"Ted" is ordinary and not as vulgar as expected. Apart from some swearing, drug use, and mild sexual jokes, it's a comedy about an ordinary family's life. The humor is quite excellent, adhering closely to traditional and even old-fashioned aesthetics, all while maintaining a thoughtful approach. Viewers who stick with it will find themselves in a comfortable, relaxed, and enjoyable state.
The show chooses to take the path of a family comedy in one of the best (or one of the best) eras in America. This kind of work often receives good feedback. In the distant past, there are "Growing Pains", "The Simpsons", "Family Guy", etc., and more recently, "Shameless", "Young Sheldon", and so on. The creator Seth MacFarlane has also participated in the production of "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons", so making something similar is like riding a bike.
The story of "Ted" is set in 1993, after the heyday of Ted the teddy bear has passed. He lives with 16-year-old John Bennett and his family. It can be seen as both a prequel to the film version of "Ted" and not so "new".
The 90s were already the most prosperous and thriving time in America. The whole world's eyes were on this affluent country, performing the everyday life of an average Boston working-class family that wasn't wealthy but had everything they needed, which was enough for many people to reminisce or enjoy themselves (the classics like "Friends" became so, to some extent, because of this era's boost). Also, the troubles depicted in "Ted" were not overly harsh, making it feel more heart-warming.
For example, when John and Ted faced bullying, it was actually their father playing pranks on them. There was no hatred involved, and the situation ended with both sides parting ways amicably, shaking hands. Another instance is when Blaire came out to his family. Even the most conservative member, Matty, chose to tolerate and accept Blaire to avoid losing their loved one.
I want to commend the characterization of Matty and Susan, a middle-aged couple, and their related storyline. This is a key factor contributing to the show's popularity. Matty is portrayed as a typical traditional white American man, a Vietnam War veteran with conservative views, a strong work ethic, and a lack of joy in life. Such characters are often portrayed as villains, but the show portrays him with understanding and respect, especially regarding his status as a retired Vietnam War soldier. In Episode 7, Matty acknowledges having fought in an unjust war, and his entire family shows him respect for this aspect of his identity –
Maybe after seeing too many American TV shows and movies making fun of soldiers in recent years, either as brainless accomplices or suffering from PTSD, always reflecting on and overthinking things, I find it refreshing to see such simple and sincere respect. The traditional side is quite charming too.
Susan is portrayed as an incredibly traditional homemaker: religious, chatty, family-oriented, and deeply involved in everyday life. In the context of today's feminist narratives, she embodies the "image of exploited women in a patriarchal society." This dissatisfaction is repeatedly highlighted through the character Blaire, who represents the modern "new woman" in the show. Blaire hopes that Susan can break free from the traditional constraints imposed on her. Susan does get an opportunity to return to the workforce by becoming a substitute teacher at a school. However, she ultimately chooses to return to her family –
This arrangement deeply moves me; it doesn't force a woman accustomed to tradition to "progress," but allows her to have the right to choose her own lifestyle. With such a gentle undertone and combined with some popular cultural references from the 1980s and 1990s, it's hard not to love "Ted."
The show includes carefully chosen elements that pay homage to classics like Batman, Star Wars, and ET, making them timeless and not outdated even today. One of the funniest moments is when Ted suggests a date idea for John in Episode 7. They pretend to be the main characters from the recently released animated film "Aladdin," sitting on a magic flying carpet on top of a car to experience the feeling, only to be mocked by an emergency doctor after falling off the car, who says, "I hate that movie."
This is the charm of the American 90s background, where a family has occasional worries but still lives a warm and content life. John's usual thoughts are about going to school, high school dances, and relationships, with a fluffy teddy bear always by his side. Can you imagine how many people would long for and miss such a life?
Towards the end of the last episode of "Ted," John and Ted are both scared by a sudden thunderclap, leading John to plan to write a song to curse the thunder. This also matches the plot in the film version. The show is a refreshing snack.
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