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“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field. And it ain’t always easy, Trent, but neither is growing up without someone believing in you.” – Coach Lasso
(Spoilers Ahead)
Apple TV’s critically acclaimed series Ted Lasso concluded Wednesday after only three short, yet game changing, seasons. Instead of multiple cliche subplots, the series focused primarily on female empowerment, toxic masculinity, inclusivity, divorce, ego, parental relationships, the power of social media, and the idea to always, “Be curious, not judgemental.”
The stellar finale capitalized on some full circle moments, at times even going all the way back to the very first episode, featuring some characters we had not seen in a very long time. While some character arcs were left up in the air, there were plenty of happy endings for some of our favorite AFC Richmond family.
Throughout the episode, it is abundantly clear that win, lose, or draw, Coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis, We’re the Millers) was going to go back home to Kansas City to be with his son, which immediately pulled at the heartstrings. Despite several emotional exchanges with Rebecca about remaining with the team, Lasso’s happy ending was inevitably going back to his son and coaching his little league soccer team.
In a fascinating note from Lasso, to author/journalist Trent Crimm (James Lance, Northern Soul) on his book, “The Lasso Way,” he notes that it was never about him. And it truly wasn’t. Despite dealing with missing his son, divorce, and watching his ex-wife date their marriage counselor, Lasso was clearly the most selfless and giving character on the show. Not only did he change the culture of AFC Richmond, but he changed so many people’s lives for the better.
Both Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Thor: Love and Thunder) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, Murder on the Orient Express) became better men. Roy would go on to become the head coach of AFC Richmond, with Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt, We’re the Millers) — whose real name we finally hear in this episode — remaining behind as an assistant coach. Jamie would become the best version of himself, a complete 180 from the ego driven bully he was at the series start, and he even reunites with his father. The love triangle amongst Roy, Jamie, and Keeley (Juno Temple, Atonement) was seemingly left to the imagination, as both men may have struck out early in the episode. Keeley is not defined by her relationship, but her work ethic as she is very successful at her PR Firm, and even pitches an AFC Richmond female team to Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham, Sex Education) in one of the final scenes.
Somewhat similar to Ted’s happy ending, Rebecca would seemingly be reunited with a former lover and then meet his daughter unexpectedly at the airport, teasing the possibility of a new beginning for Rebecca. It would also seem that Rebecca would sell 49% of the team not to another owner, but to the fans.
Oftentimes throughout the series, malicious characters such as Nathan (Nick Mohammed, The Martian) would completely redeem themselves as the show, much like Ted, found the good in everybody. That was not the case for the Emperor-like owner of West Ham, Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) who was finally publicly slandered for his inappropriate workplace relationships/affairs and booed off the field in Richmond after pushing his own manager. Another call-back to the first episode here, as the fans are now chanting, “Wanker” towards Rupert instead of Ted.
Amongst many tear jerking moments in the episode, the scene where every Richmond player had a tiny piece of the previously destroyed yet iconic “Believe” sign and reconstructed it during half time hardly left a dry eye. Not only an iconic Lasso moment, but a true sports team moment as well.
Amidst a plethora of happy endings and poetic justice, much was left to the imagination. Aside from the aforementioned Roy, Jamie, Keeley love triangle, Ted’s ex-wife Michelle (Andrea Anders, That ‘90s Show) is seen sitting on the bleachers alone during their son’s soccer game, perhaps indicating her relationship with their marriage counselor has ended. Regardless of what may or may not transpire with their relationship, Ted’s smile indicates that he is finally okay and happy.
Ted Lasso was a series that tackled so many important topics from relationships to mental health, and nearly every episode had something relatable or got you right in the feels. Fans are already sharing their theories on the finale and are clamoring for a fourth season or spin-off. As a matter of fact, yours truly even knows some Coaches that are slowly integrating some of “The Lasso Way” into their coaching methods. In the words of Trent Crimm, “If the Lasso way is wrong, it’s hard to imagine being right.”
