a room and knows exactly how to push people’s buttons, but is a complete shitheel underneath the facade. Head pulls off the unctuousness of the man to perfection.

But what I like most about it is how Ted sniffs him out almost immediately. Not only does he figure out that Rupert likely called off Robbie Williams to embarrass his ex and give him the chance to come play hero, but he sees what an empty piece of garbage Rupert is. Ted sees the best in everybody. He recognizes the ways his friends and coworkers can be the best versions of themselves. He even has the recognition to see how a shabby-looking busker could tear the house down at a million dollar gala. But given that ability to empathize, to connect, to really see people, he observes the blackness within the soul of Rupert, and affirms it to Rebecca. It’s telling when such a chipper, kind-hearted man sees you for the scum that you are.

Overall, a superb outing for the show that takes the gala setup and runs with it, while delivering some great character beats for all involved.