u/Astraea802

I was reading an article making a case for the lack of modern realistic fiction for boys ages 9-12, and why reluctant readers especially benefit from more of those stories.

And I couldn't help but think: A Ted Lasso-style book series specifically aimed at middle grade audiences could fit those needs really well!

Ted Lasso has such incredible wisdom, especially for men. It has sports, humor, relatable problems around family and friendship, features positive male figures and women as equals to them. Roy and Jamie came from poor backgrounds and had to work their way up, which can be really inspiring for kids. And it touches on the power of books too, as we see Beard reading constantly and Ted giving all of his players a book to read.

But because it's still a show written for adults, we also get a lot of content that isn't really appropriate for kids (though I'm sure some have seen it anyway), so you can't really recommend it. And while it models a love for reading as valuable, it's still a mainly visual medium itself.

Based on all this, a book or book series that captures the Ted Lasso style and themes, but aimed at younger audiences (boys and girls), would be an amazing addition to any library, bookstore, or classroom. But I can't see myself being the one to write it because I didn't have good experiences doing soccer growing up, so I'm putting this idea out into the universe hoping someone better suited takes it from me.

My mom got me into Ludwig on Britbox and it's reminding me a little of Matlock.

The premise is, a reclusive puzzle setter must go undercover as his identical twin brother, a police detective, to find out why said brother suddenly vanished, with hints that at least one person in his department was involved. In the midst of all this, he ends up solving a bunch of murders in a way that only he can. It's a bit like if a toned-down Adrian Monk from Monk was in the Madeline Matlock role, having to pretend to be someone they are not in order to get justice for a loved one. And throw in some fun puzzle-solving elements.

Season 1 is out, and Season 2 should be coming out later this year.

With the avatars getting to act as their own characters and the real-world characters getting to interact with them separately, here's what I'm looking forward to, as well as some speculation on character arcs:

• Smolder Bravestone-Spencer: While Spencer in the last film finally got the need to leave the world behind out of his system, I do think there's still something to explore with his character: With Jumanji coming to the real world, how does Spencer face it as himself, and not a character? Even Ming had skills in stealth, though she was much closer to Spencer in weaknesses. And he still identified with Bravestone near the end of the last film, in spite of spending most of the run as Ming. This film will be a test of, can he bring that Bravestone strength over to the real world for good?
  • In addition, I feel like Bravestone's in-game personalty will either be a lot like Buzz Lightyear in the first Toy Story or a total egotist with Main Character Syndrome. This is supported by the fact that the Jumanji video game centers a lot on him and his backstory -- none of the other characters get arch enemies or backstory, except Mouse as Bravestone's valet. Seeing the real Bravestone might turn Spencer off of wanting to be him and further see the value in being himself. Spencer, or even Grandpa Eddie, also might help Bravestone see the value in the rest of his team, something both players had to learn in the last film.
• Fridge-Mouse Finbar: With Milo seemingly out of the way, Fridge is the only real-world character who has spent time as Mouse. I could see the real Mouse being super-subservient to Bravestone, so maybe Fridge could help Mouse see the value in himself, since Fridge too had to come around and see Mouse's value while playing as him, to the point where he took pride in being the Backpack Guy at the end of TNL.
• Shelly Oberon-Bethany-Spencer/Martha: Shelly is definitely the nerd of the party, but has never been played by a nerd. So his real personality could be more of a shy, bumbling absent-minded professor type. Bethany was really good at bringing Martha out of her shell in the first film, so I could see her helping Shelly in that regard too. Spencer or Martha could also relate to learning to see themselves as badasses without losing their nerdy qualities. Shelly might do the best in the real world, adapting to the new technology.
• Alex-Seaplane: Of all the players, Alex spent more time as Seaplane than any other character spent in their avatar. But Alex got a chance to grow up, while Seaplane never did. I feel like Alex would want to thank Seaplane for keeping him alive all that time, and, as a dad, also be protective of Seaplane, who as a pilot is likely more of a daredevil in-game.
• Bethany-Seaplane: Bethany's initial attraction to Alex-as-Seaplane gave way to a more selfless, platonic affection as the first film went on, especially once she saw the real Alex grown up. But with Seaplane now a separate character from Alex, Bethany would have no qualms flirting with him as herself. I just think that could be hilarious.
• Ruby Roundhouse-Martha: After Alex, Martha is the one who spent the most time as her character. But seeing Ruby as separate from herself, seeing how she conducts herself in real time, could either make Martha really starstruck or really insecure. But I also think Ruby might have the hardest time adapting to the real world, so in that regard Martha could be a helpful guide.
• Nora-The Group: I think Nora will have a larger role, as the only connection to the original film. have this theory that once Nora witnesses the chaos of Jumanji in the real world again, she might start to remember the original timeline and thus give the kids and Eddie a heads-up on what to expect. (And maybe, juuuuust maybe, she calls up her niece Judy? For a split-second Kirsten Dunst cameo?)

God I wish I could buy these separately from the rest of the box.

Saw this on my Instagram out of the blue! Just announced for release on June 4th. I can't quite read all the components, but looks to be interesting if you're into disc-bound planning/journaling!

Patti Lupone performs Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do" to Carrie Preston on Elsbeth. As previously posted, Tony Nominee Ben Levi Ross will also be performing in the episode.