#also I can't believe that this show has given me RIVAL BILLIONAIRES

[leupagus]

Also I really want to talk about Edwin Akufo because

a) hottie

b) THAT ENTRANCE, THOSE FINGER GUNS, THAT SMILE, A LEGEND JOGS AMONG US

c) the little thing about him not shaking Ted’s hand, then shaking Sam’s, and Ted going on his first of SEVERAL face journeys in this episode being like “...harsh but fair”

c.1) Ted seriously, what the FUCK was that hakuna matata joke, also why did Sasha Garron... include that whole exchange??? Unless it was to allow Edwin to say in the most gentle, “oh my god you’re like labradoodle-level stupid,” “Well, Timon and Pumbaa are cartoons,” which to be fair Ted might not... know.

c.2) Watching Ted and Edwin interact could have been horrifically embarrassing and kind of was in that first moment but like - Edwin’s so incredibly self-assured and affable, it kind of works?

d) he’s SO CHARMING, like SO CHARMING. Like Ted-levels of charming but with Rebecca-levels of poise and that whole scene in Rebecca’s office I was like, “whatever this guy wants he should have,” even though then I was like “wait but he wants Sam nooooo”

d.1) the suggestion that instead of the owners deciding, let Sam decide for himself was real interesting, and even more interesting that Edwin was the one to suggest it. From what I gather, a lot of times players under contract don’t usually get much of a say, so Edwin wanting to put the power into Sam’s hands is telling (also obviously because he thinks he can charm Sam’s pants off, but still!)

e) BUYING OUT THE FUCKING BRITISH MUSEUM (lol) AND THEN FILLING IT WITH ACTORS, A LEGEND INDEED

e.1) “I’m a billionaire who doesn’t believe billionaires should exist” either this guy is gonna turn out to be a Big Bad (which he BETTER NOT BE) or he needs to have his own spin-off show

e.1.i) I would watch that show

e.2) “You both just met a cool person” the implications here just make me wave my hands around because literally any interpretation of this callback is INCREDIBLE

e.3) The fact that the other guy was Banksy

e.4) THE FACT THAT SAM NEITHER KNEW NOR CARED, Sam you’re the fucking best

f) the fucking pop-up restaurant, this fuckin’ guy. “Is this filled with actors too?” “With friends.” GOD.

f.1) The Nigeria/Ghana rivalry they rib each other about throughout their interactions - like, I can see what Edwin’s talking about in re: raising the African continent’s profile and stature in the world, but they’re still a continent, not a country, and there are national and regional differences and like, I’m honestly really impressed that this was made clear

f.2) mardia has weighed in and making Raja Casablanca into a top-ranked soccer club is... a tall order, basically. Like, VERY TALL. But it is a real team!

f.3) I love him

g) I think Sam might love him too? Like if anyone wants to write the post-season Edwin/Sam fic where Edwin just relentlessly tries to buy Sam’s affection and Sam is like, “you should probably calm down” I would not object?

in short:

RIVAL BILLIONAIRES???

#this is all obviously written from the POV of a white lady #but I just want to like #sit down next to Edwin and learn all about his plans #ted lasso mothereffers #also I can't believe that this show has given me RIVAL BILLIONAIRES #harkening back to those heady days of Person of Interest #ted lasso #edwin akufo #who I hope will need his own tag because I love him your honor #and his 'I may or may not be fucking with you LET'S FIND OUT' smile #sam obisanya