Television has become a normal in almost every household in the United States. Whether it is on our phones, tablets or even basic TV. So many varieties in shows or even movies, that we as humans may never run out of things to watch. Some people like Tv and others don’t, but some get so involved as if they are a part of it.
I recently just finished a new show that I have been dying to see. The show is called Ted Lasso and it’s about this American man’s journey of becoming a premier league soccer coach having never coached soccer before. It had lots of drama, as well as great friendships along the way. One thing that stood out for me was its excellent character development. Most shows and movies I watch either give too much on a character no one cares about or not enough to a loved character. In Ted Lasso, I felt as if I had become friends with the people and had me yelling at my screen. After watching this, I started to wonder why some shows make you feel a certain way. I guess it’s similar in the way that writing can persuade our emotions towards a certain direction. I find that there are a lot of people that don’t have a connection or relationship with TV and often relate more to books.
When watching a show or movie, I love feeling like I’m there with the characters and I’m a part of everything. In Ted Lasso, there were tons of moments where I felt the energy and emotion from a pre game talk or someone’s break up. We also got to see the personal lives and struggles of these pro soccer players and coaches. Even though it is fiction it wasn’t just entertaining, but felt real. This show was a game changer for how I viewed shows and made me think about all the time and effort that went into writing this to make me feel a certain way. They developed a connection between people and you would love this new and exciting portion of the show just for there to be a controversial act that requires everyone to re-evaluate the situation. Usually leading to more emotions.
The plot of this show played a huge role in my emotions and my overall experience. I am an athlete and have had many coaches and have felt many emotions from sports. Our main character Ted deals with many issues, Including his divorce, living in England while his son is in America, and having constant panic attacks from all the stress and struggles he is having as a father and a coach. I could really relate to Ted in these moments as a Husband and an athlete. Showing the mental health affects that coaches and players feel made a huge impact on my connection to the show. They don’t tell us to try and relate or connect, but having relatable experiences can cause the viewer to better interact with the media they are consuming. When Ted first showed up to the club he was set on making this foreign opportunity not just work but to be the best coach he could be. He wanted to win games and make these players better men as well. Having this goal in mind we see him make great relationships with the club owner, players, and even the kit manager. I’ve personally had many coaches in my life that strive for these same goals and was even felt through the screen. Could have just been his home like southern accent, or the random sayings, but either way I felt the words he would say and any emotions that were expressed.
I really do believe that the best shows, movies, and books are ones where you can feel the emotions that the characters are experiencing. Having moments to relate to one’s emotion can allow a greater connection and understanding to the viewer. Any of the top forms of media have presented themselves with floods of emotions that grasp the viewers attention and create a link to their own personal experiences. When watching Ted Lasso I didn’t feel like I was watching a show, but living in the moment. Every win, loss, break up, late nights at the bar, anger, frustration was all felt and was truly an amazing experience. Feel the emotions through the screen and let them take you to where you’re supposed to be.
***
***
The ManifestStation publishes content on various social media platforms many have sworn off. We do so for one reason: our understanding of the power of words. Our content is about what it means to be human, to be flawed, to be empathetic. In refusing to silence our writers on any platform, we also refuse to give in to those who would create an echo chamber of division, derision, and hate. Continue to follow us where you feel most comfortable, and we will continue to put the writing we believe in into the world.
***
Our friends at Corporeal Writing are reinventing the writing workshop one body at a time.
Check out their current online labs, and tell them we sent you!
***
We are looking for readers with an hour or so a week to read non-fiction submissions.
Interested? Let us know!
***
Inaction is not an option,
Silence is not a response
Check out our Resources and Readings
