RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesTottenham Hotspur's James Maddison before the pre-season friendly match at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture date: Wednesday July 29, 2026. (Photo by Robbie Stephenson/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of Fitzie’s film and tv reviews, where your hoddler-in-chief reviews all the things he’s seen on the big and small screens.
We’re doing something a little different today. I’m reviewing two new shows whose first series haven’t yet finished. They’re both also spin-offs from wildly popular shows – Ted Lasso and The Big Bang Theory.
I was sceptical of both of these TV shows heading into this. The reviews you’re about to read are my first impressions after watching the opening segments.
Ted Lasso Series 4, Episode 1: I struggle to understand why this show needed a fourth series. Why did it need a second, or a third?
Ted Lasso (the TV show, not the character), came about during the Covid-19 pandemic, where audiences were looking for something sickly sweet. Of course, Led Lasso delivered. It served its purpose. And two years after the third series aired and Lasso’s AFC Richmond underdogs nearly won the Premier League, we wonder what purpose the latest iteration serves.
Judging from the first episode, it will focus on women’s football. There is a story to be told about women’s football, for sure. But to dedicate 45 minutes of air time to Kansas City is not a way to begin a series about a football club in London. I don’t care if it’s a love letter to KC and, if it is, then make it a one-off special like the Christmas episode.
We learn that few characters have changed since we left them. Lasso is optimistic beyond belief, Rebecca the boss is the cool girl boss/owner, and the other characters fall in line how we’d expect them to after watching them in previous series. The only one that’s changed is Lasso’s son, who’s grown.
Again and again I asked myself, “Why am I watching this?” and “Why did they make this?” This is a show that peaked in 2020. It should remain there.
1.5 out of 5 Fitzies
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Episodes 1-3: This is an absolute bonkers spin-off of The Big Bang Theory , featuring four of my least favourite characters from that series: Stuart, Bert, Kripke and Denise.
I am stunned how much I am enjoying this. The Big Bang Theory became very difficult to watch after the first few series, and I didn’t bother with Young Sheldon or that other spin-off.
But this one isn’t serious at all. And I think that makes it so much braver. Basically the titular character and his three buds are locked in some strange multiverse deal, and are trying to figure out a way back home. We travel through different apocalyptic worlds that feature some of the characters from the main series: Raj, Penny, Bernadette and a couple others.
There’s a tonne of colour here, lots of action, and its home on HBO means the writers can have a little more freedom with the script (plus more money means there isn’t nearly as much product placement from the OG).
I don’t know if this show has a long shelf life. I say one or two seasons max. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a standout. It’s going to run through fan favourites pretty quickly (only three have yet to show: Sheldon, Leonard and Howard), so there is a question of what’ll happen after that anchor detaches from its chain.
Still, I think this is one worth investing your time if you are looking for something a little bit wacky and that doesn’t take itself seriously. I’ll keep watching it.
3.5 out of 5 Fitzies
Fitzie’s track of the day: what’s wrong with me, by Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith
And now for your links:
The Athletic ($$) : “Atletico Madrid renew Cristian Romero pursuit, Arsenal also interested in Tottenham captain”
BBC : “Uefa says boycott may still go ahead as FA withdraws Infantino support”
The Guardian : “Top Ugandan footballer killed by robbers armed with paving stones”
ESPN : “Why Real Madrid signed Yan Diomande, and how he’ll fit into team”
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