‘Ted Lasso’ season 3 episode 1 review: Killing them with kindness

Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond are back for a new season and already the pundits are picking against them.

March 15, 2023

Ted Lasso and the rest of AFC Richmond are back for another season to make viewers believe. They’ve managed to return to the English Premier League, but they’ll see that the landscape is a little different than last time. They have a direct rival in West Ham United, who are owned by Rebecca’s ex-husband Rupert, and led by their one-time kit man and assistant coach, Nathan Shelley.

The premiere does a good job establishing the main storylines for the season. AFC Richmond is back in the underdog role. Newly promoted clubs have a high percentage of being relegated in their first year, and the Greyhounds are the pundits’ favorite to finish in dead last. Ted has some unorthodox means to confront the issue, which plays well for the toilet humor, and also demonstrates how close knit and in tune the team is. We’ll see if they can maintain that optimism when they hit a rough patch, though right now everyone is on the same page and united.

Ted Lasso “It” couple, Roy and Keeley, find they are so busy with their new respective careers they don’t have time for one another. It’s difficult to name a more endearing TV couple so it’s sad to see them separated or believe they can’t make it work. Even little Phoebe is initially incredulous.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the continued evolution of Nate. He still has shades of the of timid kit man that we first met. However, he uses a fake bravado to hide his insecurities. Whether it’s belittling his players or taking potshots at his old employers, Nate is empowered by being a jerk. Although he should be wary of providing all that bulletin board material. He of all people should know what AFC Richmond can do when focused.

We also explore his need for affection and support. His parents are never completely satisfied with him, and he feels betrayed by is former mentor, Ted Lasso. Nate is desperate for adulation that he regularly checks social media. Rupert Mannion has quite the silver tongue spouting praise and encouragement, and the coach will take whatever father figure he can get. Nick Mohammed really plays up this darker turn for his character. However, it is peculiar that regardless of the awful actions and behavior, you don’t really grow to hate Nate, but feel sympathy and pity towards him. He wouldn’t be acting out if he just got a little more love.

As always, the series is anchored by the titular character. Ted is still managing his mental health keeping in touch with Dr. Fieldstone. You can feel that maybe his heart isn’t in coaching the team anymore as he becomes deeply contemplative. Despite a visit from his son, the years away from the U.S. are eating away at him. Especially now that his ex-wife has a special friend. This development and his general homesickness can distract him from the team and his duties.

Jason Sudeikis’ delivery during the press conference is another one of those memorable scenes of Ted Lasso. It’s earnest, vulnerable, and charming all at the same time. Like the journalists in that room, he’s so captivating that he has you eating out of his hands. Ted is wholesome and complimentary, which is such a stark contrast to Nate’s press conference. Even with Rebecca pleading with him to fight back, Coach Lasso does it in his own wholesome way. With the odds stacked against AFC Richmond, he proves to be a bright leader you want to play for.

The writing is still on point with a combination of smart jokes and toilet humor. There is your usual amount of pop culture references in the dialog and amusing wordplay and puns to entertain any dad. Even smaller moments with the adorable LEGO soccer stadium and Henry’s little speech about Nate are impactful.

The season three premiere of Ted Lasso will make you feel all warm inside hanging out with all these loveable characters again and the overall positive vibes. But maybe next time don’t drop all the challenges at one time. We’re only one episode back and it seems everyone’s got issues already.

New episodes of Ted Lasso are released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.

Ted Lasso S 3 E 1 review: 'Smells Like Mean Spirit'

The season three premiere will make you feel all warm inside hanging out with all these loveable characters again and the overall positive vibes. But maybe next time don't drop all the challenges at one time. We're only one episode back and it seems everyone's got issues already.

Reader Rating0 Votes

The continued evolution of Nate is one of the most interesting aspects of the episode.

Jason Sudeikis' performance in the press conference is another one of those memorable scenes from Ted Lasso that is earnest, vulnerable, and charming.

For an upbeat feel good show, the characters already have a lot to overcome in just the first episode.

Good