AFC Richmond may have found a winning strategy with their Total Football approach. They are riding an impressive streak following their loss last episode, but Ted Lasso can’t enjoy much of the on-field success because his ex-wife and her boyfriend are in town.
It’s good to see that Ted Lasso is in a better place mentally this episode. We all have our struggles at times, but how we respond is what’s important. Seeing your ex with their new partner can cause all sorts of anxiety and stray thoughts, but the coach has a good support system in place, from the Diamond Dogs to Rebecca, to reel him in and keep him grounded. It all contributes to the familial atmosphere and closeness between everybody. More importantly, Ted isn’t bottling up his feelings, and can open up to others, which helps him manage his apprehensions and fears.
Nathan is also progressing quite nicely as well with the softening of the character. Despite all his betrayals and jerk behavior, he’s really a mini–Ted Lasso underneath it all. You can see his former mentor’s influence on him as he assembles his own Diamond Dogs to discuss his relationship with Jade. He’s also really touched when Ted and Henry watch West Ham United play. Week by week Nate is gradually turning to the light side. Even his text exchange with Rupert is less a slight or knock on the Lassos but more an understanding of who is signing his paychecks.
Keeley has had a weird role on the series because she is featured prominently, but doesn’t really do much business with the team anymore now that she has her own business. Juno Temple makes her character sympathetic during her scandal and the resulting lack of support from Jack. Keeley is someone you can cheer for as she does what she thinks is right. However, I can see wanting to keep one of the major players involved, but her subplot is the most isolated and detached from the main narrative this season. It doesn’t seem to cohesively blend with what else is going on.
Ted Lasso does try to interconnect Keeley with some of the other storylines and characters with mixed results. Roy’s attempt at comfort following the scandal is uncharacteristic and overly boneheaded. How insensitive he comes across is completely unexpected considering what he know of him. On the other hand, Jamie’s redemption arc takes another significant step. Not only is he tearing it up on the pitch, his heartfelt apology to Keeley is another example of him maturing into a better man.
What is interesting amongst Keeley’s drama is Colin finally being outed to a teammate. There is a little suspense and uneasiness since the reaction is so subtle and quiet. One of the young footballer’s fears is that someone on the club will discover his secret, and the aftermath still has to play out. But Isaac has always come off as an understanding person regardless of his gruff exterior, and the two have a somewhat close friendship.
“We’ll Never Have Paris” really shines when it shows in compelling ways how much the characters have matured and developed since we first met them in season one.
New episodes of Ted Lasso are released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
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