EXTRA STUFF TO SAY!! 1) Use the code TREE for 40% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!! 2) I completely forgot to mention anything about Roy and Keeley, which is a shame. Although it feels confusing, in terms of how episode 10 ended, I like that they aren’t together. They need more time to either work things out properly, or not work it out as the case may be. That is good in my books. Just because Roy’s got his head straight about Keeley doesn’t mean she hasn’t changed or necessarily feels the same. To be honest, whilst it was a bit weird that they followed Jamie, I do just love how their situation is a staunch refusal of the “love triangle” trope. I mean they’ve certainly been on the edges of a love triangle, sure, but never does it get played up for drama. It has always been three people trying to maturely work through their feelings. 3) Is Edwin Akufo going to pop up again? Things are very open-ended with Sam and wrapping all of that up in the final episode, alongside wrapping up the rest of the entire show, feels like quite a difficult task. I’m eager to see how they handle it. 4) So I made a dumb mistake adding up the points total. It looks like it could be 76, not 78 HOWEVER the information is still all so hazy, that it could be 78 points. I would not be at all surprised if Richmond do finish with 81 points as a tribute to Leicester City’s similar story of underdog triumph but we’ll have to see. 5) I imagine a lot of people loved Pep Guardiola’s cameo here but I really, really didn’t. Especially with how massive a thing is made out of it, Ted and Beard both fan-girling that Pep would even deem them worthy of talking to. I don’t know. This could just be because I’m a Liverpool fan and I can’t help feeling irrationally annoyed that Pep gets such great celebration where Klopp is never so much as mentioned…I’m not sure Liverpool are really mentioned at all. That’s super unfair of me but I did still find the cameo a bit jarring and stilted. 6) Just to clarify, so I don’t look bitter. I consider Pep Guardiola to be one of, if not the greatest, manager of all time. Do I think he’d achieve anything close to what he has with a smaller team on a restricted (possibly non rule-breaking) budget? No, but that doesn’t make what he can do at the top any less brilliant. If he can transform players like Grealish, Stones, Ake etc into players completely differently to what they were before, then he has to be good. I don’t think he is better than Klopp, I think they’re both better at different things and it makes it really hard to judge. Alex Ferguson is still probably better than either, though. Maybe Clough but he was before my times, so who knows?
I think it's noteworthy that Nate's apology begins with Will. He doesn't apologize to someone with power. It's not him trying to get back in directly with Ted and glossing over his hurtful behavior toward people beneath him. It's not an apology laced with ambition. I guess you could argue that fact isn't lost on the team when Will shares the story of the apology.
That's a good point. Especially since Nate realizes he was doing to Will what was previously done to him. Victims of bullying sometimes find someone weaker than them and just repeat the cycle of bullying in order to feel empowered, and they don't always even notice it.
Nate’s response to Beard was just “thank you.” I found that very touching. No pushback, no excuse. Just “thank you.” Even then, he was ready to be head butted.
Right. He’s disappointed in his behavior, not just upset with the consequences. So it makes sense that he apologizes all of the behavior, not just the one that gets him back with the team.
Oh damn, that's weird, I actually had the same thought but cut it from the video! That whole part of Avatar is my favourite thing from the entire show, the wonderful metaphor of learning to firebend not out of aggression and eventually becoming stronger for it
Don’t forget Collin and Jamie’s “gang” abused Nate when he was kitman in the first season. I can imagine they are apologizing to him as much he needed to apologize to Will.
This is the first episode I have watched twice. For me, one of the most moving moments in the entire series was Jaime‘s goal. Ted encourages him to forgive his father, he goes back on the field, and we just see him with his torso and face, no foot work, dancing through and casually chipping the ball. At the moment of truth (the goal) his reaction is one of gratitude at having done a good job. No ego. Just a guy who performed his job well. I could watch that scene 100 times in a row.
This reminded me of what Nate said in the previous episode, who wanted to play the violin because he liked it. Jamie was playing for the joy of the sport.
That story about Ted being a good judge of character and seeing Beard for who he truly is has a really great set up from back in season 1 when he told Rebecca, after the charity, that, like her, he could see Rupert for who he truly is, even when everyone else thought Rupert was so great.
I don't think the "fortune teller's" prediction that Rebecca would be a Mother was literal... I think the prediction actually came to pass when she took charge at the Akufu Meeting, and saw all these powerful men as children. She took on the Mother roll of chiding them into seeing the potential consequences of their actions.
Isaac and Colin tormented Nate in the first season, and Nate tormented Will in the 2nd season. These three coming to Nate is exactly who should seek out Nate to demonstrate that he’s been forgiven, especially after being routed because of their anger towards him in the earlier game. Holding onto that anger is a trap that will cause them to fail as a team.
I'm going through a separation this year and this particular episode made me cry. Especially when he said he misses his son while i had my 2 yr old son in my lap. Its been a very, very hard year, and with the reflection of my own mother being emotionally unavailable, this show has shown me how perseverance and kindness can make all the difference in the world that is increasingly cynical. I love your analysis and how you bring to words some of the feelings that swirl around in the pit of my stomach. Much appreciated, my friend.
2nd Comment (hope that's ok, didn't want to mix them up): Jamies struggle with 'I existed in dependence and opposition to my dad all my life and if I let that go... who am I actually?' is something I really resonated with me emotionally! I personally had/have my own ideas and goals that shaped me and drove me all my life but were also hurting me. And initially I was all consumed with distancing myself, letting these go and that was/is expectedly hard for things that were my main drive for over 20 years! But what i didn't expect is that there is a strange emptiness at the other side of that. Not in a bad way. But it is MUCH stranger and harder to orient myself from than I thought. If all my energy and development went into chasing or avoiding my 'demons' ... who I am without them is so open, so undefined, so without any starting point it's at the same time liberating but also quite disorientating and scary. So Jamies mom saying: "You're not lost. You just havn't decided where to go next!" really connected with me (and made me pause the episode to let that emotion work its way through me a bit) ☺😖😉
You've explained the importance of it beautifully! It's great to celebrate the uplifting qualities of that kind of breaking free within your own mind, but so rarely does media show how weird and confusing and difficult it can be, so I am really, really, really glad they did that with Jamie
At first I thought it strange that the players came to ask Nate to come back UNTIL I realized it is probably because WILL showed them the apology from Nate and they decided with their treatment of Nate everyone deserves 2nd chances.
Plus the players don’t know what he said to Ted or that he was the source for the mental health issues Ted has getting in the press. Ted forgave him pretty quickly because he is that kind soul, as was proven by Coach Beards story.
I’m going through forgiving my parents right now. This episode was moving and sweet. It is t necessary to forgive. Some people are too sick. However, it does help to mo e forward. The abuse wasn’t ok. The forgiveness is about me. They don’t even know I’m doing it. I love Ted Lasoo and this channel.
For the 'will they win the whole f***ing thing' part, I think they won't, at least THIS season. I'd kind of like them to come incredibly close (2nd place, for example), then in a final flash-forward win it the following year. That way, the show wouldn't end with, as you put it, a fairy tale ending, but would still show Ted's impact on Richmond coming out on top (or rather, even more so than it already has). The environment he created, with Roy and Nate (and maybe Beard) working together to bring the team to glory (and Ted watching proudly from Kansas, of course)
I think it's important to note, and I believe it's correct, that Ted Lasso was only supposed to be three seasons. That may be why some of the writing is strange or rushed. Perhaps they hadn't thought beyond season 3 until late in the game, so some things are a nice development for a few characters. Nate almost seems to take up too much space in his arc for what the writers want to do for Rebecca, Ted, and Jaimie. They simply don't have time for the incredibly lovable side characters.
Did anyone catch the Dorothy image when she closes her eyes and says “there’s no place like home”. It’s when Ted plays pinball. This episode has been a back to Kansas setup-complete with the Tin, Cowardly Lion ( catch Issac turning away when Jade walks up) and the Scarecrow.
I think our boys forgiving Nate might be the logical result of ‘the Lasso way’. Remember when Ted was talking about total football and mentioning that there are 4 principles, but he couldn’t recall the fourth; I think nr. 4 might be forgiveness. Now looking back at the show as a whole, I really appreciate the themes of forgiveness throughout the show. Its such a thoughtful message. I know so many incredibly kind and loving people, but even the best of em struggle with forgiveness sometimes, and often it just leads to so much unnecessary pain. Even though them forgiving nate might be the result of some behind the scenes stuff, i do think the show has earned a little bit of wiggle room when it comes to forgiveness and it being one of Teds main lessons to the team and audience. (Still would have liked more context, but perhaps next episode) Also omg I don’t want the show to end ;-;
Given that Total Football relies on players filling in the gaps, with the right group it could be described as a forgiving system (or a complete cluster with the wrong group). If a player is out of place, their mistake could be "forgiven" if another player is there to make up for it. An imperfect example of this is Jamie saving a goal in episode 11. Van Damme isn't in place to make the save, but is forgiven for being out of place by Jamie filling the gap. I think your idea makes perfect sense from both a football and character perspective!
Coach Beard's scene was my favorite of this episode too. The idea that he was probably a drug addict and going through some rough stuff that made him do terrible things kind of alludes to Jamie's father story as well. The difference perhaps being that Coach Beard wasn't as.... toxic? As Jamie's dad, maybe? But nevertheless two people who ruined relationships and hurt others partly because of subtance abuse. Coach Beard got a second (third?) chance and took it, maybe Jamie's dad can do the same. I also felt like the whole "Nate, we want you back" thing was sort of rushed. Even a conversation between the players before that would have sufficed to make it a little less out of left field. And I don't know anything about how football works, points and all that, so I can't say anything about how realistic it is if they win in the end. I do feel like it would be weird, I'd like to see them lose, get second place or something around those lines. Hint at the potential growth of the club without Ted, about what Nate can do for them as a coach, etc.
I rly appreciate you talking about how anger is valid & how it's not mutually exclusive w forgiveness. Still, i wish stories focused more on the wrongdoer making amends rather than the wronged person doing all the work & forgiving
Do you think there's any significance in Jamie's Mum apparently being an older version of Keeley? Roy certainly noticed it - as did Kelley when dragging Roy off a 'one-for the road' farewell hug...😄
I love the arc with Jamie and his anger, but I HATE attaching the word “forgiveness” to letting go of anger. Especially when considering abusers. As someone who tried forgiveness because I was pressured into it by others (since every story about trauma has the mandatory element of forgiveness for the protagonist to get any peace), I tried allowing my abuser back into my life. It ruined me for seven more years. Letting go of anger for oneself is necessary. However, the connotation of forgiveness makes it completely different. Letting go is internal while forgiveness is external. Stories like this create extremely physically and emotionally dangerous expectations for victims of abuse. I was okay with Jamie letting go, but was furious when he texted him. Jamie was sexually abused by his father in a way he blocked out mentally. I know how that is. He showed all of the hallmarks of a narcissist and may see Jamie’s reaching out as absolution. That’s the thing. Some people, while human, are monstrous. They’re not the majority, but they exist. The only way many learn (if at all) is when consequences are permanent. Narcissists and sociopaths have something missing that will make certain lessons lost on them. That’s why Rupert trying to kiss Rebecca after wrecking her life in so many ways was so fitting. She reacted with shock because who the fuck does that? Someone who can not and will not understand the weight of their own actions. It’s not on the victim to teach them that and I’m grossed out that they implied it with Jamie. Every survivor has a right to deal with their abuse in whatever way is best and safest for them. They can forgive if that’s best in the situation or not. However, this seemed like it was equating a very human mess up (Dottie repressing the grief that needed to be felt in their home) with some extremely intentional harm. It’s pushing the same messed up narrative that survivors have to have hoisted upon them by others who could never understand.
Yeah that's a fair point, it does very much come down to how we define it but forgiveness in that external sense is difficult and dangerous and not always a good thing, for which I feel conflicted with Jamie texting his dad, I'm patiently waiting to see what happens about that. Otherwise yeah, I'd pretty much agree
This season really feels like 2 seasons of story progression compacted until one. All these sudden time jumps and lack of scenes giving meaningful context (i.e. Nate's time at West Ham ending, Keeley and Roy getting back together) really come off as sudden reshuffling of carefully laid-out plans.
I love your analysis: really hits the sweet spot of media commentary, pop culture, and psychology for me. Thanks for the videos! About the players: there is a scene after they talk to Nate where Higgins tells Ted that his “little birdies” told him Nate might be willing to come back. We can’t forget that he’s Director of Football, so even though he’s comic relief he’s got a line on everything that goes on. I’ll bet Higgins knows Ted’s leaving, as a father himself, and is quietly setting the team up for life without him. That’s what I took from that one line, anyway.
It's a surely a deliberate choice that Isaac and Colin, who were the two who were the most involved in bullying Nate (to make Jamie laugh) in season 1 who came to Nate to ask him to come back, I don't know the why bit though. Totally loved the Pep Guardiola cameo though ^_^
This time I agree with you just about everything. This episode was great, and for me, it really overcame the bad taste left by the previous one. Nate's plot at first felt like it was being written by the Family Guy manettees: now he works at the restaurant? And Derek is super stoked about it? I thought the only reason he was so excited about Nate was because he was starstruck by him, but no, he's just really into him? Pretty weird. And of course, the boys coming to ask Nate back to Richmond as if nothing happened; Roy having no issue with Nate coming back? It kinda feels like everyone except for Coach Beard, both the characters and the writers are suffering from amnesia, because they were all furious about Nate sabotaging their believe sign, so much that it caused them to go on a violent outburst during the match. But I feel this was all worth it as the set-up for Coach Beard's speech at the end. Looking forward to see what happens next, I'm optimistic about the show sticking to landing. Also, gotta mention a joke that was kinda subtle but hilarious and brilliant, which is the commentators referring to Van Damme's protective mask due to his nose injury as "The Mask of Van Damme". That one really cracked me up.
Well that's the point, though, isn't it? Their anger at Nate lost them that match. It didn't help them, it only hurt them, both in terms of score and reputation. They already let go of that anger towards Nate. Beard was the only hold out because he still saw his own betrayal in Nate. We see these episodes week to week for a few months, but the British football season runs from August to May! I'd say it's been over six months in-universe since that blowout over the Believe sign.
@@kateorgera5907 that's a fair point. Still feels to me like they've skipped a couple of scenes, but I donno, maybe it'll make more sense upon rewatch. Or maybe it just feels weird to me that they forgive him so easily because I'm not sure I would have.
I also liked the juxtaposition of Ted's mom staying and making him TWO dinners compared to Rebecca's mum not staying to make one in the previous season.
What really surprised me was the players forgiving Nate that quickly. I know they all have developed into a more cohesive and kind of mentally strong team, but, like you said, it's undeserved. Not that he didn't deserved to be forgiven, I loved Nate and Beard moment, but I would prefer if he came back and, while the players understand he is a smart coach and ultimately good for the team, gives him the cold shoulder. But they don't outright hate Nate anymore, they follow his drills and training, even if they aren't friendly, and it could be a moment that Nate could have to see that he deserves his second chance if he works for it, and it shows how much the whole team has come mentally, but it also gives us space and time for the show to redeem Nate to the viewers eyes and to the team. I think stories in which the scary villain becomes an ally, when done well, are great, because it makes us happy that we are stronger with this once formidable foe on our side.
This whole episode is about the fact that people don't have to earn forgiveness. Beard didn't earn Ted's forgiveness, Jamie's dad hasn't earned it at this point.
Re: Nate being asked to come back from the Team There’s a quick scene where it is implied that Ted sent the players, or at least blessed the effort. I think that is the scene we’re missing.
I love this show, but something frustrating about it is that they will bring up problems in an episode, then it's solved by the next episode off-screen. Like Nate seems unhappy at his job, and we found out at the beginning of the next episode that he left. The same thing happened in season 1 with Sam and the airline that sponsored the team. He wore tape over the company name and his teammates joined. It seemed like it'd be a big issue legally and maybe cause problems for the team, what with losing their sponsor. Then in the next episode, everything was fine! It feels like that's what happened with Nate. Like everyone decided they wanted him back off-screen and between the episodes.
well... the show is really focused on relationships, certainly Keely's story is barely related to the rest, it seems a bit like a uncertain effort to put more women in an essentially male environment. I'd say the legal issues are more like something that doesn't involve personalities or inter-relationships; as we call it in America, "inside baseball". The series really isn't about the team as a whole, not like "Welcome to Wrexham" doc. You sound like you're a football fan and would like more of that. But Ted is going for a larger, wider audience, for better or worse. Also Nate quitting doesn't really solve his problems at all. He has a breakdown and moves in with his parents. it's just focused on consequences besides the immediate drama of quitting.
@Cuvtixo Yes, it is very much about relationships, but it seems like an odd choice to set up a problem and then never deal with it in the show. It also cuts down on Nate's development in the show, as the video states. We haven't seen much of his coaching and then he was just done. It's a bit confusing. It feels like they cut out a lot and it's rushing a bit. Also one of the things I like about the show personally is that there isn't much soccer. I don't like soccer at all.
I actually liked the Pep cameo if framed from the point of view that it is a completion of the arc of adopting Total Football as a philosophy. I have to imagine the hagiographic use of his image was part of the deal, but I really lament the loss of comedic potential of having Ted interact with an obsessive perfectionist. It would have been akin to that sketch they did with Jose Mourinho a while back, which would have been a nice call-back. Also, with regard to the way the sport is presented, a lot of the more baffling creative choices are the result of taking inspiration from cheesy sports movies like Hoosiers, Major League, Rudy, etc. It can be frustrating as hell for real football fans -- it certainly gets on MY nerves from time to time -- but I understand the artistic impulse behind it. It's also one of the reasons why I'm fine with Richmond winning the PL; it might be predictable and cliche, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in this context. But I really think these two things highlight one of my biggest criticisms of the last few episodes, which is that the emotional payoff of the best moments is blunted by the fact that they're sprinting towards a happy ending without doing enough of the heavy lifting that comes first. They're trying too hard to simplify a process that is complex and messy, and as a result are making things seem a little too forced.
EXTRA STUFF TO SAY!! 1) Use the code TREE for 40% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!! 2) I completely forgot to mention anything about Roy and Keeley, which is a shame. Although it feels confusing, in terms of how episode 10 ended, I like that they aren’t together. They need more time to either work things out properly, or not work it out as the case may be. That is good in my books. Just because Roy’s got his head straight about Keeley doesn’t mean she hasn’t changed or necessarily feels the same. To be honest, whilst it was a bit weird that they followed Jamie, I do just love how their situation is a staunch refusal of the “love triangle” trope. I mean they’ve certainly been on the edges of a love triangle, sure, but never does it get played up for drama. It has always been three people trying to maturely work through their feelings. 3) Is Edwin Akufo going to pop up again? Things are very open-ended with Sam and wrapping all of that up in the final episode, alongside wrapping up the rest of the entire show, feels like quite a difficult task. I’m eager to see how they handle it. 4) So I made a dumb mistake adding up the points total. It looks like it could be 76, not 78 HOWEVER the information is still all so hazy, that it could be 78 points. I would not be at all surprised if Richmond do finish with 81 points as a tribute to Leicester City’s similar story of underdog triumph but we’ll have to see. 5) I imagine a lot of people loved Pep Guardiola’s cameo here but I really, really didn’t. Especially with how massive a thing is made out of it, Ted and Beard both fan-girling that Pep would even deem them worthy of talking to. I don’t know. This could just be because I’m a Liverpool fan and I can’t help feeling irrationally annoyed that Pep gets such great celebration where Klopp is never so much as mentioned…I’m not sure Liverpool are really mentioned at all. That’s super unfair of me but I did still find the cameo a bit jarring and stilted. 6) Just to clarify, so I don’t look bitter. I consider Pep Guardiola to be one of, if not the greatest, manager of all time. Do I think he’d achieve anything close to what he has with a smaller team on a restricted (possibly non rule-breaking) budget? No, but that doesn’t make what he can do at the top any less brilliant. If he can transform players like Grealish, Stones, Ake etc into players completely differently to what they were before, then he has to be good. I don’t think he is better than Klopp, I think they’re both better at different things and it makes it really hard to judge. Alex Ferguson is still probably better than either, though. Maybe Clough but he was before my times, so who knows?
Do you know which way the inspiration went for teh quote? Did ted Lasso take teh quote from him (or another coach) or did they hear it in Ted Lasso and reflected it on their real life job? Just curious 😉
@@DarkHarlequin I don’t, but I saw it shortly after seeing an interview where the show makers said they had been told that the show was influencing football managers and American rugby coaches as well
When it comes to the team wanting Nate back - I think we underestimate the influence of Higgins. He is the one that tells Ted and Beard about “the little birds” that talked to Nate and confirmed Nate is open to coming back. He may have discussed this more with the team without Ted and Beard knowing because he wanted to test the waters. I do think they need to discuss it more with Nate, but who knows, maybe Nate’s 60 page apology covers some things ha! Higgins also told Jamie in season two that we have to forgive fathers for what they are not. I understand Jamie had to go through a lot more to get to that place of forgiveness, but I do think Higgins planted that seed. And about Ted going back home: his mom gave the final word, but Rebecca gave him permission as well in episode 8. Maybe that was inadvertent! But I think she knows in heart he needs to be with his son. This is one thing I love about this series. Usually the American comes in and fixes everyone. Ted shakes things up and does some fixing up, yes, but everyone is fixing each other up. Everyone has the opportunity to improve relationships and grow whether Ted is involved or not. One thing I really loved about the episode were the posters on Jamie’s wall. He’s clearly idolized Roy and Keeley from a young age. It is really sweet to see they are his best friends now.
I think they have to flash forward tonight in order for Trent’s book to already be released. I can’t see them dropping that season-long arc,, and I can’t see them wrapping it up without an already-published book.
there was a study done on monkeys (macaques maybe?) where they measured cortisol levels of apes after being hit by a higher ranked macaque, and again when the abused primate went and attacked an even lower ranked individual (which happens fairly often). Cortisol levels initially went up after being hit, and went down again after they take it out on another. This is a long winded way to say that this works on a neuro-chemical level. It does provide relief to treat another as badly as you yourself have been treated. It's not just an abstract human behavior pattern. It's basically in our DNA.
I enjoyed this episode very much. And I love all your thoughts and all the comments. Without any over analyzing…I want Roy and Keeley back together, I want closure on why Nate left West Ham and why Bex the former assistant was at Rebecca’s door and I want Richmond to win the whole f’ing thing!!! 😊
Yes-would it be better for Will’s character to express his perspective but keep in mind we know how Will feels-powerless like Nate did when he was introduced as the Kit Mgr and the even as Head Coach at West Ham with Rupert treating him poorly. Nate apologizes and liberates that dynamic of the “lowly” on the league’s hierarchy.
I think the players want him back because everyone knows he's brilliant at strategy. Honestly, them approaching Nate to come back makes perfect sense to me.
I think the maths you did about their position in the table shows that yeah actually they could be poised to win the league after the season they’ve had. They might be on 78 points, and requiring a win to take the trophy, meaning they’d end on 81 points, which is one of the winning totals from the last 10 seasons. Sure, it’s unlikely, and it represents a chaotic season with no particularly dominant team. But seasons like that do happen
7:42 it is pushing it but I assumed that at least one of those 6 games {if we assume one game per week} without a win was a League Cup tie {FA Cup wouldn't have reached the 3rd round at that point}. If we assume one later loss, perhaps even the loss to Arsenal, was in the FA Cup then they can get to 87 points whilst still only having a 15 game win streak; which is what they actually got to at the end of the season. - I do think the season didn't need them to be fighting Man City for the title at the end of the season, it would have worked just as well had that West Ham game on the final day been a straight up rivalry for 4th place and a Champions League spot.....And they could have still needed to beat Man City the week before to have a chance at beating West Ham to 4th place.
I'm kind of disappointed with this season. Many characters started out good from the start and stayed good. Some characters started out bad and evolved to being good. Why not allow the one character that started out good and went bad, to stay bad. Nate's character started out sympathetic, hard working and showing pride in his own accomplishments. Then you see him wanting more accolades for achievements that were helpful but not like he was the only one coaching or scoring the goals. They show minor instances where his father doesn't seem to care much. To me, Nate still had it better than all of those boys raised with no father at all or a physically abusive father. So it wasn't a good excuse for him turning on everyone. Why not allow him to remain the bad guy? Why does the show need to have a redemption arc for EVERYONE? Might as well have let Rupert bang Rebecca after he sided with her after her saving football speech. Is Roy and Keeley going to get married and Jack show up out of the blue to present them with a Rolls Royce as a wedding present? Because in the end .. for some reason .. there can be no baddies.
Ted Lasso S3 is set in the 21/22 PL season, in which Man City racked up 93 points and Liverpool 92. I'm not buying that 72-point Richmond would somehow be in a position to leapfrog both teams.
So I don't think the asking Nate thing is out of place because it's revealed at the end that it was Higgens who organized it. And the team's issue was the same as Beards, Nate hurt Ted. But Higgens knows how Ted forgave Rebecca. Also this is why the team didn't ask Ted. Everyone knows he'll be forgiving but Nate worries he won't be
Yeash - forgiveness is letting go of the pain. If you don't let go then your forgiveness is just pushing down the hurt - which means you're merely attempting to control the anger. Yes, if the person who hurt you hasn't realized the pain they have caused and change - then you may need to disassociate from them until or if they do? However, as a decent person you really should offer to them why they hurt and give them a sincere chance for redemption if needed.
My prediction, if it's possible at that point; I think the team are going to tie, in their final game of the season. That way, it wouldn't be a best of both worlds, take away from Ted's choice to go back to Kansas, situation, while also not feeling like quite as much of a bummer as them losing entirely might be (though I do think that could work fine narratively, too), and it would also lean into the idea that wins and losses don't matter as much as the personal experiences of the teams, and having fun, and it could be a callback to when Ted mentioned that they have ties in England, back in the first episode of the first season, if I remember correctly :)
I don't think it's possible for the teams to tie in a championship-deciding game. If they were tied by the end of regulation, they'd go in double overtime and if that didn't do it, they'd go to penalty shootouts (someone correct me if I am wrong).
I think Ted's biggest flaw that came to light in this episode is that he firmly believes that his experiences and reactions are universal aka can be applied to all people, regardless of the circumstances. I'm sorry, Ted, but you and your incredibly supportive and nice mother not talking after your father's death is NOT comparable to the years of physical and emotional abuse Jamie had to go through while still a child (he was sexually assaulted at 14 ffs, with his father's blessing). And I'm not saying that Ted didn't suffer or wasn't traumatized, because he obviously did and was. But what Jamie went through is absolutely heartbreaking. He doesn't remember his first sexual encounter, but remembers the first time he ate a stroopwafel... he was just a CHILD. His brain blocked out the memory, and instead retained all the information Jamie learned at 16 with his mom to fill that space. He still remembered dates and places after almost 10 years since learning about them. That's how strongly his subconscious was rejecting that first time visiting Amsterdam. Radical forgiveness CAN work with characters like Rebecca, Beard and Nate, who show contrition and remorse. But Jamie HAS NO IDEA that his father is in rehab and trying to get better. By the end of the episode, he's effectively reaching out to a man that he 100% believes is still an abusive alcoholic, the same abusive alcoholic that would punch and belittle him and have him assaulted to prove he's not "soft". Ted is so fucking LUCKY that Tartt Sr. is in rehab, otherwise he'd put Jamie right back in the path of his abuser, after he'd spent years distancing himself from him. Hell, Ted even compares Jamie's father to Freddy Krueger, and someone like THAT definitely doesn't deserve forgiveness. There's a difference between radical forgiveness and victims re-entering the cycle of abuse. Again, Ted is lucky that Tartt Sr. was in rehab already. But he didn't know that. And Jamie didn't know that. In real life this could've been the end of Jamie.
Yeah, I think that's pretty fair. I was surprised by Jamie texting his dad, I'm reserving judgement though until I see how it ends, it may very well be something I bring up next week
Popped a couple in my pinned comment. Generally I'm happy they're not suddenly together, as it appeared last episode. It would need time but I'm now getting the feeling they'll finish the series separate and...I think I might be ok with that
I know you asked the OP but I'll still leave my thoughts 😋 I'm of two minds here. The simple voice in me that just wants the characters I like to be happy is rooting for them to be back together but the voice looking at it from the 'in-world' POV thinks that there was still a reason they both went through with the split. I think if they want to see what future they might have together it would be healthier for them to not just go back to 'how it was' but take things a bit slower and work on the things they discovered during their time apart with the other in their lives. I think they don't need to prove that they care for each other anymore and working their way towards a relationship that works for them both as individuals might be healthier then jumping straight back in and putting all the weight of their happiness on that relationship again.
Yeah, the football part is fairly superficial, like "American-minded" let's say. Even if Richmond does not win they qualified for next year Champions League already. If a newly promoted team qualified for the CL in their first season back in the top league there would be parties for the next year, and even if they still were in the title run it would definitely be mentioned as an achievement. Zava retiring mid season, Nathan leaving WH without explanation, no mention of European competitions ever, even the acting on the pitch... The suspension of disbelief requested for this show for an hardcore football fan like me is pushed to its limits. I still love it, but I feel it would have had more sense (and admittedly, less marketing traction) if it was set at non-league football, pushing for the football league.
Actually, it is perfectly possible to win the league with even the 76 points they have currently. Man. United did it in 96-97. Also, in Brasil (where the leagues work the same way but it’s more competitive in-between teams), in 2009 Flamengo clinched the title on the last game and only 67 points.
Yeah, it's certainly possible, just incredibly unlikely, especially in a world where Pep canonically manages City. It's possible but does still feel like a stretch, especially without any explanation for why teams like City have underperformed. I don't mind that level of stretching things if it's for a good reason but, personally, I think Richmond winning would work against the themes of the show
@@mylittlethoughttree I agree with that, I’m fact after the ep. 11 I thought that they could live it hanging, not ever telling if they really did win or not
I could not agree more about Richmond's performance. At the start of this season, I was hoping they would narrowly avoid relegation. Maybe throw West Ham down there as well, if you need to do something for the sake of the story. What they've done doesn't feel right. A newly promoted team winning 15 games in a row? No. Nonsense. The way the Super League idea was dealt with was nonsense and rushed as well. Obviously the sport isn't what the show is about, but it's jarring that they seem to deal with everything that's actually football-related in such an unrealistic way.
I love your breakdowns and look forward to them every week, but you really need to address the elephant in the room............Ted's former Therapist shacking up with his ex-wife!!! At least here in the US, that is a HUGE ethical violation that would result in the therapist losing their license. What I'm really confused about is this; what is the take away message from that story-line? That therapy is bad and, not only does it not work, there's a chance your therapist might hook up with your wife behind your back??? Like, what???
To me it should have always been Richmond winning the FA Cup this season, not the league. Like you said it’s just a bit too much of a stretch, with Leicester City they got promoted back and had one season before they won the league. So to try and make Richmond’s story even crazier than Leicester is too much. To me the FA Cup would have made the most sense especially bc it was a big part of last season and it’s a more realistic title for them to win in my opinion
@@blackshirts45 It was… I think that Jamie loves Roy more than he loves Keely. When Jamie came off the field and Roy hugged him I think he told Jamie “I so proud of you”. I don’t think that Keely and Roy will be together , just close.
Interesting that you loved the very Hollywood 'happily ever after' style of the last episode (Nate has one confrontation with his Dad and it's FIXED - no need to learn self worth the right father figure gave him approval this time, Roy & Keelie just have one big grand gesture and it's FIXED - no need to learn anything from their time apart. It waa a mistake and now it's how it was always ment to be!) but here the pacing of the quick fix between Nate and the Team as well as the very Hollywood Premiere League title really rubbed you the wrong way. I wonder why you saw these so differently 🤔 ☺
Well I did have concerns about the last episode, certainly, but I don't think Nate's dad situation is fixed at all, nor Roy and Keeley. I argued last episode that them getting back together was far too abrupt and, whilst it was a bit confusing to go back, I'm glad that they aren't together this episode and half of me hopes they don't get back at all. Nate and Lloyd have a really great reconciliatory moment but it's exactly as I've argued: it doesn't erase what he went through. It's a really good start on a long journey. Things are rarely fixed in one conversation but offering an apology, and both trying to enjoy a moment together playing cards, feels like a very human first, tentative step. I don't think you're wrong at all, it's as I also said this video, Nate's arc has been really, really rushed throughout... but I'm still happy to celebrate the bits of it that work. So I think that'd be my general answer, that I sort of agree 😆
@@mylittlethoughttree You are right that you explain some of it this in video now taht you mention it. Thanks for always replying so thoughtfully. Thinking about these types of things is both very fun and very interesting to me 🤗
Your rabbits aren't as loud as you think they are. If you never mentioned them, no one would know. You hear them, because you're listening for them, and they are with you when you record. But we are observers without the ability to see through the screen. We are clueless as to the circumstances of your recordings. What really bothers you, is transparent to the viewer. As for the show, nothing was made of the fact that every time Nate turned to point to his girlfriend, Jade was gone. She was forcing him to do things on his own and stand up for himself. He had to face everyone alone, which is what made him stronger to begin with. Nate got help from Ted initially, then thought he could do it alone. Went to Westham and realized alone was not what he wanted. But in order to progress, he has to be able to decide on his own. He has to decide on his own, that he wants to be part of a team again, so as to not be alone anymore. Jade knows she can't be there when he turns to her for protection or advice. So she disappears.
In the rush to the finish line, I feel many character arcs and stories have been underwhelming. I love the show and the characters but the writing this season hasn't been as strong as the previous seasons
While still enjoyable, the plotting and exposition has been really rough this year. How can a show that consistently runs an hour or more let so many things go underexplained or even happen off screen? Think the inexperience of Sudeikis as a showrunner is really showing. And don't get me started on Richmond winning a zillion games in a row. You could have had the same story arcs if they were merely challenging for a top-six spot to play European football next season, and everyone around Richmond would have been just as ecstatic about it.
I don't watch the show or anything, but I watch a lot of videos about shows I don't watch. Anyways, Brett Goldstein is almost overwhelmingly hot and handsome and stuff I literally can't. 😍😍😍 Where has this man been?!?! haha
EXTRA STUFF TO SAY!!
1) Use the code TREE for 40% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!!
2) I completely forgot to mention anything about Roy and Keeley, which is a shame. Although it feels confusing, in terms of how episode 10 ended, I like that they aren’t together. They need more time to either work things out properly, or not work it out as the case may be. That is good in my books. Just because Roy’s got his head straight about Keeley doesn’t mean she hasn’t changed or necessarily feels the same. To be honest, whilst it was a bit weird that they followed Jamie, I do just love how their situation is a staunch refusal of the “love triangle” trope. I mean they’ve certainly been on the edges of a love triangle, sure, but never does it get played up for drama. It has always been three people trying to maturely work through their feelings.
3) Is Edwin Akufo going to pop up again? Things are very open-ended with Sam and wrapping all of that up in the final episode, alongside wrapping up the rest of the entire show, feels like quite a difficult task. I’m eager to see how they handle it.
4) So I made a dumb mistake adding up the points total. It looks like it could be 76, not 78 HOWEVER the information is still all so hazy, that it could be 78 points. I would not be at all surprised if Richmond do finish with 81 points as a tribute to Leicester City’s similar story of underdog triumph but we’ll have to see.
5) I imagine a lot of people loved Pep Guardiola’s cameo here but I really, really didn’t. Especially with how massive a thing is made out of it, Ted and Beard both fan-girling that Pep would even deem them worthy of talking to. I don’t know. This could just be because I’m a Liverpool fan and I can’t help feeling irrationally annoyed that Pep gets such great celebration where Klopp is never so much as mentioned…I’m not sure Liverpool are really mentioned at all. That’s super unfair of me but I did still find the cameo a bit jarring and stilted.
6) Just to clarify, so I don’t look bitter. I consider Pep Guardiola to be one of, if not the greatest, manager of all time. Do I think he’d achieve anything close to what he has with a smaller team on a restricted (possibly non rule-breaking) budget? No, but that doesn’t make what he can do at the top any less brilliant. If he can transform players like Grealish, Stones, Ake etc into players completely differently to what they were before, then he has to be good. I don’t think he is better than Klopp, I think they’re both better at different things and it makes it really hard to judge. Alex Ferguson is still probably better than either, though. Maybe Clough but he was before my times, so who knows?
i think the fangirling is more about Pep saying exactly the same thing that Ted say to Trentt in season one when they talked in the restaurant
I think it's noteworthy that Nate's apology begins with Will. He doesn't apologize to someone with power. It's not him trying to get back in directly with Ted and glossing over his hurtful behavior toward people beneath him. It's not an apology laced with ambition. I guess you could argue that fact isn't lost on the team when Will shares the story of the apology.
That's a good point. Especially since Nate realizes he was doing to Will what was previously done to him. Victims of bullying sometimes find someone weaker than them and just repeat the cycle of bullying in order to feel empowered, and they don't always even notice it.
Nate’s response to Beard was just “thank you.” I found that very touching. No pushback, no excuse. Just “thank you.”
Even then, he was ready to be head butted.
@@ShirDeutch Ted says to Jamie in this episode - "Hurt people hurt people"
Right. He’s disappointed in his behavior, not just upset with the consequences. So it makes sense that he apologizes all of the behavior, not just the one that gets him back with the team.
Jamie finding that anger towards his father doesn’t push him as before, reminds me of Zuko realizing that rage has stopped fueling his firebending ❤
a lot of his story is reminiscent of zuko
Oh damn, that's weird, I actually had the same thought but cut it from the video! That whole part of Avatar is my favourite thing from the entire show, the wonderful metaphor of learning to firebend not out of aggression and eventually becoming stronger for it
Yep I was thinking the same thing, watching that episode would have been just as good for Jamie as speaking to his mum 😂
I could not love your post more!!
Don’t forget Collin and Jamie’s “gang” abused Nate when he was kitman in the first season. I can imagine they are apologizing to him as much he needed to apologize to Will.
That's honestly a good point.
This is the first episode I have watched twice. For me, one of the most moving moments in the entire series was Jaime‘s goal. Ted encourages him to forgive his father, he goes back on the field, and we just see him with his torso and face, no foot work, dancing through and casually chipping the ball. At the moment of truth (the goal) his reaction is one of gratitude at having done a good job. No ego. Just a guy who performed his job well. I could watch that scene 100 times in a row.
This reminded me of what Nate said in the previous episode, who wanted to play the violin because he liked it. Jamie was playing for the joy of the sport.
That story about Ted being a good judge of character and seeing Beard for who he truly is has a really great set up from back in season 1 when he told Rebecca, after the charity, that, like her, he could see Rupert for who he truly is, even when everyone else thought Rupert was so great.
I don't think the "fortune teller's" prediction that Rebecca would be a Mother was literal... I think the prediction actually came to pass when she took charge at the Akufu Meeting, and saw all these powerful men as children. She took on the Mother roll of chiding them into seeing the potential consequences of their actions.
Isaac and Colin tormented Nate in the first season, and Nate tormented Will in the 2nd season. These three coming to Nate is exactly who should seek out Nate to demonstrate that he’s been forgiven, especially after being routed because of their anger towards him in the earlier game. Holding onto that anger is a trap that will cause them to fail as a team.
I'm going through a separation this year and this particular episode made me cry. Especially when he said he misses his son while i had my 2 yr old son in my lap. Its been a very, very hard year, and with the reflection of my own mother being emotionally unavailable, this show has shown me how perseverance and kindness can make all the difference in the world that is increasingly cynical.
I love your analysis and how you bring to words some of the feelings that swirl around in the pit of my stomach. Much appreciated, my friend.
2nd Comment (hope that's ok, didn't want to mix them up): Jamies struggle with 'I existed in dependence and opposition to my dad all my life and if I let that go... who am I actually?' is something I really resonated with me emotionally! I personally had/have my own ideas and goals that shaped me and drove me all my life but were also hurting me. And initially I was all consumed with distancing myself, letting these go and that was/is expectedly hard for things that were my main drive for over 20 years!
But what i didn't expect is that there is a strange emptiness at the other side of that. Not in a bad way. But it is MUCH stranger and harder to orient myself from than I thought. If all my energy and development went into chasing or avoiding my 'demons' ... who I am without them is so open, so undefined, so without any starting point it's at the same time liberating but also quite disorientating and scary. So Jamies mom saying:
"You're not lost. You just havn't decided where to go next!" really connected with me (and made me pause the episode to let that emotion work its way through me a bit) ☺😖😉
You've explained the importance of it beautifully! It's great to celebrate the uplifting qualities of that kind of breaking free within your own mind, but so rarely does media show how weird and confusing and difficult it can be, so I am really, really, really glad they did that with Jamie
I sobbed uncontrollably during this episode. Realizing our parents are flawed people is such a universal journey 💜
18:19 Nate pushing the trash can out 😂
I laughed out loud at that! It's so small you could easily miss it, but so funny when you do pick it up. 🤣
At first I thought it strange that the players came to ask Nate to come back UNTIL I realized it is probably because WILL showed them the apology from Nate and they decided with their treatment of Nate everyone deserves 2nd chances.
Plus the players don’t know what he said to Ted or that he was the source for the mental health issues Ted has getting in the press. Ted forgave him pretty quickly because he is that kind soul, as was proven by Coach Beards story.
I’m going through forgiving my parents right now. This episode was moving and sweet. It is t necessary to forgive. Some people are too sick. However, it does help to mo e forward. The abuse wasn’t ok. The forgiveness is about me. They don’t even know I’m doing it. I love Ted Lasoo and this channel.
For the 'will they win the whole f***ing thing' part, I think they won't, at least THIS season. I'd kind of like them to come incredibly close (2nd place, for example), then in a final flash-forward win it the following year. That way, the show wouldn't end with, as you put it, a fairy tale ending, but would still show Ted's impact on Richmond coming out on top (or rather, even more so than it already has). The environment he created, with Roy and Nate (and maybe Beard) working together to bring the team to glory (and Ted watching proudly from Kansas, of course)
I think it's important to note, and I believe it's correct, that Ted Lasso was only supposed to be three seasons. That may be why some of the writing is strange or rushed. Perhaps they hadn't thought beyond season 3 until late in the game, so some things are a nice development for a few characters. Nate almost seems to take up too much space in his arc for what the writers want to do for Rebecca, Ted, and Jaimie. They simply don't have time for the incredibly lovable side characters.
Did anyone catch the Dorothy image when she closes her eyes and says “there’s no place like home”. It’s when Ted plays pinball.
This episode has been a back to Kansas setup-complete with the Tin, Cowardly Lion ( catch Issac turning away when Jade walks up) and the Scarecrow.
I think our boys forgiving Nate might be the logical result of ‘the Lasso way’.
Remember when Ted was talking about total football and mentioning that there are 4 principles, but he couldn’t recall the fourth; I think nr. 4 might be forgiveness.
Now looking back at the show as a whole, I really appreciate the themes of forgiveness throughout the show. Its such a thoughtful message. I know so many incredibly kind and loving people, but even the best of em struggle with forgiveness sometimes, and often it just leads to so much unnecessary pain.
Even though them forgiving nate might be the result of some behind the scenes stuff, i do think the show has earned a little bit of wiggle room when it comes to forgiveness and it being one of Teds main lessons to the team and audience. (Still would have liked more context, but perhaps next episode)
Also omg I don’t want the show to end ;-;
Given that Total Football relies on players filling in the gaps, with the right group it could be described as a forgiving system (or a complete cluster with the wrong group). If a player is out of place, their mistake could be "forgiven" if another player is there to make up for it. An imperfect example of this is Jamie saving a goal in episode 11. Van Damme isn't in place to make the save, but is forgiven for being out of place by Jamie filling the gap. I think your idea makes perfect sense from both a football and character perspective!
Coach Beard's scene was my favorite of this episode too. The idea that he was probably a drug addict and going through some rough stuff that made him do terrible things kind of alludes to Jamie's father story as well. The difference perhaps being that Coach Beard wasn't as.... toxic? As Jamie's dad, maybe? But nevertheless two people who ruined relationships and hurt others partly because of subtance abuse. Coach Beard got a second (third?) chance and took it, maybe Jamie's dad can do the same.
I also felt like the whole "Nate, we want you back" thing was sort of rushed. Even a conversation between the players before that would have sufficed to make it a little less out of left field.
And I don't know anything about how football works, points and all that, so I can't say anything about how realistic it is if they win in the end. I do feel like it would be weird, I'd like to see them lose, get second place or something around those lines. Hint at the potential growth of the club without Ted, about what Nate can do for them as a coach, etc.
I rly appreciate you talking about how anger is valid & how it's not mutually exclusive w forgiveness. Still, i wish stories focused more on the wrongdoer making amends rather than the wronged person doing all the work & forgiving
Do you think there's any significance in Jamie's Mum apparently being an older version of Keeley? Roy certainly noticed it - as did Kelley when dragging Roy off a 'one-for the road' farewell hug...😄
Man I didn’t even realize that, but yeah she really is an older Keeley
Oh, there’s a ton of Oedipal stuff going on there. He’s her sexy little boy.
I love the arc with Jamie and his anger, but I HATE attaching the word “forgiveness” to letting go of anger. Especially when considering abusers. As someone who tried forgiveness because I was pressured into it by others (since every story about trauma has the mandatory element of forgiveness for the protagonist to get any peace), I tried allowing my abuser back into my life. It ruined me for seven more years. Letting go of anger for oneself is necessary. However, the connotation of forgiveness makes it completely different. Letting go is internal while forgiveness is external. Stories like this create extremely physically and emotionally dangerous expectations for victims of abuse. I was okay with Jamie letting go, but was furious when he texted him. Jamie was sexually abused by his father in a way he blocked out mentally. I know how that is. He showed all of the hallmarks of a narcissist and may see Jamie’s reaching out as absolution. That’s the thing. Some people, while human, are monstrous. They’re not the majority, but they exist. The only way many learn (if at all) is when consequences are permanent. Narcissists and sociopaths have something missing that will make certain lessons lost on them. That’s why Rupert trying to kiss Rebecca after wrecking her life in so many ways was so fitting. She reacted with shock because who the fuck does that? Someone who can not and will not understand the weight of their own actions. It’s not on the victim to teach them that and I’m grossed out that they implied it with Jamie.
Every survivor has a right to deal with their abuse in whatever way is best and safest for them. They can forgive if that’s best in the situation or not. However, this seemed like it was equating a very human mess up (Dottie repressing the grief that needed to be felt in their home) with some extremely intentional harm. It’s pushing the same messed up narrative that survivors have to have hoisted upon them by others who could never understand.
Yeah that's a fair point, it does very much come down to how we define it but forgiveness in that external sense is difficult and dangerous and not always a good thing, for which I feel conflicted with Jamie texting his dad, I'm patiently waiting to see what happens about that.
Otherwise yeah, I'd pretty much agree
This season really feels like 2 seasons of story progression compacted until one. All these sudden time jumps and lack of scenes giving meaningful context (i.e. Nate's time at West Ham ending, Keeley and Roy getting back together) really come off as sudden reshuffling of carefully laid-out plans.
I love your analysis: really hits the sweet spot of media commentary, pop culture, and psychology for me. Thanks for the videos!
About the players: there is a scene after they talk to Nate where Higgins tells Ted that his “little birdies” told him Nate might be willing to come back. We can’t forget that he’s Director of Football, so even though he’s comic relief he’s got a line on everything that goes on. I’ll bet Higgins knows Ted’s leaving, as a father himself, and is quietly setting the team up for life without him. That’s what I took from that one line, anyway.
It's a surely a deliberate choice that Isaac and Colin, who were the two who were the most involved in bullying Nate (to make Jamie laugh) in season 1 who came to Nate to ask him to come back, I don't know the why bit though. Totally loved the Pep Guardiola cameo though ^_^
Rebecca’s trip to the doctor was also never discussed, she never talked to anyone about it if I’m not mistaken
Yeah, I agree. They definitely cut a couple of team scenes where they discuss Nate. Unfortunate, but not the end of the world.
This time I agree with you just about everything. This episode was great, and for me, it really overcame the bad taste left by the previous one.
Nate's plot at first felt like it was being written by the Family Guy manettees: now he works at the restaurant? And Derek is super stoked about it? I thought the only reason he was so excited about Nate was because he was starstruck by him, but no, he's just really into him? Pretty weird. And of course, the boys coming to ask Nate back to Richmond as if nothing happened; Roy having no issue with Nate coming back? It kinda feels like everyone except for Coach Beard, both the characters and the writers are suffering from amnesia, because they were all furious about Nate sabotaging their believe sign, so much that it caused them to go on a violent outburst during the match.
But I feel this was all worth it as the set-up for Coach Beard's speech at the end. Looking forward to see what happens next, I'm optimistic about the show sticking to landing.
Also, gotta mention a joke that was kinda subtle but hilarious and brilliant, which is the commentators referring to Van Damme's protective mask due to his nose injury as "The Mask of Van Damme". That one really cracked me up.
Well that's the point, though, isn't it? Their anger at Nate lost them that match. It didn't help them, it only hurt them, both in terms of score and reputation. They already let go of that anger towards Nate. Beard was the only hold out because he still saw his own betrayal in Nate. We see these episodes week to week for a few months, but the British football season runs from August to May! I'd say it's been over six months in-universe since that blowout over the Believe sign.
@@kateorgera5907 that's a fair point.
Still feels to me like they've skipped a couple of scenes, but I donno, maybe it'll make more sense upon rewatch.
Or maybe it just feels weird to me that they forgive him so easily because I'm not sure I would have.
You've spirited away with my joy at the thought of the impending end of the season. I've enjoyed your program. Thanks and Aloha
0:01 Don’t worry, we forgive them.
Love your work, love Ted Lasso. Keep celebrating the good in people.
I also liked the juxtaposition of Ted's mom staying and making him TWO dinners compared to Rebecca's mum not staying to make one in the previous season.
Watching this EP and Beau is Afraid in the same week just feels like a parallel story in polar opposite execution.😅
Best episode of the season by far, and the funniest one too.
What really surprised me was the players forgiving Nate that quickly. I know they all have developed into a more cohesive and kind of mentally strong team, but, like you said, it's undeserved. Not that he didn't deserved to be forgiven, I loved Nate and Beard moment, but I would prefer if he came back and, while the players understand he is a smart coach and ultimately good for the team, gives him the cold shoulder. But they don't outright hate Nate anymore, they follow his drills and training, even if they aren't friendly, and it could be a moment that Nate could have to see that he deserves his second chance if he works for it, and it shows how much the whole team has come mentally, but it also gives us space and time for the show to redeem Nate to the viewers eyes and to the team. I think stories in which the scary villain becomes an ally, when done well, are great, because it makes us happy that we are stronger with this once formidable foe on our side.
This whole episode is about the fact that people don't have to earn forgiveness. Beard didn't earn Ted's forgiveness, Jamie's dad hasn't earned it at this point.
Re: Nate being asked to come back from the Team
There’s a quick scene where it is implied that Ted sent the players, or at least blessed the effort. I think that is the scene we’re missing.
I don't think it was Ted. I'm pretty sure it was Higgins. The guys even said they wanted to ask Nate first before they brought it up to Ted.
I love this show, but something frustrating about it is that they will bring up problems in an episode, then it's solved by the next episode off-screen. Like Nate seems unhappy at his job, and we found out at the beginning of the next episode that he left. The same thing happened in season 1 with Sam and the airline that sponsored the team. He wore tape over the company name and his teammates joined. It seemed like it'd be a big issue legally and maybe cause problems for the team, what with losing their sponsor. Then in the next episode, everything was fine! It feels like that's what happened with Nate. Like everyone decided they wanted him back off-screen and between the episodes.
well... the show is really focused on relationships, certainly Keely's story is barely related to the rest, it seems a bit like a uncertain effort to put more women in an essentially male environment. I'd say the legal issues are more like something that doesn't involve personalities or inter-relationships; as we call it in America, "inside baseball". The series really isn't about the team as a whole, not like "Welcome to Wrexham" doc. You sound like you're a football fan and would like more of that. But Ted is going for a larger, wider audience, for better or worse. Also Nate quitting doesn't really solve his problems at all. He has a breakdown and moves in with his parents. it's just focused on consequences besides the immediate drama of quitting.
@Cuvtixo Yes, it is very much about relationships, but it seems like an odd choice to set up a problem and then never deal with it in the show. It also cuts down on Nate's development in the show, as the video states. We haven't seen much of his coaching and then he was just done. It's a bit confusing. It feels like they cut out a lot and it's rushing a bit. Also one of the things I like about the show personally is that there isn't much soccer. I don't like soccer at all.
I actually liked the Pep cameo if framed from the point of view that it is a completion of the arc of adopting Total Football as a philosophy. I have to imagine the hagiographic use of his image was part of the deal, but I really lament the loss of comedic potential of having Ted interact with an obsessive perfectionist. It would have been akin to that sketch they did with Jose Mourinho a while back, which would have been a nice call-back.
Also, with regard to the way the sport is presented, a lot of the more baffling creative choices are the result of taking inspiration from cheesy sports movies like Hoosiers, Major League, Rudy, etc. It can be frustrating as hell for real football fans -- it certainly gets on MY nerves from time to time -- but I understand the artistic impulse behind it. It's also one of the reasons why I'm fine with Richmond winning the PL; it might be predictable and cliche, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in this context.
But I really think these two things highlight one of my biggest criticisms of the last few episodes, which is that the emotional payoff of the best moments is blunted by the fact that they're sprinting towards a happy ending without doing enough of the heavy lifting that comes first. They're trying too hard to simplify a process that is complex and messy, and as a result are making things seem a little too forced.
Love it, great content! I have been wondering about the odds of their title run myself, thanks for doing the math!
EXTRA STUFF TO SAY!!
1) Use the code TREE for 40% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!!
2) I completely forgot to mention anything about Roy and Keeley, which is a shame. Although it feels confusing, in terms of how episode 10 ended, I like that they aren’t together. They need more time to either work things out properly, or not work it out as the case may be. That is good in my books. Just because Roy’s got his head straight about Keeley doesn’t mean she hasn’t changed or necessarily feels the same. To be honest, whilst it was a bit weird that they followed Jamie, I do just love how their situation is a staunch refusal of the “love triangle” trope. I mean they’ve certainly been on the edges of a love triangle, sure, but never does it get played up for drama. It has always been three people trying to maturely work through their feelings.
3) Is Edwin Akufo going to pop up again? Things are very open-ended with Sam and wrapping all of that up in the final episode, alongside wrapping up the rest of the entire show, feels like quite a difficult task. I’m eager to see how they handle it.
4) So I made a dumb mistake adding up the points total. It looks like it could be 76, not 78 HOWEVER the information is still all so hazy, that it could be 78 points. I would not be at all surprised if Richmond do finish with 81 points as a tribute to Leicester City’s similar story of underdog triumph but we’ll have to see.
5) I imagine a lot of people loved Pep Guardiola’s cameo here but I really, really didn’t. Especially with how massive a thing is made out of it, Ted and Beard both fan-girling that Pep would even deem them worthy of talking to. I don’t know. This could just be because I’m a Liverpool fan and I can’t help feeling irrationally annoyed that Pep gets such great celebration where Klopp is never so much as mentioned…I’m not sure Liverpool are really mentioned at all. That’s super unfair of me but I did still find the cameo a bit jarring and stilted.
6) Just to clarify, so I don’t look bitter. I consider Pep Guardiola to be one of, if not the greatest, manager of all time. Do I think he’d achieve anything close to what he has with a smaller team on a restricted (possibly non rule-breaking) budget? No, but that doesn’t make what he can do at the top any less brilliant. If he can transform players like Grealish, Stones, Ake etc into players completely differently to what they were before, then he has to be good. I don’t think he is better than Klopp, I think they’re both better at different things and it makes it really hard to judge. Alex Ferguson is still probably better than either, though. Maybe Clough but he was before my times, so who knows?
Pep has actually said that in an after game interview, and it wasn’t a recent one either
Do you know which way the inspiration went for teh quote? Did ted Lasso take teh quote from him (or another coach) or did they hear it in Ted Lasso and reflected it on their real life job? Just curious 😉
@@DarkHarlequin I don’t, but I saw it shortly after seeing an interview where the show makers said they had been told that the show was influencing football managers and American rugby coaches as well
When it comes to the team wanting Nate back - I think we underestimate the influence of Higgins. He is the one that tells Ted and Beard about “the little birds” that talked to Nate and confirmed Nate is open to coming back. He may have discussed this more with the team without Ted and Beard knowing because he wanted to test the waters. I do think they need to discuss it more with Nate, but who knows, maybe Nate’s 60 page apology covers some things ha! Higgins also told Jamie in season two that we have to forgive fathers for what they are not. I understand Jamie had to go through a lot more to get to that place of forgiveness, but I do think Higgins planted that seed. And about Ted going back home: his mom gave the final word, but Rebecca gave him permission as well in episode 8. Maybe that was inadvertent! But I think she knows in heart he needs to be with his son. This is one thing I love about this series. Usually the American comes in and fixes everyone. Ted shakes things up and does some fixing up, yes, but everyone is fixing each other up. Everyone has the opportunity to improve relationships and grow whether Ted is involved or not. One thing I really loved about the episode were the posters on Jamie’s wall. He’s clearly idolized Roy and Keeley from a young age. It is really sweet to see they are his best friends now.
Thank you. Really enjoyed your insights, as usual.
Episode 11 camera angle in the boardroom: Rebecca is looking down on Rupert, it seems for the first time, taking ascendancy.
I think they have to flash forward tonight in order for Trent’s book to already be released. I can’t see them dropping that season-long arc,, and I can’t see them wrapping it up without an already-published book.
there was a study done on monkeys (macaques maybe?) where they measured cortisol levels of apes after being hit by a higher ranked macaque, and again when the abused primate went and attacked an even lower ranked individual (which happens fairly often). Cortisol levels initially went up after being hit, and went down again after they take it out on another. This is a long winded way to say that this works on a neuro-chemical level. It does provide relief to treat another as badly as you yourself have been treated. It's not just an abstract human behavior pattern. It's basically in our DNA.
I enjoyed this episode very much. And I love all your thoughts and all the comments. Without any over analyzing…I want Roy and Keeley back together, I want closure on why Nate left West Ham and why Bex the former assistant was at Rebecca’s door and I want Richmond to win the whole f’ing thing!!! 😊
Yes-would it be better for Will’s character to express his perspective but keep in mind we know how Will feels-powerless like Nate did when he was introduced as the Kit Mgr and the even as Head Coach at West Ham with Rupert treating him poorly. Nate apologizes and liberates that dynamic of the “lowly” on the league’s hierarchy.
I think the players want him back because everyone knows he's brilliant at strategy. Honestly, them approaching Nate to come back makes perfect sense to me.
I think the maths you did about their position in the table shows that yeah actually they could be poised to win the league after the season they’ve had. They might be on 78 points, and requiring a win to take the trophy, meaning they’d end on 81 points, which is one of the winning totals from the last 10 seasons.
Sure, it’s unlikely, and it represents a chaotic season with no particularly dominant team. But seasons like that do happen
Is it bad that I want Roy, Keeley, and Jamie to end up in a throuple? They would make a nice little family unit.
7:42 it is pushing it but I assumed that at least one of those 6 games {if we assume one game per week} without a win was a League Cup tie {FA Cup wouldn't have reached the 3rd round at that point}.
If we assume one later loss, perhaps even the loss to Arsenal, was in the FA Cup then they can get to 87 points whilst still only having a 15 game win streak; which is what they actually got to at the end of the season.
-
I do think the season didn't need them to be fighting Man City for the title at the end of the season, it would have worked just as well had that West Ham game on the final day been a straight up rivalry for 4th place and a Champions League spot.....And they could have still needed to beat Man City the week before to have a chance at beating West Ham to 4th place.
I'm kind of disappointed with this season. Many characters started out good from the start and stayed good. Some characters started out bad and evolved to being good. Why not allow the one character that started out good and went bad, to stay bad. Nate's character started out sympathetic, hard working and showing pride in his own accomplishments. Then you see him wanting more accolades for achievements that were helpful but not like he was the only one coaching or scoring the goals. They show minor instances where his father doesn't seem to care much. To me, Nate still had it better than all of those boys raised with no father at all or a physically abusive father. So it wasn't a good excuse for him turning on everyone. Why not allow him to remain the bad guy? Why does the show need to have a redemption arc for EVERYONE? Might as well have let Rupert bang Rebecca after he sided with her after her saving football speech. Is Roy and Keeley going to get married and Jack show up out of the blue to present them with a Rolls Royce as a wedding present? Because in the end .. for some reason .. there can be no baddies.
oh Ive been waiting for this
If they finished top 4 they still qualify for champions leauge right? Maybe thats when nate takes over
Ted Lasso S3 is set in the 21/22 PL season, in which Man City racked up 93 points and Liverpool 92. I'm not buying that 72-point Richmond would somehow be in a position to leapfrog both teams.
15:48 is Jamie’s dad in the hospital or a rehab facility? The trolley at the back is giving me blood draw/medication vibes. Xx
Those things are often at rehab facilities, depending on the addiction. The community room vibe seems like he is in rehab.
I had thought it was a rehab place, since he looks peaceful and put together now.
Rehab.
The quote on the wall made me think rehab immediately.
Can't hear the rabbits, don't worry
I think currently they’re 1 point down and assuming that they don’t have a game in hand they have to pray that city doesn’t win
So I don't think the asking Nate thing is out of place because it's revealed at the end that it was Higgens who organized it. And the team's issue was the same as Beards, Nate hurt Ted. But Higgens knows how Ted forgave Rebecca. Also this is why the team didn't ask Ted. Everyone knows he'll be forgiving but Nate worries he won't be
Yeash - forgiveness is letting go of the pain. If you don't let go then your forgiveness is just pushing down the hurt - which means you're merely attempting to control the anger. Yes, if the person who hurt you hasn't realized the pain they have caused and change - then you may need to disassociate from them until or if they do? However, as a decent person you really should offer to them why they hurt and give them a sincere chance for redemption if needed.
You're missing the Vsauce music at 0:24.
My prediction, if it's possible at that point; I think the team are going to tie, in their final game of the season. That way, it wouldn't be a best of both worlds, take away from Ted's choice to go back to Kansas, situation, while also not feeling like quite as much of a bummer as them losing entirely might be (though I do think that could work fine narratively, too), and it would also lean into the idea that wins and losses don't matter as much as the personal experiences of the teams, and having fun, and it could be a callback to when Ted mentioned that they have ties in England, back in the first episode of the first season, if I remember correctly :)
I don't think it's possible for the teams to tie in a championship-deciding game. If they were tied by the end of regulation, they'd go in double overtime and if that didn't do it, they'd go to penalty shootouts (someone correct me if I am wrong).
@@realworkoutsforrealpeople5041 Ah okay, thanks! :)
I think Ted's biggest flaw that came to light in this episode is that he firmly believes that his experiences and reactions are universal aka can be applied to all people, regardless of the circumstances.
I'm sorry, Ted, but you and your incredibly supportive and nice mother not talking after your father's death is NOT comparable to the years of physical and emotional abuse Jamie had to go through while still a child (he was sexually assaulted at 14 ffs, with his father's blessing).
And I'm not saying that Ted didn't suffer or wasn't traumatized, because he obviously did and was. But what Jamie went through is absolutely heartbreaking.
He doesn't remember his first sexual encounter, but remembers the first time he ate a stroopwafel... he was just a CHILD. His brain blocked out the memory, and instead retained all the information Jamie learned at 16 with his mom to fill that space. He still remembered dates and places after almost 10 years since learning about them. That's how strongly his subconscious was rejecting that first time visiting Amsterdam.
Radical forgiveness CAN work with characters like Rebecca, Beard and Nate, who show contrition and remorse.
But Jamie HAS NO IDEA that his father is in rehab and trying to get better.
By the end of the episode, he's effectively reaching out to a man that he 100% believes is still an abusive alcoholic, the same abusive alcoholic that would punch and belittle him and have him assaulted to prove he's not "soft".
Ted is so fucking LUCKY that Tartt Sr. is in rehab, otherwise he'd put Jamie right back in the path of his abuser, after he'd spent years distancing himself from him.
Hell, Ted even compares Jamie's father to Freddy Krueger, and someone like THAT definitely doesn't deserve forgiveness.
There's a difference between radical forgiveness and victims re-entering the cycle of abuse.
Again, Ted is lucky that Tartt Sr. was in rehab already.
But he didn't know that. And Jamie didn't know that.
In real life this could've been the end of Jamie.
Yeah, I think that's pretty fair. I was surprised by Jamie texting his dad, I'm reserving judgement though until I see how it ends, it may very well be something I bring up next week
Lasso will leave and Nate will manage Richmond
any thoughts on the brief roy and keeley story this ep?
Popped a couple in my pinned comment. Generally I'm happy they're not suddenly together, as it appeared last episode. It would need time but I'm now getting the feeling they'll finish the series separate and...I think I might be ok with that
I know you asked the OP but I'll still leave my thoughts 😋
I'm of two minds here. The simple voice in me that just wants the characters I like to be happy is rooting for them to be back together but the voice looking at it from the 'in-world' POV thinks that there was still a reason they both went through with the split. I think if they want to see what future they might have together it would be healthier for them to not just go back to 'how it was' but take things a bit slower and work on the things they discovered during their time apart with the other in their lives. I think they don't need to prove that they care for each other anymore and working their way towards a relationship that works for them both as individuals might be healthier then jumping straight back in and putting all the weight of their happiness on that relationship again.
Number 4 is going to be forgiveness
Yeah, the football part is fairly superficial, like "American-minded" let's say. Even if Richmond does not win they qualified for next year Champions League already. If a newly promoted team qualified for the CL in their first season back in the top league there would be parties for the next year, and even if they still were in the title run it would definitely be mentioned as an achievement.
Zava retiring mid season, Nathan leaving WH without explanation, no mention of European competitions ever, even the acting on the pitch... The suspension of disbelief requested for this show for an hardcore football fan like me is pushed to its limits. I still love it, but I feel it would have had more sense (and admittedly, less marketing traction) if it was set at non-league football, pushing for the football league.
Actually, it is perfectly possible to win the league with even the 76 points they have currently. Man. United did it in 96-97. Also, in Brasil (where the leagues work the same way but it’s more competitive in-between teams), in 2009 Flamengo clinched the title on the last game and only 67 points.
Yeah, it's certainly possible, just incredibly unlikely, especially in a world where Pep canonically manages City. It's possible but does still feel like a stretch, especially without any explanation for why teams like City have underperformed. I don't mind that level of stretching things if it's for a good reason but, personally, I think Richmond winning would work against the themes of the show
@@mylittlethoughttree I agree with that, I’m fact after the ep. 11 I thought that they could live it hanging, not ever telling if they really did win or not
I could not agree more about Richmond's performance. At the start of this season, I was hoping they would narrowly avoid relegation. Maybe throw West Ham down there as well, if you need to do something for the sake of the story. What they've done doesn't feel right. A newly promoted team winning 15 games in a row? No. Nonsense. The way the Super League idea was dealt with was nonsense and rushed as well. Obviously the sport isn't what the show is about, but it's jarring that they seem to deal with everything that's actually football-related in such an unrealistic way.
I love your breakdowns and look forward to them every week, but you really need to address the elephant in the room............Ted's former Therapist shacking up with his ex-wife!!!
At least here in the US, that is a HUGE ethical violation that would result in the therapist losing their license. What I'm really confused about is this; what is the take away message from that story-line? That therapy is bad and, not only does it not work, there's a chance your therapist might hook up with your wife behind your back??? Like, what???
To me it should have always been Richmond winning the FA Cup this season, not the league. Like you said it’s just a bit too much of a stretch, with Leicester City they got promoted back and had one season before they won the league. So to try and make Richmond’s story even crazier than Leicester is too much. To me the FA Cup would have made the most sense especially bc it was a big part of last season and it’s a more realistic title for them to win in my opinion
Yes 🙌🏽
I think Keely and Jamie will end up together…and Roy will be his hero and that’s it…
I don't think this version of Jamie could do that to Roy. Maybe your comment was tongue in cheek tho. It's sometimes hard to tell on the internet.
@@blackshirts45 It was… I think that Jamie loves Roy more than he loves Keely. When Jamie came off the field and Roy hugged him I think he told Jamie “I so proud of you”. I don’t think that Keely and Roy will be together , just close.
Interesting that you loved the very Hollywood 'happily ever after' style of the last episode (Nate has one confrontation with his Dad and it's FIXED - no need to learn self worth the right father figure gave him approval this time, Roy & Keelie just have one big grand gesture and it's FIXED - no need to learn anything from their time apart. It waa a mistake and now it's how it was always ment to be!) but here the pacing of the quick fix between Nate and the Team as well as the very Hollywood Premiere League title really rubbed you the wrong way.
I wonder why you saw these so differently 🤔 ☺
Well I did have concerns about the last episode, certainly, but I don't think Nate's dad situation is fixed at all, nor Roy and Keeley. I argued last episode that them getting back together was far too abrupt and, whilst it was a bit confusing to go back, I'm glad that they aren't together this episode and half of me hopes they don't get back at all.
Nate and Lloyd have a really great reconciliatory moment but it's exactly as I've argued: it doesn't erase what he went through. It's a really good start on a long journey. Things are rarely fixed in one conversation but offering an apology, and both trying to enjoy a moment together playing cards, feels like a very human first, tentative step. I don't think you're wrong at all, it's as I also said this video, Nate's arc has been really, really rushed throughout... but I'm still happy to celebrate the bits of it that work. So I think that'd be my general answer, that I sort of agree 😆
@@mylittlethoughttree You are right that you explain some of it this in video now taht you mention it. Thanks for always replying so thoughtfully. Thinking about these types of things is both very fun and very interesting to me 🤗
Bunnies gonna bunny. ❤
Your rabbits aren't as loud as you think they are. If you never mentioned them, no one would know. You hear them, because you're listening for them, and they are with you when you record. But we are observers without the ability to see through the screen. We are clueless as to the circumstances of your recordings. What really bothers you, is transparent to the viewer.
As for the show, nothing was made of the fact that every time Nate turned to point to his girlfriend, Jade was gone. She was forcing him to do things on his own and stand up for himself. He had to face everyone alone, which is what made him stronger to begin with. Nate got help from Ted initially, then thought he could do it alone. Went to Westham and realized alone was not what he wanted. But in order to progress, he has to be able to decide on his own. He has to decide on his own, that he wants to be part of a team again, so as to not be alone anymore. Jade knows she can't be there when he turns to her for protection or advice. So she disappears.
I think this is one of the first times I have disagreed with your analysis 😅
What did you disagree with?
In the rush to the finish line, I feel many character arcs and stories have been underwhelming. I love the show and the characters but the writing this season hasn't been as strong as the previous seasons
While still enjoyable, the plotting and exposition has been really rough this year. How can a show that consistently runs an hour or more let so many things go underexplained or even happen off screen? Think the inexperience of Sudeikis as a showrunner is really showing.
And don't get me started on Richmond winning a zillion games in a row. You could have had the same story arcs if they were merely challenging for a top-six spot to play European football next season, and everyone around Richmond would have been just as ecstatic about it.
You should rewatch it, it sets up everything pretty subtly in episode 1.
I don't watch the show or anything, but I watch a lot of videos about shows I don't watch. Anyways, Brett Goldstein is almost overwhelmingly hot and handsome and stuff I literally can't. 😍😍😍 Where has this man been?!?! haha
He’s a writer, and Ted Lasso is his first acting gig.
i feel like the bit with his mom could have been better done. still great tho