Ted Lasso - Season 3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if one thing they are exploring this season is about how it's not so much about a person's individual intentions, or their inherent "goodness" or "badness". It's about power dynamics and how they can disrupt healthy relationships and lead to bad unintended consequences. Just a few of the very uneven power dynamics at play this season:

- Jake dating Michelle after being Michelle/Ted's marriage counselor. It's a really uneasy situation because Ted feels (rightfully) so exposed by it. he no doubt confided sensitive things in therapy that now his ex-wife's boyfriend knows. And this guy is hanging around his son, too. Not to mention of course that what Michelle confided in him during therapy is now a tool he can use in their relationship. That's so exploitative.

- Nat's relationship with Rupert, where Rupert is clearly just using Nate to exact revenge on Rebecca and Richmond. And at first Nate is also angry at Richmond and is totally on board. And Rupert's money and gifts feel empowering to Nate at first (like the car Rupert gave him). But now we are seeing how being indebted to Rupert in this way is disrupting Nate's ability to repair his relationship with Ted, and become a more balanced, healthy individual. Rupert's money and position over Nate, his power over him, is stunting him. Whereas neither Rebecca nor Ted ever penned Nate in like that, even though he was employed by them as well.

- Keeley's relationship with Jack, who is her investor and mentor. Plus even if she wasn't, Jack is much wealthier than Keeley and is used to using her wealth to maintain power in relationships (as we saw with the "love bombing" and we even saw how Rebecca drew parallels between Jack and Rupert in this respect). And then we saw that come to a head when Jack used her position of authority in their relationship to try and get Keeley to do something she was very uncomfortable with, and when Keeley said no, Jack left. You can paint that as Jack simply trying to help, but the very uneven power dynamics in their relationship make it more nefarious than that (and makes me admire Keeley's strength in standing up to it, in a way Nate was unable to with Rupert in the last episode).

- And all of this is paralleled by the team. First with the introduction of a super player who upends the team dynamics and becomes the overwhelming center of the team, and now with the introduction of a style of play in which NO ONE is the star or clear center of the team, and instead the designated leader (Jaime) is facilitating the success of teammates by using his skills to make them succeed, and thus making the enter team successful. Which is basically the Ted Lasso Way, right? Ted is the classic leader as facilitator, setting aside his ego to help others achieve their goals, and in so doing successfully leading.

This season has felt scattered at times but thinking of it this way, I am starting to see how it all comes together and plays into themes that have been present on the show since the start. The show is not really about being "nice" and corny, though Ted comes off this way. It's really about what it really means to have mutually respectful and empowered relationships, instead of hierarchical relationships based on fear. How by respecting each other and sharing power and authority, we can achieve more success than by controlling one another. It's actually a kind of radical philosophy.

I already commented re how great I think the above comment is. Just want to note that I also think this series is about how to work on a team. Obviously there's the sports analogy, but it carries over into regular jobs and even into families. Most people start out in their jobs wanting to be a star, but a lot of the time the longer you work the more you realize that the real superstars are the ones who facilitate EVERYONE's success, not just their own. I'm sure it's like that at SNL, or on movie sets, or at our regular jobs. It's funny that a lot of shows have focused on workplaces or friends groups but not many have looked at things from this perspective. Sudekas said something like he didn't want another show that sat back and delivered a lot of jaded snark, and he certainly followed through on that.

[Anonymous]

Maybe Roy failed Keeley because he doesn't understand relationships that well yet, he's not a Diamond Dog etc., he scorns that type of human understanding/camaraderie. But maybe he will understand his failing and become a part of it, gain a better understanding, and be able to be available as a partner. Whereas Jaime is kind of already there by himself, lots of growth from him this year.

I wonder what's going to happen with Nate. He's growing too but he's still changing his texts at the last minute from being open to being more guarded/negative, to protect himself and preserve his status, I guess. At some point Rupert's going to have to fire him if he's going to Break Good, so to speak. The season ends with the two teams in a championship game against each other, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe Roy failed Keeley because he doesn't understand relationships that well yet, he's not a Diamond Dog etc., he scorns that type of human understanding/camaraderie. But maybe he will understand his failing and become a part of it, gain a better understanding, and be able to be available as a partner. Whereas Jaime is kind of already there by himself, lots of growth from him this year.

I wonder what's going to happen with Nate. He's growing too but he's still changing his texts at the last minute from being open to being more guarded/negative, to protect himself and preserve his status, I guess. At some point Rupert's going to have to fire him if he's going to Break Good, so to speak. The season ends with the two teams in a championship game against each other, right?

I see where you're going with Roy. But he only has a few more episodes to grow, and I'm not sure the writers can pull it off that quickly. Still, I posted above that nothing else is happening with Roy this season, so maybe that will be it.

Agree, the season ends with the teams in a championship game. Unless Richmond lost too many games after Zava's departure and they can't qualify for the championship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some hot takes:

- I do not think they are setting up for Keely and Roy to get back together. His response to the video leak was not a small thing -- she was so vulnerable in that moment and then he barely comforted her before expressing jealousy over who she sent that video too. Keely was VERY hurt by this response. Even if he did it because he wants to blame Jaime for the leak, it was a very self-centered response when she really needed support.

- I love the Nate story arc. I loved Ted/Beard/Ted's son going to his name, and watching Nate struggle with that. You can see him feeling the pull of Ted and Richmond, missing that camaraderie (trying to create his own Diamond Dogs) and recognizing that the healthy behaviors at Richmond are important for him to be a functional person, to be the person he'd like to be with Jade. But also the pressure to be a certain kind of person for Rupert. I'm am interested to see where they go with it and like that they aren't trying to paint him as a villain, but as a wounded person who is struggling with who he wants to be. I think it's the best executed storyline this season.

- Very hard to deal with the Ted/Michelle/Jake storyline because I can't get passed the fact that Jake was their marriage counselor. I'm really glad Jake and Michelle didn't get engaged because I am already so mad about this situation and can't even contemplate how Ted was able to have a meal with them or interact with Jake in any way normally. I don't think I could do that -- the betrayal is really deep and I don't get how Michelle can trust someone who would do something his unethical. The whole storyline pisses me off and I simply hope that Jake goes away. It doesn't matter to me if Ted and Michelle get back together, I just think Jake needs to be disappeared.

- When Ted went looking for change to give his son, he found a green matchbook in his pocket. Just like Rebecca had that green matchbook, which the fortune teller predicted. It means something, I don't know what yet. Rebecca was also really kind and supportive of Ted about the Michelle/Jake situation, and she really does right by him by reminding him to go enjoy his time with his son instead of focusing on what he's lost with Michelle. Rebecca was all around amazing this week, for Keeley and Ted.

- I liked the extra scenes at the pub, it's fun to see the main cast interacting with the people there.

I agree with all your hot takes! Especially the part about Nate. I liked the way he couldn't help smiling to himself when he saw the picture of Ted, Henry, and Beard cheering at his game. He was touched and delighted that they came, even though I'm sure he wouldn't admit that to himself. He clearly misses all of them. The actor who plays Nate is so believable.

I love this actor now and look forward to what he does after this show. He is the most interesting character.

[Anonymous]

Nate is clearly longing for a father figure that isn’t hyper critical. Ted showed him what’s possible in terms of a healthy relationship.

I will miss this show so much. Even when it’s been uneven, it has given me hope.

[Anonymous]

I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nate is clearly longing for a father figure that isn’t hyper critical. Ted showed him what’s possible in terms of a healthy relationship.

I will miss this show so much. Even when it’s been uneven, it has given me hope.

It was such a great show given all that has been going on this world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

I don't think that's where the story will go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

Oh, no way. They are very clearly in the friend zone. I love their "growth," too. Rebecca found Ted so annoying at first and could hardly bear to talk with him. But he grew on her and she has the utmost respect for him now. She sees what a kind, man of integrity he is. I love their friendship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

You have good impulses

But I don't think that's what will happen. Yes, the show has given us hints that she'll find love through a green matchbook or whatever. And yes, Ted has a green matchbook. But so, I suppose, does anybody who ever ate at Sam's restaurant.

But they seem like such different people. It would be really hard for the show to make this believable. I think she might go the adoption route (her friend Sassy's kid?). And Ted definitely needs to end up back in Kansas with his son--but I can't see Rebecca moving to Kansas. At all.

I see Rebecca finding the Dutch boatman. Maybe he goes to Sam's restaurant and picks up a green matchbook.... And Ted goes back to Kansas, and Nate takes over coaching Richmond with Roy who somehow becomes OK with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

You have good impulses

But I don't think that's what will happen. Yes, the show has given us hints that she'll find love through a green matchbook or whatever. And yes, Ted has a green matchbook. But so, I suppose, does anybody who ever ate at Sam's restaurant.

But they seem like such different people. It would be really hard for the show to make this believable. I think she might go the adoption route (her friend Sassy's kid?). And Ted definitely needs to end up back in Kansas with his son--but I can't see Rebecca moving to Kansas. At all.

I see Rebecca finding the Dutch boatman. Maybe he goes to Sam's restaurant and picks up a green matchbook.... And Ted goes back to Kansas, and Nate takes over coaching Richmond with Roy who somehow becomes OK with that.

None of that sounds far fetched at all LOL

It’s going to be hard to end this season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m saying it now. I think Ted and Rebecca end up together 😳😳😳

You have good impulses

But I don't think that's what will happen. Yes, the show has given us hints that she'll find love through a green matchbook or whatever. And yes, Ted has a green matchbook. But so, I suppose, does anybody who ever ate at Sam's restaurant.

But they seem like such different people. It would be really hard for the show to make this believable. I think she might go the adoption route (her friend Sassy's kid?). And Ted definitely needs to end up back in Kansas with his son--but I can't see Rebecca moving to Kansas. At all.

I see Rebecca finding the Dutch boatman. Maybe he goes to Sam's restaurant and picks up a green matchbook.... And Ted goes back to Kansas, and Nate takes over coaching Richmond with Roy who somehow becomes OK with that.

None of that sounds far fetched at all LOL

It’s going to be hard to end this season.

I very much hope they don’t end up putting Ted and Rebecca together. It’s okay to have a close work friendship with someone attractive and have it not be sexual. We should have more of those in media. Particularly for women in male dominated fields, it’s important to show that just because you go to lunch doesn’t mean you’re trying to go to bed together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see Rebecca finding the Dutch boatman. And Ted goes back to Kansas, and Nate takes over coaching Richmond with Roy who somehow becomes OK with that.

All of the above, and I had thought Keely and Roy, but am now thinking Keely and Jamie!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe Roy failed Keeley because he doesn't understand relationships that well yet, he's not a Diamond Dog etc., he scorns that type of human understanding/camaraderie. But maybe he will understand his failing and become a part of it, gain a better understanding, and be able to be available as a partner. Whereas Jaime is kind of already there by himself, lots of growth from him this year.

I wonder what's going to happen with Nate. He's growing too but he's still changing his texts at the last minute from being open to being more guarded/negative, to protect himself and preserve his status, I guess. At some point Rupert's going to have to fire him if he's going to Break Good, so to speak. The season ends with the two teams in a championship game against each other, right?

I disagree about Nate because I don't think it can be viewed in such black and white terms. Yes, Nate changed his text on some level to please Rupert. But also -- Nate is still hurt by Ted's betrayal. Rupert is not just manipulating Nate right now. He's getting what he wants out of Nate by giving Nate what he clearly needs, which is attention, loyalty, protection. Whether those things last... well, based on what we know about Rupert, they won't. But I don't view it so simply as Ted is good and Rupert is bad and Nate will decide his fate by deciding between them. Ted really did betray Nate, even if he did it unintentionally (I think it hurts more that it was an accident, because it highlights for Nate the degree to which he was overlooked). And Rupert gave something to Nate that has been really valuable to him, even if he did it for the "wrong" reasons -- he gave Nate real trust and authority as the leader of their team, and in so doing has enabled Nate to find confidence in himself. Sure, he's a jerk about it, but it's based on something real -- Nate is genuinely really good at his job, and Rupert sees that and rewards him for it. Whereas Ted took it for granted.

None of this is praise for Rupert, who obviously uses, manipulates, and abandons people all the time and likely will do the same with Nate. But I don't think it's fair to the situation to make it seem like Ted's and angel and Rupert's the devil and Nate must choose a side. I think in reality what Nate needs is to love himself enough to be able to stand up for himself, whether it's to tell Ted "hey, you've been using my strategic skills all season without acknowledging that contribution, plus pushing me to the side to make room for your buddy Roy on the coaching staff, and I feel disrespected," or to tell Rupert, "look it's okay my old boss came to the match and I don't need you running interference for me, I'll handle it."

I think the Nate storyline is about Nate overcoming his inner demons, not about being lured to the dark side by Rupert. And Ted is far from blameless in that situation, and he knows it, too.

[Anonymous]

Am I the only one who sees Rupert and is reminded of these coffee commercials he used to do?