I loved Jade's reaction to meeting Rupert which was nailed for what you'd expect of her character who clearly doesn't like it when people are fake. Just the looks she was giving him. I kind of wondered if the writers' would use Jade in this way to wake Nate up to the person Rupert really is. But instead he seems to be coming to the realization on his own, which is better. :-) -Daven
My favourite part of Jade’s character is her completely inscrutable gaze. She wielded it on Rupert and he was dislodged when they met. Maybe that was why his reaction to Nate’s relation was so strong and so swift.
YES. Excellent writing, excellent performance. Jade was NOT falling for his BS, and he knew it. It was the first time we’ve ever seen Rupert flail while talking to a woman.
I actually think a huge part of Isaac attacking the fan was his worry that Colin thought he was like that fan, like he was that close minded and rude. The first question he asks is "what is it about me that you thought you couldn't tell me"? He thinks Colin thinks he wouldn't have been accepting, that he would have thrown the f-word around. So when the prick in the stands said that, I think it was not only a breaking point but also a performance to communicate "that's not me and it's not acceptable".
I agree, all I have heard form people is how he was shying away from Colin when he should have stepped up and been his friend. I had a friend who lied to me for over a year about getting divorced. We worked together for over 20 years and spent many a wee hour drinking beers and discussing our personal lives. I found out he was divorced from a female bartender while he was in the men's room. She thought I knew and asked me how he was handling it. She knew how close we were and was shocked I was in the dark. She made me promise not to let on that I knew. More than a year went by with him telling me about family trips and gatherings that never happened. It ruined our friendship, because I never confided in him again. Colin didn't just hid his sexual preferences, he went out of his way to act like he was interested in women. The whole phone incident occurred because Colin joked that he knew what he was going to be doing this weekend after he was informed about naked pictures on the internet. Isaac gave him a proper glare and when he kept being reluctant and left the room Isaac followed and grabbed his phone. Isaac and Roy are both angry tough guys by nature. Their initial reaction to things is predictable and it is through the plot lines and the influences of Ted, Rebecca, Keeley, Jamie, etc., etc. That they learn to see thins differently. Things like this make the show so great to watch. Things unfold in layers and everything seems to connect with something we already saw in season one or two.
I just watched the episode and it really shocked me to see Isaac go after that fan after hearing that slur. I would think the exact opposite would happen and have Isaac ignore it.
The nice bow on top of the Isaac-and-Colin struggle is that it's a definite and clear example of Ted's line from Season 1: "Be curious, not judgemental."
As someone who has been coming out more to people over the last few months, Collins story arc this season has really hit home for me. “99% of me knew you would support me, it was the 1% that scared the fuck out of me” is a feeling I know very well. Good job by Jason and the writes to handle this in a classy but not in your face preachy way.
Rupert is known as (and considers himself) the ultimate charmer. He is used to getting his way by deceiving and disarming people via charm. He is also sociopathically good at reading people. This is why Jade was such a threat to Rupert by being in his world through Nate. She absolutely read him correctly from first glance. He kept pouring on the charm but could tell that he never swayed Jade's jaded opinion of him. Jade's description of Rupert nails him dead on - wealthy and nice-like. His "niceness" is a self serving act. So Rupert decides within a few hours to cut Jade out of Nate's life and therefor Rupert's world.
I think Nate's arc this season is realizing he can be respected and admired for who he is and not just his football strategy and knowledge. He felt respected professionally but disrespected personally with the wonderkid thing and developed this persona where he feels respected but never happy. Now he's starting to realize that he can let that down and have both.
for me Nate turnaround is too quick, he was Darth Vader at the end of season 2, he is coming back too quick good point about the choosing of his articles
I love Isaac’s response. It was wrong of him to not talk to Colin, but I feel it was a reaction that happens in life. He is so sad and ashamed - not with Colin! But that Colin didn’t feel safe enough to tell him. He says “what is it about me that made you think you couldn’t tell me?” He puts all the blame on himself. He feels sad that Colin carried this alone. And Isaac being Isaac, he knows one negative emotion: anger. So his sadness and shame manifests as anger. So I do like how wrote this because I feel this is a true portrayal of someone finding out a close person is LGBTQ after knowing them a long time. I love the ending as well: like a tiny masterclass in how to rebuild a friendship. And the question about the shower: Isaac makes it clear he admires Colin’s self-control, which I love. It is not a posed to make Colin feel uncomfortable, quite the contrary, it is a point of admiration. As for complaints about being woke: I’m not sure why these folks are watching Ted Lasso to begin with, but to then seek out a UA-cam channel on the show seems pretty odd to me. Hopefully those comments are few and far between. I enjoy your reviews, for what it is worth!
For me, Issac asking about team showers doesn't feel like it's coming from a point of thinking Colin is gonna creep on them in the shower, but genuinely from his point of view of: if HE had to shower with a bunch of people from the sex he's attracted to, HE'D kinda struggle...like...i don't even think he's saying he'd judge Colin for looking, even the way he's asking suggest he's aware Colin will probably purposefully avoid looking too closely anyways....
Oh absolutely! Yeah I agree, I don't think Isaac was saying that at all, he was just being curious about how it's been for Colin. I was more just setting out a scenario in the unfair-but-possible situation where one of the players did feel uncomfortable
Exactly. I mean, I think his line there was "if I was forced to shower with a bunch of women, I'd definitely have a boner" or something to that effect. It's definitely a question more out of curiosity than judgment, IMO.
@@mylittlethoughttree Another way to look at this, if you were naked and a woman walked into the room, your first reaction would be to cover up. Sam goes for women with men. Why do we do it? Because we feel uncomfortable or because we think they feel uncomfortable? Sexual arousal is usually a lot deeper than just a naked body. But of course I am not 12.
Being a lesbian myself, Ted's speech meant so much to me. "I don't care" is such a normalized response to coming out when it really shouldn't be! Like, I'm sharing this piece of myself with you and the best you can do is completely disregard it? Do you want a medal for saying you won't treat me poorly? I think we get so used to being shamed and belittled that total apathy is considered better than a very possible worse alternative.
I think people (in the show and real life) say, "I don't care" because they do not know what else to say. Moreover, they probably think they are being supportive. It is a blessing Ted Lasso can show the audience how we are all doing it wrong! (The locker room speeches are really meant for us, the audience.) I believe that those of us who have embraced this show have, among other things, become (1) less judgmental, (2) more curious and (3) willing to see that "our caring" is much better than "our not caring."
@@hpaulbryant729 I agree. I think sometimes "I don't care" is a substitute for a much longer explanation meant to reassure the person that their relationship will remain unchanged and it will not have a negative impact. But it comes across as sounding indifferent.
Both my sexuality and my disability whenever I'm told 'I don't care, I just see you' it makes me frustrated too. If you can't see two of the most major parts of my life, the parts that open me up to terrible abuse at times as well as joy, well how can you possibly see or care about me? So I also loved that they took the time to convey that in the script. Ted had his awkward funny stuff too, but he also said what mattered most. We care about you and what you are going through with the team agreeing. To me, it reflected Isaac not being able to say he loved Colin but still confirming he did. It was Ted and the team saying we love you Colin without saying those exact words.
i loved this episode- im bi, and have come out to everyone in my immediate family but my mum, like collin 99% knows she will support me, but that 1% keeps me absolutely petrified
I loved that Colin got an episode. Cant believe we are still saying this in 2023, but coming out to friends/coworker is still really important to show on tv and in movies.
Isaac's anger in the end is self directed. He is at first angry at Colin for not telling him, which is revealed at the end of the episode. During the scene at the door, Isaac reassures him that no one will say anything to Colin. Isaac walks away dejected. As if he has failed Colin. His anger has turned away from Colin, to himself. He didn't see who Colin was, all these years. He allowed things to be said around Colin, all these years. He didn't protect him. He could have, if he had known, and again, he should have known, if he was a better friend, a better captain. Why does Isaac apologize to Colin? Because he feels he failed him, not because he is being sympathetic. He apologizes because he let his friend down.
love the way you word your criticisms and how you stay so open minded for the show to prove you wrong (but like in a good way) about the things you currently take issue w/have more questions about, the internet is in much need of reasonable thinking & conclusions like this!!
I've noticed that every time Roy has an emotional breakthrough he tells a atory about his time in Sunderland so I think it's paving the way for him to reveal something he's never felt able to tell anyone about what happened to him there and that's how he gets back together with Keely
In England when you are a potential world-class footballer, you get herded into academies at quite a young age. It takes away a big chunk of your childhood and all of your teen years, so it’s not unusual that so many of Roy’s coming of age stories involve Sunderland.
@@untexan Yeah , but don't you think that his really odd answer about how to deal with bullies stems from something he went through while he was there ?
Okay, but while we're talking about the biggest "punch" of the episode, can we talk about how intense of a gut punch it was when Roy came into the boot room and Isaac was saying that he can't have him yelling at him right now? That hurt so hard for me to see, and immediately turned me into a puddle
Roy handled it the same way Keely handled him in the season one finale. Feeling vulnerable and lashing out in defence, he just calmly walked in and gave his support
I think the thing about Nate was (and he covers this in his speech with Ted) is that no-one had valued him and his thoughts before Ted. Ted came along and respected his opinions, and gave him huge encouragement, but after that as coach, he valued him but didn’t feel the need to praise him all the time, and Nate felt like that was a betrayal, whereas it’s just part of the success of being an equal. Now Nate is Ted at West Ham and he’s starting to understand Ted and what he did and how he approached things more, his attempt to reach out last week to his other colleagues, we know that if he hadn’t been going out with Rupert he would have accepted the offer of going out for a drink with those colleagues, and he’s starting to see that, even if someone praises you, they might not be on your side or have your interests at heart. Nate is learning this but he could not only learn this from the heights he’s reached as a coach. I’m looking forward to seeing the conclusion of these arcs. Both Richmond and WH have got a style of play that works for them and it’ll be curious to see where this ends up. And finally “He seems…wealthy”, great line. Just great.
I just realized that Derek, the manager at Taste of Athens might have turned him off a little from the praise seeking as much, not seeing it as so important when face to face with it in such a sycophantic way
I personally want Keeley and Roy to get back together once Roy has completed his journey of self improvement and of starting to embrace the fear of rejection, failure and being the one left behind. I really like how they are setting up Roy to be the next Ted lasso and for me, Nate and Roy taking over for Ted and Coach would be a very nice ending... As I think about it, i also feel like they are setting up the show in a way, that we can have the show go on or have a sequel without Ted and Coach....and i wouldn't be mad at that...
That gives me hope! They have been pretty clear that this is the end of its current format… but I think, from things I’ve seen, they haven’t said it’s the end end… I just want more of this heartwarming, tear enduring, beautiful show.
I think this show is setting up all of this, but this show can be tricky. I suspect they want to end on ways we don't expect, but are better endings than the ones we do expect. So what are the least likely endings? Not Roy and Keeley getting back together, or even Keeley getting back with Jaime. I think Keeley and Ted will become an item! Har har, just kidding. That'd be shit. But I do think the least expected ending would be for Jack to come back, contrite, after having done a huge amount of soul-searching. It would echo the way Isaac came to work things out with Colin. Jack feels like a dangling thread.
This! Richmond can continue without Ted. These characters deserve to live on after Ted returns to America, because obviously he has to go back. That darn son of his is too cute and deserves his dad.
I think Nate’s ego inflation was a result on the attention, and desire to desperately prove to everyone that he is more than a kit man. So throughout season 3 I’ve watched how he is settling into his new role and the ego isn’t there as much, combine that with his relationship with Jade and he is becoming comfortable with himself. Nate’s character hasn’t always been what it was towards the end of season 2 and start of season 3, so this change back seems consistent with his character. Overall I loved this episode and I love the series, and the show, it’s been really refreshing to watch. Thank you for your insights and making this channel.
Also, Rupert is clearly the emperor, as visualized in his office with the round window and the swiveling chair - trying to lure "Darth Nate" to the dark side, which he's clearly drawn to. But Nate is actually standing his ground, falling back from this dark path, manifested by the prospect of a "guys' night" with his boss in the "private room" with (obviously) two paid escorts. And instead remembering what is really important to him, and that he's so lucky to have what he now has with his girlfriend (yesss!). My eyes got somewhat misty when she opened the door, and he without her even knowing letting her rescue him from the dark path by simply falling into her arms. That was really powerful when you think about it.
You don't know how much I cheered when Nate left the restaurant (bar?). I'm so proud of him. I cannot wait for you to talk about episode 10... I nearly cried. I _just_ finished watching it and I'm still raw. It really feels like it's all wrapping up... I can't believe how invested I became in all the characters and the team. I'm going to be so emotional when it's all over... :'
This episode lands so well. Every bit of it just glides in, and takes us where we need to be, and where each character needs to be. Which is really amazing when you hear about the difficulties they had re-writing and shooting around various issues and logistics. Nicely done.
Nate's arc was more about realising that he can love himself, and that for him to get the love he craves from others, he needs to show it to himself. He's been focused on trying to make people to "love him" by being good at what he does and nothing else, and he's not happy. But seeing happiness and seeing how Richmond are doing well, kind of flicks a switch. And when his mum tells him about his dad's map, it's kind of the realization. He runs into the toilet, looks at the mirror, but does not spit.
Love this channel thank you! One thing perhaps to add in consideration for the question of "is Nate's development enough?" is recognizing the power of a female influence giving him love and believing.There's been an interesting balance in the show between the chipping away at Nate's father's criticism over him, and the added surge of hope and believing from being with Jade where he feels encouraged to be who he really is. He had made a similar move standing up for what he believed in earlier in the season when he stayed at Taste of Athens and his date left. And that led him to Jade, so he experienced the success of holding to what is true for him. Rupert being a male authority figure (parental) is a much bigger test which I'd like to credit Jade for making happen. Yes Nate was the one that "did it" but it came from Jade. The trust and believing in himself that every man feels when supported by a woman, that comes from somewhere. And it is reflected and honored by Nate, because he goes to see her from the bar, a much stronger move for his psyche, choosing his heart versus fighting Rupert (projected father). Beautifully written.
Just a tiny remark: Higgins requesting "And another one", and Ted mentioning DJ Khaled might have been lifted straight from the "Fake Doctors, Real Friends" / "Scrubs" rewatch podcast, where Zach Braff and Donald Faison frequently use this reference.
On the topic of Nate, I really think we need to see more of him as a manager. Over the past few episodes we've seen him sort of "soften" towards Ted, Jade, etc, and in general show more signs of being a better more mature person, but I agree that the place where he started this season was very different and what we've seen from him lately is a massive departure from berating his players as "dumb dumbs". Nate's arc could be one about him very slowly and very subtly learning lessons, but we're given such an incomplete picture of him in this season, often either not seeing how the lesson was learned or how/where it is being applied, that it's going to need a couple major moments to really come together and work for me. As far as developments for him though, I think that the map scene from a couple episodes ago was a lot more significant for Nate's character than it seems at face value. A lot of what Nate does and his character is driven by a need for approval from his father that he never really gets. I thought tries to fashion himself as a more "hardened" man to fit an image of what he thinks his father values. The biggest shift in Nate has come from seeing him with Jade, but it really starts with him asking her out. I think that Nate seeing that his father was also the type of person to make big romantic and artistic gestures makes Nate realize, on some level (though I don't think he's fully recognized or come to terms with it), that he and his father are not as different as he always assumed. So he may still be trying to be more like his father to win the approval he so desperately wants, but he's realized that being cold and ambitious isn't the only way to do that.
I personally think this episode was the best of the season. And not even for Colin's story. That was very well done. But I really liked how they handled Nate. The way he quietly realized what Rupert really is, said a quick goodbye and went back to Jade was really well done, and played out realistically. I'm glad he didn't call Rupert out or say anything nasty. That never works on people like him anyways. Instead, he was just polite and did what he needed to do.
I suspected this would happen. For someone who sussed out Roy & Keeley’s break-up via body language, he’s thinking of the many ways he failed to see Colin. Also, I wish the show addressed the micro-aggressions and the “That’s gay.” comments which might have stopped Colin from confiding in Isaac..
Fully there with you. I saw Isaac's anger mostly as anger at himself, remembering those homophobic remarks and requiring someone he loves to be affected in order to become a clear ally. It would have been good to see that anger and reflection vocalized, but at the same time, Isaac isn't necessarily the most verbose and eloquent of orators.
A couple of hypothetical questions I have been unpacking in my head these past couple of weeks about this season: Keeley has felt this season like she is off in an entirely planet. She is the one dealing with all of these new character's, and separated from the characters we have grown to love over the past 2 seasons, building all of these new relationships. I certainly was uncomfortable w/ it in the middle of this season; but then I thought 1) Why does Keeley need to get back together with anybody romantically? I don't want to treat her like a prize. And 2) What if Nate has graduated from / grown independent from Richmond entirely? Yes I hope that he can patch things up and provide an apology or closure with Ted & the Richmond team somehow; but does Nate need to be a part of Richmond any longer? Also I'm prepping myself for the last episode of this season to be like 2hrs long too.
I think the thing about Nate's awakening is he felt alone. He had got the fancy title and benefits that bestowed but he couldn't connect to anyone like at Richmond. We see this from the fist scene he has this season where he goes through this large sprawling stadium alone and it feels very isolated. We also see that in spite of trying his best to inflict pain on those who injured his ego he still held them in his esteem as with the subbuteo game. This is reflected in Ted with the lego only the mirror positive. I think the most catharsis he has during the last season is resolving the twin dilemma of the girl he wants to be with and gaining positive affirmation from his father. Neither came from his role at West Ham but in spite of that. Ultimately who he is and what made him fit at Richmond are.
Re: Nate and his plotline I think Nate is being set up to make the transition back to Richmond. This episode was about showing that Nate has evolved from the bitter, angry person that he was at the end of Season 2 into someone who is much more confident and aware of the world around him and what "good" looks like in terms of leadership. Defying Rupert was an important milestone for him, because when West Ham loses to Richmond (which I think is a very tropey outcome that we're absolutely going to see) Rupert is going to reject Nate if not outright fire him. When this happens rather than being destroyed Nate will simply walk away, knowing that he's doing the right thing by rejecting this kind of abuse.
The thing is though, West Ham are leading the table and a loss to Richmond alone is unlikely to realistically cause any turmoil as long as they compete for the title right? Rupert himself kept George Cartrick around despite Richmond performing mediocre under him. If Rupert falls out with Nate, it has to be personal than just a loss to Richmond. You could see why he kept George and it has more to do with his personality and Nate is slowly deviating away from what Rupert wants him to be.
@@adithyaprasad8586 When Rupert and Jade met, he sized her up in a very pointed way. It seemed clear he saw a competitive influence on his little protege. Rupert clearly wanted a loyal, enabling lackey who'd toady up to him in every particular while winning games for him. He tried to keep Nate wrong-footed by granting or withholding approval. But being the head coach at West Ham and winning game after game gave Nate enough self-confidence that he didn't need Rupert's approval above everything. And this last episode emphasizes how Nate has been sizing up Rupert, and finding him lacking. After all, he has Ted to compare Rupert to. Rupert is everything Nate accused Ted of being. That's gotta hit him like a cold bucket of water. Of course, now I'm seeing Rupert getting more and more angry at Nate, getting ready to really screw him over, only for Nate to announce at a press conference that he's quitting the team. Meanwhile, George will see this and leave his show just like Roy did, and run to Rupert like in a rom-com to offer himself as the new head coach of West Ham. and Rupert will be like "No thanks."
I think the crucial lens to see Nate through is how his experience and actions are affected by his own self-worth, and thus his quality of life. That willingness to go be with his girlfriend instead of being lead down the rabbit hole of garbage behavior by Rupert feels like a big foreshadow of Nate ultimately leaving Rupert’s team. His ego and desire for external validation were what drove him from Ted to Rupert, and his arc seems to be the journey away from the life he thought he wanted before he saw what real self-confidence got him.
I loved the scene at the end with Colin and Isaac playing fifa and Isaac asking all the questions, that to me was fun guy friend questions, it felt very real to me. Nate starting to see Rupert as a scumbag and bailing was good for his character and I’m hoping he just decides to leave west Ham and reconnect with Ted. I think this episode set up some things and the show is really gonna pick up the pace in the last few.
As for the complaints of "woke themes"... the show has always had elements that challenge traditional male stereotypes. It's practically built around challenging toxic masculinity. The dichotomy between Ted and Rupert, Roy's struggles being emotional and vulnerable, Jamie's egotism, Nate's arc from lack of confidence to now where he shows ego outwardly, but is quietly relying on praise to keep himself going, Ted's struggle to open up to a therapist and let someone through his facade, Sam's initial struggle to forgive and allow Jamie back into the fold on his return to the team. There are a lot more throughout the show, and how they've developed those characters to where they are now shows all different stages of individual journeys. Some may get upset that the show touched on immigration issues and activism (which led to Sam's restaurant being vandalized), or Colin's story arc, but if that's the case then maybe they weren't paying close attention earlier on. Also, just to add... that bit when Sam walks into his vandalized restaurant is my favorite moment this season as far as the music goes. If anyone is curious, the song is Doomed by Moses Sumney and it is the version from Live from Blackalachia.
I think that with Nate it’s more about him understanding that success and status doesn’t matter if you have good people around you. Rupert tried to pull him away from Jade but he resists and runs to her. He’s turned a page where he doesn’t care about impressing Rupert more than showing Jade how much he cares about her. I think that Jade is who has pushed him to develop as a person, which I think is great as I believe your partner should do just that, continually push you to be better
No one has pointed this out, but the beginning of the Issac Roy scene reflects the scene between Roy and Keely in the season 1 finale; Roy keeps telling Keely to leave, but she just calmly walks up to him and gives him her support. It’s exactly how Roy then handled Issac in the boot room
Isaac may also feel like he's more emotionally open than others feel that he is. While he may, externally, not seem to be giving emotional displays that are easy to read it's been my experience that many people who don't give a lot of commonly recognizable "tells" of their emotional state by an outside observer's standards can totally feel like they were giving a tremendous display. This personal bias may reinforce his sense of betrayal at not being told. "I thought you knew we were brothers. I came to your home and sat next to you and even look you in the eyes when we talk. Those are huge big deals for me. Obviously I was being emotionally open.", etc.
Regarding Nate, having finished the series, and looking back, Nate’s arc is one of my favorite parts of the show. Yes, he is constantly tested by the plot, but in the end, his growth comes from within. It’s a reflection of his strength of character and maybe the positive impact Ted had on him. It seems to fit in nicely with the shows themes.
I'm watching this show with my 14 year old son and this episode made us have a talk about homosexuality. I shared with him a time when one of my friends came out as gay and how, after we discussed it, she was still the same person I knew before she told me. Her sexuality was just one part of her and not the defining part either
honestly, this situation pretty much happened to me with my god brother. I felt so bad about him not feeling comfortable about telling me. We’ve worked it out well and i’m glad that i’ve grown as a person from that experience :)
I LOVED Jade's description of Rupert. She doesn't say he's nice, she says "nice-like". Brilliant. I think Roy and Keeley were a good couple. They weren't perfect, but no relationship is. However I don't know how I'd feel if they just got back together, like it's nothing. I wouldn't be opposed to the idea completely, if it's gonna happen then at least it feels like a healthier relationship than the one with Jack. I just think there's a lot of work to do before they can go back to being an imperfect, healthy couple.The basis for it to work seemed to already be there. Yes, they had arguments, and things they felt insecure about and had trouble voicing, but they seemed to often find ways to communicate and be open about them. Roy's biggest misstep for me wasn't breaking up with her, it was asking about the video, wanting to know who it was for. That was just bleh, however much it probably still speaks to his insecurities. Don't get me wrong, breaking up wasn't the best idea, but at least it came from a place where his intention was to free her from what he perceived to be a hold back.... I think.... It could also, partly, be his ego not being able to handle her being so strong and independent and stuff (and I say this fully aware that he thought it was awesome that she was showing her full potential too). Mixed feelings for him, for sure, and perhaps too much to cope with. Also, a lot of people think that, when there's too much stuff about yourself that you need to figure out or work on, being in a relationship isn't the best because you are most likely going to cause problems related to your issues, and they'd rather not do that to somebody else. (it's me, I'm "a lot of people"). Maybe he's coming from that kind of place too. Sort of "I need to work on myself for now and i'd rather not burden someone else with this mess".
I felt similar about nate, they set him up at the end to be some sort of darth vader boss with rupert being palpatine, nate especially in the last couple s2 episodes took a super dark turn, so it is a little weird for nate to be embracing his s1 and early s2 side, I guess maybe they tried to swerve the audience into thinking nate was descending into what rupert was, but in reality nate is a decent guy with some trauma holding him back
When my cousin came out, another cousin was really mad that he didn’t tell her sooner. We grew up very close all us cousins, and I think I understand now why she felt offended.
It’s a good point - they seem to be suggesting that feeling seen and loved for who he is while also succeeding as coach is transforming Nate, but in reality it would only give him some relief, not change the underlying patterns. I also hope something flares to honor this truth, but then there definitely won’t be enough time left in the season to describe the longer arch of healing. So I guess the best we might hope for is an incident that triggers his underlying patterns in a way that makes it clear to him he has deeper work to do? What do you hope for, here?
For me, the Roy of it all felt really significant actually. I’m seeing big steps in his journey towards being manager, towards being more like Ted. Ted is gonna want to spend more time with Henry very soon. The funny and subtle ways they’ve shown Roy’s movement in that direction this season are stuff like him making puns, laughing at little jokes, engaging (sometimes) in friendly advice/support with others. Then this episode we have this huge moment of him really caring about Isaac, seeing himself in him and wanting better for him. And of course the press conference where he gives a very personal anecdote, very reminiscent of Ted, at first seeming unrelated but actually very poignant. Of course he isn’t Ted and never will be, because he’s Roy and we love Roy! But it’s a similar move that Jamie made. Kinda made me indifferent to the Roy and Keelie part (not in a bad way just lower priority for what I want for them, if they do that’s nice, if they don’t that’s ok too.)
I'm not sure about Roy & Keely. Honestly not. I wish for the characters to be happy but I also think both would benefit from a bit of... learning to love themeselves a little more before they start putting all these expectations of being loved on each other again? Does that make sense (am I reflecting too much from my own life here? )? I have a small quibble in calling peoples worries and thoughts around a teammate being gay (and showers, locker room stuff, physicality with teammates etc.) 'stupid'. Yes Colin can explain that and it shouldn't cause a problem but I don't like calling these thoughts or worries 'stupid'. These are real things people genuinly worry about and I think the conversation shouldn't be discouraged by labeling it a stupid question out the gate (thus labeling you the one asking stupid or ignorant). Beeing non-judgemental has to go both ways in my experience as this is a lot of new information to process for everybody all at once. I know you didn't mean it that way cause you're also advocating for talking about these things but it's just a small thing that stuck with me through the video. Love to hear your takes as always 💕
Those worries are always rooted in homophobia, though. It's the assumption of transgressions that usually only stems from projection. It comes mostly from heterosexual men who are creeps or even sex pests and expect everyone else to be the same. This is in general often a root cause of homophobia - the fear of being victimized, which completely ignores that the issue isn't sexuality but the overstepping of boundaries and more importantly the fact that het men are far more likely to commit such acts. People who lack empathy then not even think about these issues because they aren't potential victims.
@@DrZaius3141 Even if that is true (which I don't agree that it's this Binary 'either you're a ignorant homophobe or an enlightened ally' you describe here. But even if it is...) do you not want that conversation to happen for the sake of a bit of shaming? When I was in School about maybe 50-75% of the kids did not ask questions in class for fear of it being a 'stupid question' and them looking stupid. And that's a low stakes setting absed around asking questions. I also would like a world where noone is scared of the things they don't understand. But you really think a bunch of athletes in a much more tense setting will honestly talk about their questions if it gets met by 'that's a stupid ignorant question only held by homophobic creeps!'? And for me having these conversations honestly and without judgment feels more productive than shame and taking the moral high ground.
Yeah, I think it's fair to say "stupid" wasn't the best wording. I suppose I was more trying to soften the point of what I was saying. I know how easily my points get misinterpreted on youtube, and I didn't want it to sound like I was saying "it's totally fair to feel uncomfortable with team showers, knowing now Colin is gay, and that Colin has to deal with it" which would be the complete opposite of my point. I can get why people would be uncomfortable showering naked but, assuming they're all fine having already done it for years, to suddenly not be fine now Colin is out...that isn't great. I think it's a problem that can definitely be solved maturely if they're given the space to express their concerns, but I didn't want to make it sound like they are right and Colin should just put up with it. It would be a shame and an unfair burden on Colin to have to sort out any of this at all, when all he deserves is support and acceptance. So it's not ok but it can happen because humans are human
@@DarkHarlequin My point was less about having questions and more about the clichee "you are gay, so obviously you must be into me and will jump me, so I'm worried about sharing a space like a locker room with you".
Great video as always! Regarding Keely and Roy, at first I was not a big fan of them getting back together. However, to think of it again, I am really curious to see how they portray growth leading to a stronger bond, compared to “growing apart.” Also, in the case of Nate’s ego, I think they subtly addressed that! As you mentioned in one of your earlier videos, Nate’s suppressed emotions and anger comes out with Ted, maybe the first person that allowed him to express himself. But when Nate insists on insulting Ted in the first episode, Ted does not reciprocate and remains his authentic self. However, unlike Roy and Keeley, he does not ignore his behaviour, he responds in a way with pattern disruption. On the other hand, we see him connect to his father through another aspect of life unrelated to what is fuelling his ego-gained fame due to his work achievements. These all give him the strength to shrink that bloated ego. The ego which was not kind to him in the first place! (Spitting on himself)
Yeah it's certainly possible, perhaps I'm overthinking it this week, then. I hadn't felt like that about season 3 at any other point, just suddenly came onto my mind this week
@@mylittlethoughttree Overthinking is a common response to uncertainty, and the writers are keeping us on our toes by delaying the conclusion of Nate’s, Roy’s and Keely’s and Rebecca’s stories!
I think Nate ended season 2 with an ego after being put down his whole life. Maybe feeling like now that he’s in that position, he gets to act that way and maybe now, in season 3 he’s growing as a person and realizing he doesn’t want to be like that and he misses Richmond and realizes he was an ass on his way out the door He was genuinely happy when Ted and coach came out to see west ham play. Think that showed him that he didn’t burn any bridges
I loved Roy and Keeley in the first season and I wouldn't be disappointed, press, if they got back together. It just bugs me a bit that Keeley seems to jump from one relationship straight into another and she ends up being so defined by who she's dating. I'd like to see her be happy and fulfilled on her own.
There was a couple of rumours over the last couple of years of players being openly gay within their team, but no one sharing it beyond the team. Also, the far right attacked the story line of this episode on rotten tomatoes by voting it down, just like you say in the video
I can see Jack getting physically aggressive with Keely. There is some weird feeling I got with her that said “danger.” Nate - he is finding himself and like Rebecca, he was swept off his feet by Rupert when he was in a” lower position” in life. He is now starting to see what Rupert is and is not. He is trying to find connections with others (ie, his failed attempt to recreate the Diamond Dogs) and seeing that there is none in the place he thought he would be fully welcomed. Jade sees through the crap and brings Nate down to earth and reminds him that his ego needs to be a balance. She grounds him and also keeps him humble in some ways. I am loving Jamie and Roys character arcs.
I totally understand what you're feeling about Nate. They're stretching out a lot of tension, and there's a huge number of unanswered questions. We don't know what his relationship is with his team now. All we got was him acting like a childish bully in the first episode. So that other shoe has yet to drop. Will it turn out that his approach has drastically changed off-screen? Or will we get a moment when he could tear them down, but he instead builds them up. I think, if Richmond beats West Ham, he could end up giving them Ted's goldfish speech. And this could allow him to hear it himself, and put his bad behavior in season 2 behind him once and for all. After all, one of the things that traps us in bad behavior is the fear of admitting how bad it is, because if we did, we couldn't live with ourselves. So we adjust our worldview to justify our bad behavior to ourselves. That's how the Ruperts of the world are born. Nate's behavior in the previous season clearly hasn't sat well with him. We've seen a sea-change in him, where he's stopped spitting in order to escape his insecurities. But we don't know what he's replaced it with. I think I have a theory though. I think the show will end with Richmond beating West Ham, Nate telling his team to be goldfish, and then facing the Richmond team with a new, fancy "Believe" sign that he made himself. If course, this is pure speculation on my part. I look forward to seeing what they do with eager curiosity. I feel sure it'll be everything I need, and nothing I expect.
oh i absolutely believe that roy & keeley belong together. i loved loved loved the scene in rebecca's office when she gave roy the business. i watched it four times. 🤣 isaac's vulnerability on colin's doorstep put cries in my eyes. i wanted to hug both'a those boys. i also enjoyed how jade immediately saw rupert for what he is, and she was NOT havin it. 🐍 nate's beginning to see it for himself as well. honestly this ep is in my top 5 faves. ❤️
I think we should find out that Roy has made new life with Ms Bowman who suits him so much better. Keely doesn’t need to get “back” with anyone. She needs to learn to live with herself. Keely will be the love of his life but he can’t handle it.
Рік тому
Whilst I don’t mind Roy and Keelie as a couple, I would like them to get back together just because I it’s giving me hope that this show won’t do the big last minute “everyone gets back together” just for the sake of the romantic happy ending.
My theory is that Roy grows through his breakup with Keely but they don't get back together. Keely might go back to a new and improved Jamie, while Roy will be come Richmond's new head coach as Ted must now go back to Kansas to his kid and get back with his wife
Nates story as of right now does feel like it is missing a turning point of some kind, good or bad, to either give him a reality check or explain why he perhaps doesn't need one.
I still feel there is a reveal to come that more fully explains Isaac's response to Colin. No-one owes anyone a coming out, not even between best mates (which I didn't realise but perhaps C & I are?!), which you could argue is the message derived from Isaac's behaviour. It seems very unTedLassolike to let that interpretation sit. Issac has always been shown to be an ethical fella, and holds people accountable, encourages good behaviour, so it rings true that, as commenter 'Charlotte's Dad' says he feels he's let Colin down by not being there for him, eg as an ally. But I can't help but think there's more explanation to come. Side note: loved Trent's Dolly t-shirt and Jamie being flattered they picked him as one of the 10% who are gay. Love this show so much!! ❤⚽❤
I am not one of the people who has ever complained about any of these episodes being "woke," but I will share something I find troubling. And that is the implication that Isaac having any trouble at all accepting Colin's sexuality would be wrong, that he shouldn't need time, that any hesitation or struggle is something he would need to apologize for. I'm not talking about 1) the way he handled it- pouting, ignoring him, refusing to communicate, and eventually letting his anger impact the team, or 2) if he had made a derogatory remark like that fan did, or indicated that he now saw Colin as less of a man or a person- either of those would definitely need to be addressed and apologized for. But simply failing to immediately be on board and accepting is now seen as a personal moral failing, and I find that troubling. Because it's essentially saying that someone thinking differently than I do is a moral failing. And this is why I specifically drew the line between someone struggling with this revelation, or even coming down on the other side, and someone thinking of Colin as less than, treating him poorly, or using offensive language. The latter are all obviously wrong. But someone viewing sexuality differently than you do is not automatically wrong, nor is struggling or failing to see it your way. I understand that for many, sexuality is seen as a core part of identity, and as such, failing to accept it feels like rejecting the person as a whole. I sympathize with that. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to feel like someone is rejecting who you are. Especially the example that was given of a child waiting years for their parents to accept it. I don't want to minimize that pain at all. But just as someone else's understanding of sexuality, identity, and morality doesn't get to dictate yours, neither does yours get to dictate anyone else's. If you see sexuality as fundamental to who people are, that's fine. But others might not. And so they might see a clear distinction between an action they disagree with and a person they love and accept wholeheartedly. They might not be rejecting or judging the person at all, even if it feels that way to someone who doesn't see that distinction. I think our culture has forgotten what tolerance means. Tolerance, by definition, implies a difference of opinion. Tolerance is saying I don't agree with you, even about something fundamental, but I respect your right to disagree with me, to make different choices than I would, to live your life as you see fit. I respect your inherent worth as a person, even as we both think the other is mistaken about whatever issue we're disagreeing on. But in our society today we have come to the point that anything short of immediate 100% agreement, acceptance, and celebration is seen as intolerance or prejudice. And that is problematic. And, ironically, intolerant. It seems to me that one of the key aspects of a healthy relationship is the ability to disagree with one another in a respectful way. To discuss it, sure, and be clear about your own views... even to try to convince one another. But certainly not to assign blame or fault simply because they don't agree with you.
I wouldn’t like to see Roy and Keely back together. I feel that they are really really hinting at her and Jaime getting back together. I.E. when her photos got leaked he was the only one who had a really mature reaction and response to her.
I think the point of Nate currently is that he is less the villain of the story and more the victim of toxic masculinity. Season 1, he was shat on by the team constantly so he felt himself the victim and that his self doubt was rooted in that. After he was promoted to coach at Richmond, he felt the need to victimize those who had previously victimized him and his ego and power came from being that spitting-into-the-mirror bad guy. He saw cruelty as strength. Siding that with how Ted was the epitome of kindness (except for that one time where he blew up on Nate in the hotel - but then promptly apologized) he was conflicted with what made him, not only a good coach, but a strong man. He leaned heavily into those toxic traits, which, eventually, along with his coaching abilities, led him to be taken in by Rupert, who has a strong history of finding the weaknesses in people and using them for his own gains. So I don't think the point is that Nate is the villain. I think it sets it up to seem that way at the end of S2 but S3 is chipping away at his badguy image. He's been seeking approval from others (his dad, Ted, and now Rupert) while being simultaneously victimized over the course of the entire show (whether it be by the Richmond players, his own self-doubt and ego, and now also with Rupert), and the real point is that he needs to grow into his own person instead of trying to win the approval of others. The balance between the traits he takes from the men he looks upto and the man he is inside are churning into him finally becoming the effective man and coach he needs to be. Hopefully that was concise and coherent enough.
It’s really weird for me to hear a professional counselor say there was no closure provided, because if it’s one thing I’ve learned from my own mental health struggles AND my own experience as peer support… there is no such thing as closure. When bad things happen, then change us, permanently. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. But the entire idea of closure infers that you’ll go back to a state of being similar to where you were before it happened, and that’s just not how things work. There’s just before and after, and how we deal with the after.
I think your idea of closure is very different to mine. For me, closure is never about getting back to the way things were, but about being able to process the experience well enough to let it go and learn from it. Closure doesn't take things back to how they were, but the sense of clear, positive ending (positive in the sense of closure) allows you to kind of wrap your head around it, see it as an arc that has ended, and move on. Not getting closure can sometimes leave you with an ongoing feeling of uncertainty or confusion that makes it difficult to process the experiences
@@mylittlethoughttree Im sorry, But for major trauma, thats Just Not true. There’s isn’t closure, There’s Just before, then during, then after. Yes, the goal Is learn The process and deal with what happened and how it changed you, but closure as we think of it just isn’t real for those major traumas. These is no resolution, There’s Just If You deal with It in a healthy ir unhealthy way. Basically, go talk to someone who’s had a friend murdered (which i have,) or a parent who lost a child, and you’ll learn There’s no such thing as closure. Some wounds don’t heal Like That, my friend.
@@jakethet3206 well I don't think we're disagreeing here, this sounds more like an issue of semantics. There is no true "resolution" no, you can't erase a pain but you can experience enough of a sense of resolution in order to move forwards healthily. By resolution, I mean the ability to somewhat process it. Doesn't mean the pain isn't still there and won't still be a struggle but it still makes a big difference. Not removing the experience but also not being trapped by it. If it sounded like I was minimising your pain or suggesting it's something you just "get over" or anything like that, then that's definitely not my intention, that kind of trauma is an awful experience that will stay with you in a lot of ways. That said, I wouldn't go assuming I haven't experienced major trauma myself and haven't worked with, or have good friends, who know major trauma as well
@@mylittlethoughttree Semantics can be very important. Fact is that the very use of the word “closure” in reference to our traumas infers that closure is something that could be obtained, which isn’t what we need to be thinking about in those situations. The devil is in the details, right?
@@jakethet3206 well to be fair, I was always talking about closure in terms of a relationship ending between Jack and Keeley, not extreme trauma, so there's a definite difference there. Although, again, it depends on how you're defining closure because I don't think it is truly ever seen as something that perfectly resolves everything and leaves it all wrapped into a neat bow. Actually, that's not fair, people do hope for that and TV can idealise it in character arcs, but I don't think that makes the word entirely defunct
I still am completely baffled why there was SO much fan controversy over Rebecca and Sam’s relationship, but then when Keeley starts her relationship with Jack no one seemed bothered by the exact same power imbalance in the relationship. It feels slightly ageist to me, as if we’re okay with it because Keeley and Jack are younger women.
@@andrewdunn8778 Jack run's Keely's business though. Yes there is a greater age age difference with Rebecca and Sam, but Jack is still Keely's boss so the fact that Keely also runs her own business is sort of irrelevent because Jack has power over Keely's professional future even when the relationship ends. That was part of the outcry in the comment section on Ted Lasso videos or on Reddit when the topic was Rebecca and Sam, and I haven't seen that same response in those spaces this season.
This might be a stretch but I feel like we weren’t really supposed to see… ALL of Nate’s development. I felt like Ted, in that I saw hints (the audience sees him bullying will, Ted knows he was the anonymous source) but until the final episode of season 2, a lot of the emotions he was feeling slipped past us and by the end, both Ted and the audience was shocked my what he was saying… idk.
I think, and hope, that Roy & Keely won't get back together but he'll front up to her about why things ended. I also think they're building things up for Ted to leave Richmond at the end of the season and for Roy to take over the mantel, perhaps with Nate returning also? Either way, Roy's payoff will come in the last episode.
Roy & Keeley. I believe Roy needs Kelley just as much as Keeley needs Roy in their lives. They work together for great balance. They are yin and yang. They are peanut butter and chocolate.
For Nate I am unhappy that he still has the awkward bumbling. I would have hoped that he would have become more capable in the rest of his life and come to his redemption and growth despite this, that he would have an internal understanding of where his cruelty and anger in season 2 came from. Currently it seems he that he is being portrayed as a helpless victim of Rupert.
Im unhappy that "bad nate" petered out so quick. well Im happy for nate, buy still it seems like we havent had the ultimate showdown we were promised at the end of season 2
Nate's arc has been slow but satisfying thus far. It seems like they're setting up a showdown between Jade and Rupert though and I think I'll be disappointed if that's where it goes. I wouldn't say Nate's growth has gone unearned, but I don't think he's suffered much adversity either. Since season 2, he got the job; made his parents proud; beat his old team; stood up to the model; and won the girl. We are supposed to understand that he had the skill the whole time, but just lacked the self-esteem. But I really hate it when people tell others to "just be yourself" or "you have to love yourself first". I hate it because it's not true, it comes from a place of privilege, and it's often used as an answer when someone is looking for a friend. I have yet to hear anyone tell another person: "I'm sorry to the see the racism you have to deal with in dating." That is a true thing that happens and it has nothing to do with confidence or emotional health. When someone says, "You wouldn't be so down about it if you were more emotionally healthy," on the other hand, just about as heartless as I can think of. Not many people need to be reminded of the things they cannot control when they are experiencing them. But sometimes the things they can control aren't enough for what they want in life. And at that point, the only thing to do is make sure you're going about those things the right way and the best way you can. So I hope that Nate's answer isn't that being able to ground himself in his own value isn't the panacea for everything that he had to surprise his desire for in the first season. That would be a story I've heard too many times before I think I'd like to see them work more with the Diamond Dogs issue to parallel Richmond. Ted Lasso's team is not about winning, but about building the right group of people around you. Maybe Jade is the first piece of that puzzle for Nate. Maybe Nate is the first piece of that puzzle for Jade (that would be neat). Not very many episodes left to get there though... we shall see
I don't think Isaac was concerned in any way about team showers with Colin, to me it came off as him genuinely wondering how he doesn't get a boner. Like Isaac said, "I'd defo get a boner" 😂
For me, the term "woke" refers to a political ideology that is seemingly enforced upon culture from some top-down hierarchy to control the way that people interact, stifle any dissenting beliefs/opinions, and regulate the language that people are "allowed" to use. I agree completely that Colin's character arc is neither forced nor preachy, and therefore neither "woke" nor a problem. Saying something about culture, human interaction, or compassion is not woke in my eyes, but when force or coercion is seemingly applied, and when it becomes more of a political agenda than a simple examination or statement, it becomes more woke. I hope I made my views clear enough; feel free to ask any questions you might have. Thanks for introducing me to a surprisingly good show that I have now binge-watched and will remember for a long time. Your assessments are top-notch, as is your taste in media.
@@mylittlethoughttree More likely industry ideologues, but in some cases like cable news, actual government involvement. I think that there are a lot of good-hearted people that are compassionate and want to be genuinely kind who are duped into believing that the Progressive political movement is actually driven by compassion. I also think there are a lot of very powerful people who recognize that they can brow-beat a lot of their more timid opposition into submission by making it appear that anyone who doesn't agree with them is a bad, mean person. They also recognize that the more they divide people by race, class, sexuality, gender, religion, etc., the less they even have to do to acquire more power. Focusing on categories like that as the main or sometimes only characterization for characters within media shows that someone never intended to write a human story, just a political message. Creating a character like Colin -- with lots of well-formed traits, interactions, and feelings other than simply "he's gay" -- shows the hand of a skilled writer telling a beautiful human story that gives people insight into the lives of people different from themselves to help them better relate to their fellow man. I'm happy to try to answer any further questions you have. I fully realize that you and I don't see eye-to-eye politically, but I also recognize that you are a very good-hearted man who seems willing to engage with and entertain viewpoints to which you don't personally subscribe. Cheers!
Nate's characterization is very consistent between S2 and S3. I don't know if I'd agree about Nate reading about himself in the news as a way to feed his ego. It kinda fits but feels awkward. Nate's character is deeply insecure in his self-worth and hence latches onto external sources/markers of said worth. If Ted says he is worthy, he is worthy. If the media hails him as worthy, he is worthy. With the news articles and with Ted, more subtly so, he is chasing that dopamine hit of approval and acceptance. Once he moves to West Ham, he has made it, so to speak. His tactical acumen is on full display and he has raised a mid-table team to the top of the table. So he has lesser to prove to others and to take the place of that insecurity, the guilt of what he did to get here starts seeping in. I think that scene in the club with Rupert is a lot more significant than it may seem on the surface. I think it mirrors, from Nate's perspective at least, what happened at the end of S2. Rupert approached him for the role of manager at West Ham and instead of staying loyal to Ted, he burned those bridges and walked away leaving a pile of debris in his wake. A lot of rage and unmet (unjust?) expectations fueled that decision and more importantly, it came from a place of hurt. The club scene; it was like deja vu. Rupert representing temptation again and Jade representing the healthy relationship that Ted had fulfilled in the previous season. This time since Nate has matured a bit and is in a more stable place, he is able to turn down that temptation and go back to Jade. In his mind, this is making up for what he did to Ted in the sense that he had the correct decision this time. I know he still has to actually make it up to Ted but it had a lot of weight for him to break down like that in Jade's arms. He managed to not succumb to his self-destructive tendencies and chose to not throw away the one good thing in his life. Sorry for the wall of text but I feel strongly about Nate's character and am happy he is getting his redemption arc. Fans had a far too vitriolic reaction to his characterization in S2 and it just rubbed me the wrong way.
I think they did a lot of rewriting of Nate because they were surprised by how much people hated Nate after his turn in season 2. They seem to have removed some things that I feel like were planned (more of him being a tyrannical jerk to his West Ham players seemed like an obvious trajectory in the first episode and now we never see him coaching at all) and it's made his redemption arc suffer because it feels unearned.
I think your comments about Nate are the drawbacks to not having a longer season of a comedy, I think with 22 episode seasons the jumps they make of Nate being the kit man and then assistant coach in season 1 and developing into a real coach by the end of season 2 could get flushed out more and we wouldn’t also have to do these exposition drops of “oh they’ve won 10 in a row now” and actually spend a bit more time with Ted this season bc it felt like he’s really taken a back seat which is unfortunate really after how strong of a season 2 he had
I am very worried about the Ted/Michelle situation, the only truly NO for me is them getting back together. I’m not a huge fan of Keeley and Roy getting back bc I think they showed how incompatible they are for the long run despite the love and respect they have, but I still like them. But honestly, realistically, if they do get together, they won’t last. She clearly was able to move on and he hasn’t yet, and while part of her can still be in love with him, clearly they are in different levels in a lot of things and at their core they prioritize different things in life. The very quote of Roy saying his grandparents never spoke to each other as if this was good and Keeley being pretty much the opposite, Roy needing someone to prioritize him bc he is in a part of life where he wants to focus in family and his partner, while Keeley is rising now and quite busy. They are set up for failure and if they do get together again, is for the rom-com aspect of the show. About Nate, I think even in season 2 when he was at his worst, he still had his good things. Not so much with Will bc they didn’t actually show the resolution to that, and Colin could be only bc Beard saw them, but with Ted he was nervous and I believe he was regretful with what he had done and we also don’t know how much in talks with Rupert he was at that point, or what Rupert said at the funeral. Rupert is a master manipulator, he got Rebecca under his spell, so someone so insecure as Nate would be easier. As for Rebecca, I think we getting to her big dilemma next episode. The billionaire dude from Ghana will be back apparently and while I hope she doesn’t sell for him, I know for a fact she needs a truth bomb to drop Ted and I don’t know what could be. My only thought is if they are going towards a romantic route for them. Why do I say this? Episode 2x11 Rebecca told Ted she had an affair with Sam and Ted said: same place same time last year you dropped another truth bomb on me. And Rebecca says: see you next year. I don’t know what she could possibly have for him this year. At the beginning of the season I thought she could be pregnant lol and if they are going with them romantically, Ted could perhaps say he is going back and she realizes something and asks him to stay (maybe billionaire dude wants Ted to coach another team he is buying? lol). Or it’s a uno reverse and Ted will drop the bomb? I have no idea. But I think next episode will move it forward for her “truth bomb”. My ideal end for Ted would be Henry moving to England, bc even if he doesn’t continue at Richmond, I don’t think he has a lot back in the US, apart from Henry. If he goes back, he is alone and without all this life he built and poor Beard, would he go back? But I also think they are setting up for Roy to take the mantle (hopefully without Nate bc I don’t think he could go back to Richmond even with the redemption). I’m nervous, because while I don’t ship Ted and Rebecca with fervor, so far them getting together is the only ending I can see that Ted doesn’t go back to Michelle and I think it fits too, bc he wouldn’t continue coaching if they are in a relationship. Who knows?
I think I agree that the first couple of episodes set up an arc that has yet to pay off with Nate. What it seemed to be indicating is that despite his tactical expertise, Nate cannot properly train or motivate a team and was either going to disintegrate the team by destroying morale or push them to the breaking point and cause preventable losses. So far though, West Ham seems to be completely unaffected, and he's not recieved any development in terms of his management style or the way he treats his staff
I'd prefer to see Keeley and Roy get back together, but I can see them not getting back together in a way that would also be ok. I don't want Keeley and Jack to get back together.
as someone who has often been demonized for disliking a number of characters who i felt were shoved down my throat and felt out of place (examples include: adding characters like captain marvel who is stronger than everyone the whole time, or characters like rey who was the strongest jedi for no reason, never trained and seems like the whole thing was like “i don’t need no man”) i think the colin thing here was AWESOME! my biggest thing was always, male girls, gays, whatever inclusive people just good characters that fit, and i’ll love it. i hate old characters being replaced for inclusivity or characters that are meant to be badass but just aren’t likable because they have no “weaknesses”. no clue if that made sense lol, but hopefully conveyed my point, basically i just hate when writing is sloppy, feels disingenuous
Yeah, I won't argue with that. For years, movies have pandered to what they think will appeal. James Bond, in many ways, was a one dimensional stereotype that always appealed to white men. There's nothing exactly wrong with that, it's just not great writing. Cinema has always been littered with examples of it. I don't agree when people argue it's all some big, conspiracy-style "agenda" to push LGTBQ+. I don't think that, I just think some stories are badly written because corporate suits take over and remove the nuance. That's what makes Ted Lasso's portrayal of Colin so satisfying
With Nate's plotline, I've found it interesting that my partner and I have differing opinions- she thinks it's well paced and just right whereas I agree with you, it feels like a leap we haven't seen has been made to speed up the redemption. My partner has watched the seasons spread out when they aired whereas I had speed binged the series and caught up to watch with her and watching it right up to this episode back to back, I've not forgiven Nate being such a bully as a viewer and that part it doesn't feel like he's changed or learned from. We never saw him treating players or staff better. It doesn't feel complete and we're rushing to the end of the series. Plus I'm a little sick of seeing so much of him when others could be given more space to be explored. I know not everyone will agree but that's how I'm feeling right now.
I’m curious on your thoughts on the decision made by the show to not actually show Colin coming out to his teammates? With how the show normally handles things I found it a bit odd they decided not to show the players’ and coaches’ first reactions to what he said
I personally liked that they did this. It made me feel like it was an important and still private moment for Colin and gave him some dignity in the situation. We already knew that information and we got the group reaction so I felt that was good.
@@tristagarcia7988 that makes a lot of sense. I was just curious to see how people would have initially responded to what would have been news out of nowhere to them all, baring in mind he’d be the first professional footballer at that level to have come out
Jack is what keely thought she needed and their relationship wasn’t great to start off with love bombing her I feel like personally think Keely and Roy will end up together cause well they never really addressed it and it was kind of just done because they were afraid of the change
Nothing to add in relation to Collin and Isaac. About Roy and Keeley, I don't want them to go back together. I think in Life sometimes we meet the right people in the wrong time. That's ok. I don't like the idea that someone is "meant for" someone else. You can find love with someone else even though you have loved someone before.
I agree with the nate comments... he lacked confidence... he would tear down other players... demoralizing them... without building them back up... so the story arc of him being a jerk... having some success... but then being void of conflict and difficulty over the season... it is hollow. Every team has the occasional losing streak... the occasional challenge... and how he responds is significant... and based on his 3 season story arc... the suggestion is that he won't handle it well. But... There could be the case made that yes... as an assistant... he didn't get the credit he felt he was owed... making him insecure... now that he is the head coach... he feels confident in his skills/abilities and is more like bill parcells... a little sharp tongued... but towards a goal... but they haven't shown the towards a goal part of his coaching style.
I get what you mean about Nate's turn being too sudden. I like to think/hope they will later reveal that he reached out to Ted off screen, and has been growing partly thanks to their secret friendship. I confess, even this explanation could be a bit of a weak Deus ex Machina.
Roy and Keely: I have competing goals for them. I would like Keely to be happy by herself and not need to be anyone's girlfriend. For Roy, I would like him to let himself he happy and loved by someone (ideally Keely). Clearly I am going to be disappointed one way or another.
I think this show is trying to be a little more grounded than other fiction. It's not realistic for a group of people to get into a new situation that gets fully resolved every week. Ted Lasso is more along the ways of how to make positive change: small consistent steps over time.
Colin's story isn't "woke" at all. Keeley suddenly having a same sex relationship was out of nowhere but I think they handled that well too. If I was to consider one storyline openly "woke" in this show it would be Sam's storyline, because that's the one that gets openly and blatantly political whilst not showing any nuance but just straight up condemnation.....Brindi Barot being so clearly named after and based on Priti Patel whilst also being portrayed as "white" {which ignores the reality that being Anti-Illegal Immigration is NOT about "Race"!} was the single worst scene in this show. Sam's storyline in that episode was also clearly based on the Marcus Rashford furore and the idea that anyone who disagreed with Rashford's stance and actions had to be a "racist".
... am I the only one who's noticed that Trent has a rainbow cup with a gay rights slogan on it? Anyone? Beuller? C'mon, Beard for sure knows what it is.
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I loved Jade's reaction to meeting Rupert which was nailed for what you'd expect of her character who clearly doesn't like it when people are fake. Just the looks she was giving him. I kind of wondered if the writers' would use Jade in this way to wake Nate up to the person Rupert really is. But instead he seems to be coming to the realization on his own, which is better. :-) -Daven
I lost my shit when she said "he seems wealthy" to Nate after Rupert left, one of the funniest lines of the season.
As someone who also used to work in restaurants, you definitely learn on the job how to spot fake people.
My favourite part of Jade’s character is her completely inscrutable gaze. She wielded it on Rupert and he was dislodged when they met. Maybe that was why his reaction to Nate’s relation was so strong and so swift.
YES. Excellent writing, excellent performance. Jade was NOT falling for his BS, and he knew it. It was the first time we’ve ever seen Rupert flail while talking to a woman.
And she says her name is “Jaded” so hilarious. I suspect she was making that up for Rupert’s sake. He’s “nice-like” … exactly. Dang she’s wise.
I actually think a huge part of Isaac attacking the fan was his worry that Colin thought he was like that fan, like he was that close minded and rude. The first question he asks is "what is it about me that you thought you couldn't tell me"? He thinks Colin thinks he wouldn't have been accepting, that he would have thrown the f-word around. So when the prick in the stands said that, I think it was not only a breaking point but also a performance to communicate "that's not me and it's not acceptable".
Isaac's meltdown really moved me. It felt very realistic, especially the way he was in tears by the end and trying to keep Roy away from himself.
Really good representation of confusion and anger.
I agree, all I have heard form people is how he was shying away from Colin when he should have stepped up and been his friend.
I had a friend who lied to me for over a year about getting divorced. We worked together for over 20 years and spent many a wee hour drinking beers and discussing our personal lives. I found out he was divorced from a female bartender while he was in the men's room. She thought I knew and asked me how he was handling it. She knew how close we were and was shocked I was in the dark. She made me promise not to let on that I knew. More than a year went by with him telling me about family trips and gatherings that never happened. It ruined our friendship, because I never confided in him again. Colin didn't just hid his sexual preferences, he went out of his way to act like he was interested in women. The whole phone incident occurred because Colin joked that he knew what he was going to be doing this weekend after he was informed about naked pictures on the internet. Isaac gave him a proper glare and when he kept being reluctant and left the room Isaac followed and grabbed his phone. Isaac and Roy are both angry tough guys by nature. Their initial reaction to things is predictable and it is through the plot lines and the influences of Ted, Rebecca, Keeley, Jamie, etc., etc. That they learn to see thins differently. Things like this make the show so great to watch. Things unfold in layers and everything seems to connect with something we already saw in season one or two.
I just watched the episode and it really shocked me to see Isaac go after that fan after hearing that slur. I would think the exact opposite would happen and have Isaac ignore it.
The nice bow on top of the Isaac-and-Colin struggle is that it's a definite and clear example of Ted's line from Season 1: "Be curious, not judgemental."
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As someone who has been coming out more to people over the last few months, Collins story arc this season has really hit home for me. “99% of me knew you would support me, it was the 1% that scared the fuck out of me” is a feeling I know very well. Good job by Jason and the writes to handle this in a classy but not in your face preachy way.
Rupert is known as (and considers himself) the ultimate charmer. He is used to getting his way by deceiving and disarming people via charm. He is also sociopathically good at reading people. This is why Jade was such a threat to Rupert by being in his world through Nate. She absolutely read him correctly from first glance. He kept pouring on the charm but could tell that he never swayed Jade's jaded opinion of him. Jade's description of Rupert nails him dead on - wealthy and nice-like. His "niceness" is a self serving act. So Rupert decides within a few hours to cut Jade out of Nate's life and therefor Rupert's world.
I think Nate's arc this season is realizing he can be respected and admired for who he is and not just his football strategy and knowledge. He felt respected professionally but disrespected personally with the wonderkid thing and developed this persona where he feels respected but never happy. Now he's starting to realize that he can let that down and have both.
for me Nate turnaround is too quick, he was Darth Vader at the end of season 2, he is coming back too quick good point about the choosing of his articles
gotta give props to Kola Bokinni on this one, his acting in this episode is stunning.
I love Isaac’s response. It was wrong of him to not talk to Colin, but I feel it was a reaction that happens in life. He is so sad and ashamed - not with Colin! But that Colin didn’t feel safe enough to tell him. He says “what is it about me that made you think you couldn’t tell me?” He puts all the blame on himself. He feels sad that Colin carried this alone. And Isaac being Isaac, he knows one negative emotion: anger. So his sadness and shame manifests as anger. So I do like how wrote this because I feel this is a true portrayal of someone finding out a close person is LGBTQ after knowing them a long time. I love the ending as well: like a tiny masterclass in how to rebuild a friendship. And the question about the shower: Isaac makes it clear he admires Colin’s self-control, which I love. It is not a posed to make Colin feel uncomfortable, quite the contrary, it is a point of admiration. As for complaints about being woke: I’m not sure why these folks are watching Ted Lasso to begin with, but to then seek out a UA-cam channel on the show seems pretty odd to me. Hopefully those comments are few and far between. I enjoy your reviews, for what it is worth!
Oh I did not put that together…Isaac’s skill at reading body language ❤
For me, Issac asking about team showers doesn't feel like it's coming from a point of thinking Colin is gonna creep on them in the shower, but genuinely from his point of view of: if HE had to shower with a bunch of people from the sex he's attracted to, HE'D kinda struggle...like...i don't even think he's saying he'd judge Colin for looking, even the way he's asking suggest he's aware Colin will probably purposefully avoid looking too closely anyways....
Oh absolutely! Yeah I agree, I don't think Isaac was saying that at all, he was just being curious about how it's been for Colin. I was more just setting out a scenario in the unfair-but-possible situation where one of the players did feel uncomfortable
Exactly. I mean, I think his line there was "if I was forced to shower with a bunch of women, I'd definitely have a boner" or something to that effect. It's definitely a question more out of curiosity than judgment, IMO.
@@mylittlethoughttree Another way to look at this, if you were naked and a woman walked into the room, your first reaction would be to cover up. Sam goes for women with men. Why do we do it? Because we feel uncomfortable or because we think they feel uncomfortable?
Sexual arousal is usually a lot deeper than just a naked body. But of course I am not 12.
The way he followed it up with “if I had to shower with a bunch of women I’d get a boner”
Being a lesbian myself, Ted's speech meant so much to me. "I don't care" is such a normalized response to coming out when it really shouldn't be! Like, I'm sharing this piece of myself with you and the best you can do is completely disregard it? Do you want a medal for saying you won't treat me poorly?
I think we get so used to being shamed and belittled that total apathy is considered better than a very possible worse alternative.
Right! "I don't care" is such a loaded response. There's a lot of disturbing implications to it. It's a lot like "I don't see color."
I think people (in the show and real life) say, "I don't care" because they do not know what else to say. Moreover, they probably think they are being supportive. It is a blessing Ted Lasso can show the audience how we are all doing it wrong! (The locker room speeches are really meant for us, the audience.) I believe that those of us who have embraced this show have, among other things, become (1) less judgmental, (2) more curious and (3) willing to see that "our caring" is much better than "our not caring."
Appreciate your comment❤
@@hpaulbryant729 I agree. I think sometimes "I don't care" is a substitute for a much longer explanation meant to reassure the person that their relationship will remain unchanged and it will not have a negative impact. But it comes across as sounding indifferent.
Both my sexuality and my disability whenever I'm told 'I don't care, I just see you' it makes me frustrated too. If you can't see two of the most major parts of my life, the parts that open me up to terrible abuse at times as well as joy, well how can you possibly see or care about me? So I also loved that they took the time to convey that in the script. Ted had his awkward funny stuff too, but he also said what mattered most. We care about you and what you are going through with the team agreeing. To me, it reflected Isaac not being able to say he loved Colin but still confirming he did. It was Ted and the team saying we love you Colin without saying those exact words.
i loved this episode- im bi, and have come out to everyone in my immediate family but my mum, like collin 99% knows she will support me, but that 1% keeps me absolutely petrified
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It's so risky to show the last 5% of ourselves to someone who accepts 95% of us. The better they know is, the harder the last bit is to share
I loved that Colin got an episode. Cant believe we are still saying this in 2023, but coming out to friends/coworker is still really important to show on tv and in movies.
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Isaac's anger in the end is self directed. He is at first angry at Colin for not telling him, which is revealed at the end of the episode. During the scene at the door, Isaac reassures him that no one will say anything to Colin. Isaac walks away dejected. As if he has failed Colin. His anger has turned away from Colin, to himself. He didn't see who Colin was, all these years. He allowed things to be said around Colin, all these years. He didn't protect him. He could have, if he had known, and again, he should have known, if he was a better friend, a better captain. Why does Isaac apologize to Colin? Because he feels he failed him, not because he is being sympathetic. He apologizes because he let his friend down.
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It seems to me that isaac was brokenhearted that there was something about him that made Colin afraid to tell him.
love the way you word your criticisms and how you stay so open minded for the show to prove you wrong (but like in a good way) about the things you currently take issue w/have more questions about, the internet is in much need of reasonable thinking & conclusions like this!!
I've noticed that every time Roy has an emotional breakthrough he tells a atory about his time in Sunderland so I think it's paving the way for him to reveal something he's never felt able to tell anyone about what happened to him there and that's how he gets back together with Keely
Interesting point, when we had earlier sunderland story? I cant recall
@@grzegorczyk1983 When he was telling Jamie why he never learned to ride a bike in Amsterdam
And in season 1 when he adds his blanket to the bonfire to get rid of the ghost
In England when you are a potential world-class footballer, you get herded into academies at quite a young age. It takes away a big chunk of your childhood and all of your teen years, so it’s not unusual that so many of Roy’s coming of age stories involve Sunderland.
@@untexan Yeah , but don't you think that his really odd answer about how to deal with bullies stems from something he went through while he was there ?
Okay, but while we're talking about the biggest "punch" of the episode, can we talk about how intense of a gut punch it was when Roy came into the boot room and Isaac was saying that he can't have him yelling at him right now? That hurt so hard for me to see, and immediately turned me into a puddle
Roy handled it the same way Keely handled him in the season one finale. Feeling vulnerable and lashing out in defence, he just calmly walked in and gave his support
I think the thing about Nate was (and he covers this in his speech with Ted) is that no-one had valued him and his thoughts before Ted. Ted came along and respected his opinions, and gave him huge encouragement, but after that as coach, he valued him but didn’t feel the need to praise him all the time, and Nate felt like that was a betrayal, whereas it’s just part of the success of being an equal.
Now Nate is Ted at West Ham and he’s starting to understand Ted and what he did and how he approached things more, his attempt to reach out last week to his other colleagues, we know that if he hadn’t been going out with Rupert he would have accepted the offer of going out for a drink with those colleagues, and he’s starting to see that, even if someone praises you, they might not be on your side or have your interests at heart. Nate is learning this but he could not only learn this from the heights he’s reached as a coach.
I’m looking forward to seeing the conclusion of these arcs. Both Richmond and WH have got a style of play that works for them and it’ll be curious to see where this ends up.
And finally “He seems…wealthy”, great line. Just great.
I just realized that Derek, the manager at Taste of Athens might have turned him off a little from the praise seeking as much, not seeing it as so important when face to face with it in such a sycophantic way
I personally want Keeley and Roy to get back together once Roy has completed his journey of self improvement and of starting to embrace the fear of rejection, failure and being the one left behind.
I really like how they are setting up Roy to be the next Ted lasso and for me, Nate and Roy taking over for Ted and Coach would be a very nice ending...
As I think about it, i also feel like they are setting up the show in a way, that we can have the show go on or have a sequel without Ted and Coach....and i wouldn't be mad at that...
That gives me hope! They have been pretty clear that this is the end of its current format… but I think, from things I’ve seen, they haven’t said it’s the end end… I just want more of this heartwarming, tear enduring, beautiful show.
I think this show is setting up all of this, but this show can be tricky. I suspect they want to end on ways we don't expect, but are better endings than the ones we do expect.
So what are the least likely endings? Not Roy and Keeley getting back together, or even Keeley getting back with Jaime. I think Keeley and Ted will become an item!
Har har, just kidding. That'd be shit. But I do think the least expected ending would be for Jack to come back, contrite, after having done a huge amount of soul-searching. It would echo the way Isaac came to work things out with Colin. Jack feels like a dangling thread.
This! Richmond can continue without Ted. These characters deserve to live on after Ted returns to America, because obviously he has to go back. That darn son of his is too cute and deserves his dad.
I think Nate’s ego inflation was a result on the attention, and desire to desperately prove to everyone that he is more than a kit man. So throughout season 3 I’ve watched how he is settling into his new role and the ego isn’t there as much, combine that with his relationship with Jade and he is becoming comfortable with himself. Nate’s character hasn’t always been what it was towards the end of season 2 and start of season 3, so this change back seems consistent with his character.
Overall I loved this episode and I love the series, and the show, it’s been really refreshing to watch. Thank you for your insights and making this channel.
Also, Rupert is clearly the emperor, as visualized in his office with the round window and the swiveling chair - trying to lure "Darth Nate" to the dark side, which he's clearly drawn to. But Nate is actually standing his ground, falling back from this dark path, manifested by the prospect of a "guys' night" with his boss in the "private room" with (obviously) two paid escorts. And instead remembering what is really important to him, and that he's so lucky to have what he now has with his girlfriend (yesss!). My eyes got somewhat misty when she opened the door, and he without her even knowing letting her rescue him from the dark path by simply falling into her arms. That was really powerful when you think about it.
You don't know how much I cheered when Nate left the restaurant (bar?). I'm so proud of him.
I cannot wait for you to talk about episode 10... I nearly cried. I _just_ finished watching it and I'm still raw. It really feels like it's all wrapping up...
I can't believe how invested I became in all the characters and the team. I'm going to be so emotional when it's all over... :'
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This episode lands so well. Every bit of it just glides in, and takes us where we need to be, and where each character needs to be. Which is really amazing when you hear about the difficulties they had re-writing and shooting around various issues and logistics. Nicely done.
Thank you for not just framing Issac as angry.
Nate's arc was more about realising that he can love himself, and that for him to get the love he craves from others, he needs to show it to himself. He's been focused on trying to make people to "love him" by being good at what he does and nothing else, and he's not happy. But seeing happiness and seeing how Richmond are doing well, kind of flicks a switch. And when his mum tells him about his dad's map, it's kind of the realization. He runs into the toilet, looks at the mirror, but does not spit.
Love this channel thank you! One thing perhaps to add in consideration for the question of "is Nate's development enough?" is recognizing the power of a female influence giving him love and believing.There's been an interesting balance in the show between the chipping away at Nate's father's criticism over him, and the added surge of hope and believing from being with Jade where he feels encouraged to be who he really is.
He had made a similar move standing up for what he believed in earlier in the season when he stayed at Taste of Athens and his date left. And that led him to Jade, so he experienced the success of holding to what is true for him. Rupert being a male authority figure (parental) is a much bigger test which I'd like to credit Jade for making happen. Yes Nate was the one that "did it" but it came from Jade. The trust and believing in himself that every man feels when supported by a woman, that comes from somewhere. And it is reflected and honored by Nate, because he goes to see her from the bar, a much stronger move for his psyche, choosing his heart versus fighting Rupert (projected father). Beautifully written.
Just a tiny remark: Higgins requesting "And another one", and Ted mentioning DJ Khaled might have been lifted straight from the "Fake Doctors, Real Friends" / "Scrubs" rewatch podcast, where Zach Braff and Donald Faison frequently use this reference.
On the topic of Nate, I really think we need to see more of him as a manager. Over the past few episodes we've seen him sort of "soften" towards Ted, Jade, etc, and in general show more signs of being a better more mature person, but I agree that the place where he started this season was very different and what we've seen from him lately is a massive departure from berating his players as "dumb dumbs". Nate's arc could be one about him very slowly and very subtly learning lessons, but we're given such an incomplete picture of him in this season, often either not seeing how the lesson was learned or how/where it is being applied, that it's going to need a couple major moments to really come together and work for me.
As far as developments for him though, I think that the map scene from a couple episodes ago was a lot more significant for Nate's character than it seems at face value. A lot of what Nate does and his character is driven by a need for approval from his father that he never really gets. I thought tries to fashion himself as a more "hardened" man to fit an image of what he thinks his father values. The biggest shift in Nate has come from seeing him with Jade, but it really starts with him asking her out. I think that Nate seeing that his father was also the type of person to make big romantic and artistic gestures makes Nate realize, on some level (though I don't think he's fully recognized or come to terms with it), that he and his father are not as different as he always assumed. So he may still be trying to be more like his father to win the approval he so desperately wants, but he's realized that being cold and ambitious isn't the only way to do that.
I personally think this episode was the best of the season. And not even for Colin's story. That was very well done. But I really liked how they handled Nate. The way he quietly realized what Rupert really is, said a quick goodbye and went back to Jade was really well done, and played out realistically. I'm glad he didn't call Rupert out or say anything nasty. That never works on people like him anyways. Instead, he was just polite and did what he needed to do.
Nate was amazing- quick thinking on his feet and a brave decision.
I suspected this would happen. For someone who sussed out Roy & Keeley’s break-up via body language, he’s thinking of the many ways he failed to see Colin.
Also, I wish the show addressed the micro-aggressions and the “That’s gay.” comments which might have stopped Colin from confiding in Isaac..
Fully there with you. I saw Isaac's anger mostly as anger at himself, remembering those homophobic remarks and requiring someone he loves to be affected in order to become a clear ally. It would have been good to see that anger and reflection vocalized, but at the same time, Isaac isn't necessarily the most verbose and eloquent of orators.
A couple of hypothetical questions I have been unpacking in my head these past couple of weeks about this season: Keeley has felt this season like she is off in an entirely planet. She is the one dealing with all of these new character's, and separated from the characters we have grown to love over the past 2 seasons, building all of these new relationships. I certainly was uncomfortable w/ it in the middle of this season; but then I thought 1) Why does Keeley need to get back together with anybody romantically? I don't want to treat her like a prize. And 2) What if Nate has graduated from / grown independent from Richmond entirely? Yes I hope that he can patch things up and provide an apology or closure with Ted & the Richmond team somehow; but does Nate need to be a part of Richmond any longer? Also I'm prepping myself for the last episode of this season to be like 2hrs long too.
I think the thing about Nate's awakening is he felt alone. He had got the fancy title and benefits that bestowed but he couldn't connect to anyone like at Richmond. We see this from the fist scene he has this season where he goes through this large sprawling stadium alone and it feels very isolated.
We also see that in spite of trying his best to inflict pain on those who injured his ego he still held them in his esteem as with the subbuteo game. This is reflected in Ted with the lego only the mirror positive.
I think the most catharsis he has during the last season is resolving the twin dilemma of the girl he wants to be with and gaining positive affirmation from his father. Neither came from his role at West Ham but in spite of that. Ultimately who he is and what made him fit at Richmond are.
That ad transition was beautiful. "So much blue"
Re: Nate and his plotline
I think Nate is being set up to make the transition back to Richmond. This episode was about showing that Nate has evolved from the bitter, angry person that he was at the end of Season 2 into someone who is much more confident and aware of the world around him and what "good" looks like in terms of leadership. Defying Rupert was an important milestone for him, because when West Ham loses to Richmond (which I think is a very tropey outcome that we're absolutely going to see) Rupert is going to reject Nate if not outright fire him. When this happens rather than being destroyed Nate will simply walk away, knowing that he's doing the right thing by rejecting this kind of abuse.
The thing is though, West Ham are leading the table and a loss to Richmond alone is unlikely to realistically cause any turmoil as long as they compete for the title right? Rupert himself kept George Cartrick around despite Richmond performing mediocre under him. If Rupert falls out with Nate, it has to be personal than just a loss to Richmond. You could see why he kept George and it has more to do with his personality and Nate is slowly deviating away from what Rupert wants him to be.
@@adithyaprasad8586 When Rupert and Jade met, he sized her up in a very pointed way. It seemed clear he saw a competitive influence on his little protege. Rupert clearly wanted a loyal, enabling lackey who'd toady up to him in every particular while winning games for him. He tried to keep Nate wrong-footed by granting or withholding approval. But being the head coach at West Ham and winning game after game gave Nate enough self-confidence that he didn't need Rupert's approval above everything.
And this last episode emphasizes how Nate has been sizing up Rupert, and finding him lacking. After all, he has Ted to compare Rupert to. Rupert is everything Nate accused Ted of being. That's gotta hit him like a cold bucket of water.
Of course, now I'm seeing Rupert getting more and more angry at Nate, getting ready to really screw him over, only for Nate to announce at a press conference that he's quitting the team. Meanwhile, George will see this and leave his show just like Roy did, and run to Rupert like in a rom-com to offer himself as the new head coach of West Ham. and Rupert will be like "No thanks."
@@rottensquid yeah, that's kind of what I meant. If Nate gets fired, it won't be for a loss but for who Nate has become.
I think the crucial lens to see Nate through is how his experience and actions are affected by his own self-worth, and thus his quality of life. That willingness to go be with his girlfriend instead of being lead down the rabbit hole of garbage behavior by Rupert feels like a big foreshadow of Nate ultimately leaving Rupert’s team. His ego and desire for external validation were what drove him from Ted to Rupert, and his arc seems to be the journey away from the life he thought he wanted before he saw what real self-confidence got him.
I loved the scene at the end with Colin and Isaac playing fifa and Isaac asking all the questions, that to me was fun guy friend questions, it felt very real to me. Nate starting to see Rupert as a scumbag and bailing was good for his character and I’m hoping he just decides to leave west Ham and reconnect with Ted. I think this episode set up some things and the show is really gonna pick up the pace in the last few.
Your discussions on TL are perfect, thank you
As for the complaints of "woke themes"... the show has always had elements that challenge traditional male stereotypes. It's practically built around challenging toxic masculinity. The dichotomy between Ted and Rupert, Roy's struggles being emotional and vulnerable, Jamie's egotism, Nate's arc from lack of confidence to now where he shows ego outwardly, but is quietly relying on praise to keep himself going, Ted's struggle to open up to a therapist and let someone through his facade, Sam's initial struggle to forgive and allow Jamie back into the fold on his return to the team. There are a lot more throughout the show, and how they've developed those characters to where they are now shows all different stages of individual journeys. Some may get upset that the show touched on immigration issues and activism (which led to Sam's restaurant being vandalized), or Colin's story arc, but if that's the case then maybe they weren't paying close attention earlier on.
Also, just to add... that bit when Sam walks into his vandalized restaurant is my favorite moment this season as far as the music goes. If anyone is curious, the song is Doomed by Moses Sumney and it is the version from Live from Blackalachia.
I think that with Nate it’s more about him understanding that success and status doesn’t matter if you have good people around you. Rupert tried to pull him away from Jade but he resists and runs to her. He’s turned a page where he doesn’t care about impressing Rupert more than showing Jade how much he cares about her. I think that Jade is who has pushed him to develop as a person, which I think is great as I believe your partner should do just that, continually push you to be better
No one has pointed this out, but the beginning of the Issac Roy scene reflects the scene between Roy and Keely in the season 1 finale; Roy keeps telling Keely to leave, but she just calmly walks up to him and gives him her support. It’s exactly how Roy then handled Issac in the boot room
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Isaac may also feel like he's more emotionally open than others feel that he is. While he may, externally, not seem to be giving emotional displays that are easy to read it's been my experience that many people who don't give a lot of commonly recognizable "tells" of their emotional state by an outside observer's standards can totally feel like they were giving a tremendous display.
This personal bias may reinforce his sense of betrayal at not being told. "I thought you knew we were brothers. I came to your home and sat next to you and even look you in the eyes when we talk. Those are huge big deals for me. Obviously I was being emotionally open.", etc.
Regarding Nate, having finished the series, and looking back, Nate’s arc is one of my favorite parts of the show. Yes, he is constantly tested by the plot, but in the end, his growth comes from within. It’s a reflection of his strength of character and maybe the positive impact Ted had on him. It seems to fit in nicely with the shows themes.
I'm watching this show with my 14 year old son and this episode made us have a talk about homosexuality. I shared with him a time when one of my friends came out as gay and how, after we discussed it, she was still the same person I knew before she told me. Her sexuality was just one part of her and not the defining part either
honestly, this situation pretty much happened to me with my god brother. I felt so bad about him not feeling comfortable about telling me. We’ve worked it out well and i’m glad that i’ve grown as a person from that experience :)
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I LOVED Jade's description of Rupert. She doesn't say he's nice, she says "nice-like". Brilliant.
I think Roy and Keeley were a good couple. They weren't perfect, but no relationship is. However I don't know how I'd feel if they just got back together, like it's nothing. I wouldn't be opposed to the idea completely, if it's gonna happen then at least it feels like a healthier relationship than the one with Jack. I just think there's a lot of work to do before they can go back to being an imperfect, healthy couple.The basis for it to work seemed to already be there. Yes, they had arguments, and things they felt insecure about and had trouble voicing, but they seemed to often find ways to communicate and be open about them.
Roy's biggest misstep for me wasn't breaking up with her, it was asking about the video, wanting to know who it was for. That was just bleh, however much it probably still speaks to his insecurities.
Don't get me wrong, breaking up wasn't the best idea, but at least it came from a place where his intention was to free her from what he perceived to be a hold back.... I think.... It could also, partly, be his ego not being able to handle her being so strong and independent and stuff (and I say this fully aware that he thought it was awesome that she was showing her full potential too). Mixed feelings for him, for sure, and perhaps too much to cope with.
Also, a lot of people think that, when there's too much stuff about yourself that you need to figure out or work on, being in a relationship isn't the best because you are most likely going to cause problems related to your issues, and they'd rather not do that to somebody else. (it's me, I'm "a lot of people"). Maybe he's coming from that kind of place too. Sort of "I need to work on myself for now and i'd rather not burden someone else with this mess".
I felt the same. I liked Roy and Keekey together but I felt getting them back together would feel fake and forced.
I felt similar about nate, they set him up at the end to be some sort of darth vader boss with rupert being palpatine, nate especially in the last couple s2 episodes took a super dark turn, so it is a little weird for nate to be embracing his s1 and early s2 side, I guess maybe they tried to swerve the audience into thinking nate was descending into what rupert was, but in reality nate is a decent guy with some trauma holding him back
terrific show
When my cousin came out, another cousin was really mad that he didn’t tell her sooner. We grew up very close all us cousins, and I think I understand now why she felt offended.
It’s a good point - they seem to be suggesting that feeling seen and loved for who he is while also succeeding as coach is transforming Nate, but in reality it would only give him some relief, not change the underlying patterns. I also hope something flares to honor this truth, but then there definitely won’t be enough time left in the season to describe the longer arch of healing. So I guess the best we might hope for is an incident that triggers his underlying patterns in a way that makes it clear to him he has deeper work to do? What do you hope for, here?
For me, the Roy of it all felt really significant actually. I’m seeing big steps in his journey towards being manager, towards being more like Ted. Ted is gonna want to spend more time with Henry very soon. The funny and subtle ways they’ve shown Roy’s movement in that direction this season are stuff like him making puns, laughing at little jokes, engaging (sometimes) in friendly advice/support with others. Then this episode we have this huge moment of him really caring about Isaac, seeing himself in him and wanting better for him. And of course the press conference where he gives a very personal anecdote, very reminiscent of Ted, at first seeming unrelated but actually very poignant. Of course he isn’t Ted and never will be, because he’s Roy and we love Roy! But it’s a similar move that Jamie made. Kinda made me indifferent to the Roy and Keelie part (not in a bad way just lower priority for what I want for them, if they do that’s nice, if they don’t that’s ok too.)
I'm not sure about Roy & Keely. Honestly not. I wish for the characters to be happy but I also think both would benefit from a bit of... learning to love themeselves a little more before they start putting all these expectations of being loved on each other again? Does that make sense (am I reflecting too much from my own life here? )?
I have a small quibble in calling peoples worries and thoughts around a teammate being gay (and showers, locker room stuff, physicality with teammates etc.) 'stupid'. Yes Colin can explain that and it shouldn't cause a problem but I don't like calling these thoughts or worries 'stupid'. These are real things people genuinly worry about and I think the conversation shouldn't be discouraged by labeling it a stupid question out the gate (thus labeling you the one asking stupid or ignorant). Beeing non-judgemental has to go both ways in my experience as this is a lot of new information to process for everybody all at once.
I know you didn't mean it that way cause you're also advocating for talking about these things but it's just a small thing that stuck with me through the video.
Love to hear your takes as always 💕
Those worries are always rooted in homophobia, though. It's the assumption of transgressions that usually only stems from projection. It comes mostly from heterosexual men who are creeps or even sex pests and expect everyone else to be the same. This is in general often a root cause of homophobia - the fear of being victimized, which completely ignores that the issue isn't sexuality but the overstepping of boundaries and more importantly the fact that het men are far more likely to commit such acts. People who lack empathy then not even think about these issues because they aren't potential victims.
@@DrZaius3141 Even if that is true (which I don't agree that it's this Binary 'either you're a ignorant homophobe or an enlightened ally' you describe here. But even if it is...) do you not want that conversation to happen for the sake of a bit of shaming?
When I was in School about maybe 50-75% of the kids did not ask questions in class for fear of it being a 'stupid question' and them looking stupid. And that's a low stakes setting absed around asking questions.
I also would like a world where noone is scared of the things they don't understand. But you really think a bunch of athletes in a much more tense setting will honestly talk about their questions if it gets met by 'that's a stupid ignorant question only held by homophobic creeps!'?
And for me having these conversations honestly and without judgment feels more productive than shame and taking the moral high ground.
Yeah, I think it's fair to say "stupid" wasn't the best wording. I suppose I was more trying to soften the point of what I was saying. I know how easily my points get misinterpreted on youtube, and I didn't want it to sound like I was saying "it's totally fair to feel uncomfortable with team showers, knowing now Colin is gay, and that Colin has to deal with it" which would be the complete opposite of my point.
I can get why people would be uncomfortable showering naked but, assuming they're all fine having already done it for years, to suddenly not be fine now Colin is out...that isn't great. I think it's a problem that can definitely be solved maturely if they're given the space to express their concerns, but I didn't want to make it sound like they are right and Colin should just put up with it. It would be a shame and an unfair burden on Colin to have to sort out any of this at all, when all he deserves is support and acceptance. So it's not ok but it can happen because humans are human
@@DarkHarlequin My point was less about having questions and more about the clichee "you are gay, so obviously you must be into me and will jump me, so I'm worried about sharing a space like a locker room with you".
Great video as always!
Regarding Keely and Roy, at first I was not a big fan of them getting back together. However, to think of it again, I am really curious to see how they portray growth leading to a stronger bond, compared to “growing apart.”
Also, in the case of Nate’s ego, I think they subtly addressed that! As you mentioned in one of your earlier videos, Nate’s suppressed emotions and anger comes out with Ted, maybe the first person that allowed him to express himself. But when Nate insists on insulting Ted in the first episode, Ted does not reciprocate and remains his authentic self. However, unlike Roy and Keeley, he does not ignore his behaviour, he responds in a way with pattern disruption.
On the other hand, we see him connect to his father through another aspect of life unrelated to what is fuelling his ego-gained fame due to his work achievements. These all give him the strength to shrink that bloated ego. The ego which was not kind to him in the first place! (Spitting on himself)
Yeah it's certainly possible, perhaps I'm overthinking it this week, then. I hadn't felt like that about season 3 at any other point, just suddenly came onto my mind this week
@@mylittlethoughttree Overthinking is a common response to uncertainty, and the writers are keeping us on our toes by delaying the conclusion of Nate’s, Roy’s and Keely’s and Rebecca’s stories!
I think Nate ended season 2 with an ego after being put down his whole life. Maybe feeling like now that he’s in that position, he gets to act that way and maybe now, in season 3 he’s growing as a person and realizing he doesn’t want to be like that and he misses Richmond and realizes he was an ass on his way out the door
He was genuinely happy when Ted and coach came out to see west ham play. Think that showed him that he didn’t burn any bridges
I loved Roy and Keeley in the first season and I wouldn't be disappointed, press, if they got back together. It just bugs me a bit that Keeley seems to jump from one relationship straight into another and she ends up being so defined by who she's dating. I'd like to see her be happy and fulfilled on her own.
There was a couple of rumours over the last couple of years of players being openly gay within their team, but no one sharing it beyond the team. Also, the far right attacked the story line of this episode on rotten tomatoes by voting it down, just like you say in the video
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I can see Jack getting physically aggressive with Keely. There is some weird feeling I got with her that said “danger.”
Nate - he is finding himself and like Rebecca, he was swept off his feet by Rupert when he was in a” lower position” in life. He is now starting to see what Rupert is and is not. He is trying to find connections with others (ie, his failed attempt to recreate the Diamond Dogs) and seeing that there is none in the place he thought he would be fully welcomed.
Jade sees through the crap and brings Nate down to earth and reminds him that his ego needs to be a balance. She grounds him and also keeps him humble in some ways.
I am loving Jamie and Roys character arcs.
I totally understand what you're feeling about Nate. They're stretching out a lot of tension, and there's a huge number of unanswered questions. We don't know what his relationship is with his team now. All we got was him acting like a childish bully in the first episode. So that other shoe has yet to drop. Will it turn out that his approach has drastically changed off-screen? Or will we get a moment when he could tear them down, but he instead builds them up. I think, if Richmond beats West Ham, he could end up giving them Ted's goldfish speech. And this could allow him to hear it himself, and put his bad behavior in season 2 behind him once and for all. After all, one of the things that traps us in bad behavior is the fear of admitting how bad it is, because if we did, we couldn't live with ourselves. So we adjust our worldview to justify our bad behavior to ourselves. That's how the Ruperts of the world are born.
Nate's behavior in the previous season clearly hasn't sat well with him. We've seen a sea-change in him, where he's stopped spitting in order to escape his insecurities. But we don't know what he's replaced it with. I think I have a theory though. I think the show will end with Richmond beating West Ham, Nate telling his team to be goldfish, and then facing the Richmond team with a new, fancy "Believe" sign that he made himself.
If course, this is pure speculation on my part. I look forward to seeing what they do with eager curiosity. I feel sure it'll be everything I need, and nothing I expect.
oh i absolutely believe that roy & keeley belong together. i loved loved loved the scene in rebecca's office when she gave roy the business. i watched it four times. 🤣 isaac's vulnerability on colin's doorstep put cries in my eyes. i wanted to hug both'a those boys. i also enjoyed how jade immediately saw rupert for what he is, and she was NOT havin it. 🐍 nate's beginning to see it for himself as well. honestly this ep is in my top 5 faves. ❤️
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I think we should find out that Roy has made new life with Ms Bowman who suits him so much better. Keely doesn’t need to get “back” with anyone. She needs to learn to live with herself. Keely will be the love of his life but he can’t handle it.
Whilst I don’t mind Roy and Keelie as a couple, I would like them to get back together just because I it’s giving me hope that this show won’t do the big last minute “everyone gets back together” just for the sake of the romantic happy ending.
My theory is that Roy grows through his breakup with Keely but they don't get back together. Keely might go back to a new and improved Jamie, while Roy will be come Richmond's new head coach as Ted must now go back to Kansas to his kid and get back with his wife
Nates story as of right now does feel like it is missing a turning point of some kind, good or bad, to either give him a reality check or explain why he perhaps doesn't need one.
I still feel there is a reveal to come that more fully explains Isaac's response to Colin.
No-one owes anyone a coming out, not even between best mates (which I didn't realise but perhaps C & I are?!), which you could argue is the message derived from Isaac's behaviour. It seems very unTedLassolike to let that interpretation sit.
Issac has always been shown to be an ethical fella, and holds people accountable, encourages good behaviour, so it rings true that, as commenter 'Charlotte's Dad' says he feels he's let Colin down by not being there for him, eg as an ally.
But I can't help but think there's more explanation to come.
Side note: loved Trent's Dolly t-shirt and Jamie being flattered they picked him as one of the 10% who are gay.
Love this show so much!! ❤⚽❤
I am not one of the people who has ever complained about any of these episodes being "woke," but I will share something I find troubling. And that is the implication that Isaac having any trouble at all accepting Colin's sexuality would be wrong, that he shouldn't need time, that any hesitation or struggle is something he would need to apologize for. I'm not talking about 1) the way he handled it- pouting, ignoring him, refusing to communicate, and eventually letting his anger impact the team, or 2) if he had made a derogatory remark like that fan did, or indicated that he now saw Colin as less of a man or a person- either of those would definitely need to be addressed and apologized for.
But simply failing to immediately be on board and accepting is now seen as a personal moral failing, and I find that troubling. Because it's essentially saying that someone thinking differently than I do is a moral failing. And this is why I specifically drew the line between someone struggling with this revelation, or even coming down on the other side, and someone thinking of Colin as less than, treating him poorly, or using offensive language. The latter are all obviously wrong. But someone viewing sexuality differently than you do is not automatically wrong, nor is struggling or failing to see it your way.
I understand that for many, sexuality is seen as a core part of identity, and as such, failing to accept it feels like rejecting the person as a whole. I sympathize with that. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to feel like someone is rejecting who you are. Especially the example that was given of a child waiting years for their parents to accept it. I don't want to minimize that pain at all. But just as someone else's understanding of sexuality, identity, and morality doesn't get to dictate yours, neither does yours get to dictate anyone else's. If you see sexuality as fundamental to who people are, that's fine. But others might not. And so they might see a clear distinction between an action they disagree with and a person they love and accept wholeheartedly. They might not be rejecting or judging the person at all, even if it feels that way to someone who doesn't see that distinction.
I think our culture has forgotten what tolerance means. Tolerance, by definition, implies a difference of opinion. Tolerance is saying I don't agree with you, even about something fundamental, but I respect your right to disagree with me, to make different choices than I would, to live your life as you see fit. I respect your inherent worth as a person, even as we both think the other is mistaken about whatever issue we're disagreeing on. But in our society today we have come to the point that anything short of immediate 100% agreement, acceptance, and celebration is seen as intolerance or prejudice. And that is problematic. And, ironically, intolerant.
It seems to me that one of the key aspects of a healthy relationship is the ability to disagree with one another in a respectful way. To discuss it, sure, and be clear about your own views... even to try to convince one another. But certainly not to assign blame or fault simply because they don't agree with you.
I wouldn’t like to see Roy and Keely back together. I feel that they are really really hinting at her and Jaime getting back together. I.E. when her photos got leaked he was the only one who had a really mature reaction and response to her.
I think the point of Nate currently is that he is less the villain of the story and more the victim of toxic masculinity. Season 1, he was shat on by the team constantly so he felt himself the victim and that his self doubt was rooted in that. After he was promoted to coach at Richmond, he felt the need to victimize those who had previously victimized him and his ego and power came from being that spitting-into-the-mirror bad guy. He saw cruelty as strength. Siding that with how Ted was the epitome of kindness (except for that one time where he blew up on Nate in the hotel - but then promptly apologized) he was conflicted with what made him, not only a good coach, but a strong man. He leaned heavily into those toxic traits, which, eventually, along with his coaching abilities, led him to be taken in by Rupert, who has a strong history of finding the weaknesses in people and using them for his own gains.
So I don't think the point is that Nate is the villain. I think it sets it up to seem that way at the end of S2 but S3 is chipping away at his badguy image. He's been seeking approval from others (his dad, Ted, and now Rupert) while being simultaneously victimized over the course of the entire show (whether it be by the Richmond players, his own self-doubt and ego, and now also with Rupert), and the real point is that he needs to grow into his own person instead of trying to win the approval of others. The balance between the traits he takes from the men he looks upto and the man he is inside are churning into him finally becoming the effective man and coach he needs to be.
Hopefully that was concise and coherent enough.
It’s really weird for me to hear a professional counselor say there was no closure provided, because if it’s one thing I’ve learned from my own mental health struggles AND my own experience as peer support… there is no such thing as closure.
When bad things happen, then change us, permanently. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. But the entire idea of closure infers that you’ll go back to a state of being similar to where you were before it happened, and that’s just not how things work. There’s just before and after, and how we deal with the after.
I think your idea of closure is very different to mine. For me, closure is never about getting back to the way things were, but about being able to process the experience well enough to let it go and learn from it. Closure doesn't take things back to how they were, but the sense of clear, positive ending (positive in the sense of closure) allows you to kind of wrap your head around it, see it as an arc that has ended, and move on. Not getting closure can sometimes leave you with an ongoing feeling of uncertainty or confusion that makes it difficult to process the experiences
@@mylittlethoughttree Im sorry, But for major trauma, thats Just Not true. There’s isn’t closure, There’s Just before, then during, then after. Yes, the goal Is learn The process and deal with what happened and how it changed you, but closure as we think of it just isn’t real for those major traumas. These is no resolution, There’s Just If You deal with It in a healthy ir unhealthy way.
Basically, go talk to someone who’s had a friend murdered (which i have,) or a parent who lost a child, and you’ll learn There’s no such thing as closure. Some wounds don’t heal Like That, my friend.
@@jakethet3206 well I don't think we're disagreeing here, this sounds more like an issue of semantics. There is no true "resolution" no, you can't erase a pain but you can experience enough of a sense of resolution in order to move forwards healthily. By resolution, I mean the ability to somewhat process it. Doesn't mean the pain isn't still there and won't still be a struggle but it still makes a big difference. Not removing the experience but also not being trapped by it. If it sounded like I was minimising your pain or suggesting it's something you just "get over" or anything like that, then that's definitely not my intention, that kind of trauma is an awful experience that will stay with you in a lot of ways. That said, I wouldn't go assuming I haven't experienced major trauma myself and haven't worked with, or have good friends, who know major trauma as well
@@mylittlethoughttree Semantics can be very important. Fact is that the very use of the word “closure” in reference to our traumas infers that closure is something that could be obtained, which isn’t what we need to be thinking about in those situations. The devil is in the details, right?
@@jakethet3206 well to be fair, I was always talking about closure in terms of a relationship ending between Jack and Keeley, not extreme trauma, so there's a definite difference there. Although, again, it depends on how you're defining closure because I don't think it is truly ever seen as something that perfectly resolves everything and leaves it all wrapped into a neat bow. Actually, that's not fair, people do hope for that and TV can idealise it in character arcs, but I don't think that makes the word entirely defunct
I still am completely baffled why there was SO much fan controversy over Rebecca and Sam’s relationship, but then when Keeley starts her relationship with Jack no one seemed bothered by the exact same power imbalance in the relationship. It feels slightly ageist to me, as if we’re okay with it because Keeley and Jack are younger women.
I mean, isn't at least half the issue the age difference? Sam was 20 years old. Jack and Keely are much closer in age, and they both run businesses.
Oh I completely hated the Keely Jack relationship for the power imbalance.
@@andrewdunn8778 Jack run's Keely's business though. Yes there is a greater age age difference with Rebecca and Sam, but Jack is still Keely's boss so the fact that Keely also runs her own business is sort of irrelevent because Jack has power over Keely's professional future even when the relationship ends. That was part of the outcry in the comment section on Ted Lasso videos or on Reddit when the topic was Rebecca and Sam, and I haven't seen that same response in those spaces this season.
This might be a stretch but I feel like we weren’t really supposed to see… ALL of Nate’s development. I felt like Ted, in that I saw hints (the audience sees him bullying will, Ted knows he was the anonymous source) but until the final episode of season 2, a lot of the emotions he was feeling slipped past us and by the end, both Ted and the audience was shocked my what he was saying… idk.
This might seem a bit backwards but I know when there's a new episode to watch when I get a My Little Thought Tree notification 😅
I think, and hope, that Roy & Keely won't get back together but he'll front up to her about why things ended. I also think they're building things up for Ted to leave Richmond at the end of the season and for Roy to take over the mantel, perhaps with Nate returning also? Either way, Roy's payoff will come in the last episode.
Roy & Keeley. I believe Roy needs Kelley just as much as Keeley needs Roy in their lives. They work together for great balance. They are yin and yang. They are peanut butter and chocolate.
For Nate I am unhappy that he still has the awkward bumbling. I would have hoped that he would have become more capable in the rest of his life and come to his redemption and growth despite this, that he would have an internal understanding of where his cruelty and anger in season 2 came from. Currently it seems he that he is being portrayed as a helpless victim of Rupert.
Im unhappy that "bad nate" petered out so quick. well Im happy for nate, buy still it seems like we havent had the ultimate showdown we were promised at the end of season 2
Nate's arc has been slow but satisfying thus far. It seems like they're setting up a showdown between Jade and Rupert though and I think I'll be disappointed if that's where it goes.
I wouldn't say Nate's growth has gone unearned, but I don't think he's suffered much adversity either. Since season 2, he got the job; made his parents proud; beat his old team; stood up to the model; and won the girl. We are supposed to understand that he had the skill the whole time, but just lacked the self-esteem. But I really hate it when people tell others to "just be yourself" or "you have to love yourself first". I hate it because it's not true, it comes from a place of privilege, and it's often used as an answer when someone is looking for a friend.
I have yet to hear anyone tell another person: "I'm sorry to the see the racism you have to deal with in dating." That is a true thing that happens and it has nothing to do with confidence or emotional health. When someone says, "You wouldn't be so down about it if you were more emotionally healthy," on the other hand, just about as heartless as I can think of.
Not many people need to be reminded of the things they cannot control when they are experiencing them. But sometimes the things they can control aren't enough for what they want in life. And at that point, the only thing to do is make sure you're going about those things the right way and the best way you can. So I hope that Nate's answer isn't that being able to ground himself in his own value isn't the panacea for everything that he had to surprise his desire for in the first season. That would be a story I've heard too many times before
I think I'd like to see them work more with the Diamond Dogs issue to parallel Richmond. Ted Lasso's team is not about winning, but about building the right group of people around you. Maybe Jade is the first piece of that puzzle for Nate. Maybe Nate is the first piece of that puzzle for Jade (that would be neat). Not very many episodes left to get there though... we shall see
I don't think Isaac was concerned in any way about team showers with Colin, to me it came off as him genuinely wondering how he doesn't get a boner. Like Isaac said, "I'd defo get a boner" 😂
For me, the term "woke" refers to a political ideology that is seemingly enforced upon culture from some top-down hierarchy to control the way that people interact, stifle any dissenting beliefs/opinions, and regulate the language that people are "allowed" to use. I agree completely that Colin's character arc is neither forced nor preachy, and therefore neither "woke" nor a problem. Saying something about culture, human interaction, or compassion is not woke in my eyes, but when force or coercion is seemingly applied, and when it becomes more of a political agenda than a simple examination or statement, it becomes more woke. I hope I made my views clear enough; feel free to ask any questions you might have.
Thanks for introducing me to a surprisingly good show that I have now binge-watched and will remember for a long time. Your assessments are top-notch, as is your taste in media.
My question would only be some examples of what constitutes ideology being forced from top down? Do you mean like government propaganda or something?
@@mylittlethoughttree More likely industry ideologues, but in some cases like cable news, actual government involvement. I think that there are a lot of good-hearted people that are compassionate and want to be genuinely kind who are duped into believing that the Progressive political movement is actually driven by compassion. I also think there are a lot of very powerful people who recognize that they can brow-beat a lot of their more timid opposition into submission by making it appear that anyone who doesn't agree with them is a bad, mean person. They also recognize that the more they divide people by race, class, sexuality, gender, religion, etc., the less they even have to do to acquire more power. Focusing on categories like that as the main or sometimes only characterization for characters within media shows that someone never intended to write a human story, just a political message. Creating a character like Colin -- with lots of well-formed traits, interactions, and feelings other than simply "he's gay" -- shows the hand of a skilled writer telling a beautiful human story that gives people insight into the lives of people different from themselves to help them better relate to their fellow man.
I'm happy to try to answer any further questions you have. I fully realize that you and I don't see eye-to-eye politically, but I also recognize that you are a very good-hearted man who seems willing to engage with and entertain viewpoints to which you don't personally subscribe. Cheers!
Nate's characterization is very consistent between S2 and S3. I don't know if I'd agree about Nate reading about himself in the news as a way to feed his ego. It kinda fits but feels awkward. Nate's character is deeply insecure in his self-worth and hence latches onto external sources/markers of said worth. If Ted says he is worthy, he is worthy. If the media hails him as worthy, he is worthy. With the news articles and with Ted, more subtly so, he is chasing that dopamine hit of approval and acceptance.
Once he moves to West Ham, he has made it, so to speak. His tactical acumen is on full display and he has raised a mid-table team to the top of the table. So he has lesser to prove to others and to take the place of that insecurity, the guilt of what he did to get here starts seeping in.
I think that scene in the club with Rupert is a lot more significant than it may seem on the surface. I think it mirrors, from Nate's perspective at least, what happened at the end of S2. Rupert approached him for the role of manager at West Ham and instead of staying loyal to Ted, he burned those bridges and walked away leaving a pile of debris in his wake. A lot of rage and unmet (unjust?) expectations fueled that decision and more importantly, it came from a place of hurt. The club scene; it was like deja vu. Rupert representing temptation again and Jade representing the healthy relationship that Ted had fulfilled in the previous season. This time since Nate has matured a bit and is in a more stable place, he is able to turn down that temptation and go back to Jade. In his mind, this is making up for what he did to Ted in the sense that he had the correct decision this time. I know he still has to actually make it up to Ted but it had a lot of weight for him to break down like that in Jade's arms. He managed to not succumb to his self-destructive tendencies and chose to not throw away the one good thing in his life.
Sorry for the wall of text but I feel strongly about Nate's character and am happy he is getting his redemption arc. Fans had a far too vitriolic reaction to his characterization in S2 and it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Love these videos
I think they did a lot of rewriting of Nate because they were surprised by how much people hated Nate after his turn in season 2. They seem to have removed some things that I feel like were planned (more of him being a tyrannical jerk to his West Ham players seemed like an obvious trajectory in the first episode and now we never see him coaching at all) and it's made his redemption arc suffer because it feels unearned.
I think your comments about Nate are the drawbacks to not having a longer season of a comedy, I think with 22 episode seasons the jumps they make of Nate being the kit man and then assistant coach in season 1 and developing into a real coach by the end of season 2 could get flushed out more and we wouldn’t also have to do these exposition drops of “oh they’ve won 10 in a row now” and actually spend a bit more time with Ted this season bc it felt like he’s really taken a back seat which is unfortunate really after how strong of a season 2 he had
I am very worried about the Ted/Michelle situation, the only truly NO for me is them getting back together. I’m not a huge fan of Keeley and Roy getting back bc I think they showed how incompatible they are for the long run despite the love and respect they have, but I still like them. But honestly, realistically, if they do get together, they won’t last. She clearly was able to move on and he hasn’t yet, and while part of her can still be in love with him, clearly they are in different levels in a lot of things and at their core they prioritize different things in life. The very quote of Roy saying his grandparents never spoke to each other as if this was good and Keeley being pretty much the opposite, Roy needing someone to prioritize him bc he is in a part of life where he wants to focus in family and his partner, while Keeley is rising now and quite busy. They are set up for failure and if they do get together again, is for the rom-com aspect of the show.
About Nate, I think even in season 2 when he was at his worst, he still had his good things. Not so much with Will bc they didn’t actually show the resolution to that, and Colin could be only bc Beard saw them, but with Ted he was nervous and I believe he was regretful with what he had done and we also don’t know how much in talks with Rupert he was at that point, or what Rupert said at the funeral. Rupert is a master manipulator, he got Rebecca under his spell, so someone so insecure as Nate would be easier.
As for Rebecca, I think we getting to her big dilemma next episode. The billionaire dude from Ghana will be back apparently and while I hope she doesn’t sell for him, I know for a fact she needs a truth bomb to drop Ted and I don’t know what could be. My only thought is if they are going towards a romantic route for them. Why do I say this?
Episode 2x11 Rebecca told Ted she had an affair with Sam and Ted said: same place same time last year you dropped another truth bomb on me. And Rebecca says: see you next year. I don’t know what she could possibly have for him this year. At the beginning of the season I thought she could be pregnant lol and if they are going with them romantically, Ted could perhaps say he is going back and she realizes something and asks him to stay (maybe billionaire dude wants Ted to coach another team he is buying? lol). Or it’s a uno reverse and Ted will drop the bomb? I have no idea. But I think next episode will move it forward for her “truth bomb”.
My ideal end for Ted would be Henry moving to England, bc even if he doesn’t continue at Richmond, I don’t think he has a lot back in the US, apart from Henry. If he goes back, he is alone and without all this life he built and poor Beard, would he go back? But I also think they are setting up for Roy to take the mantle (hopefully without Nate bc I don’t think he could go back to Richmond even with the redemption).
I’m nervous, because while I don’t ship Ted and Rebecca with fervor, so far them getting together is the only ending I can see that Ted doesn’t go back to Michelle and I think it fits too, bc he wouldn’t continue coaching if they are in a relationship. Who knows?
I think I agree that the first couple of episodes set up an arc that has yet to pay off with Nate. What it seemed to be indicating is that despite his tactical expertise, Nate cannot properly train or motivate a team and was either going to disintegrate the team by destroying morale or push them to the breaking point and cause preventable losses. So far though, West Ham seems to be completely unaffected, and he's not recieved any development in terms of his management style or the way he treats his staff
I'd prefer to see Keeley and Roy get back together, but I can see them not getting back together in a way that would also be ok. I don't want Keeley and Jack to get back together.
as someone who has often been demonized for disliking a number of characters who i felt were shoved down my throat and felt out of place (examples include: adding characters like captain marvel who is stronger than everyone the whole time, or characters like rey who was the strongest jedi for no reason, never trained and seems like the whole thing was like “i don’t need no man”) i think the colin thing here was AWESOME! my biggest thing was always, male girls, gays, whatever inclusive people just good characters that fit, and i’ll love it. i hate old characters being replaced for inclusivity or characters that are meant to be badass but just aren’t likable because they have no “weaknesses”. no clue if that made sense lol, but hopefully conveyed my point, basically i just hate when writing is sloppy, feels disingenuous
Yeah, I won't argue with that. For years, movies have pandered to what they think will appeal. James Bond, in many ways, was a one dimensional stereotype that always appealed to white men. There's nothing exactly wrong with that, it's just not great writing. Cinema has always been littered with examples of it. I don't agree when people argue it's all some big, conspiracy-style "agenda" to push LGTBQ+. I don't think that, I just think some stories are badly written because corporate suits take over and remove the nuance. That's what makes Ted Lasso's portrayal of Colin so satisfying
With Nate's plotline, I've found it interesting that my partner and I have differing opinions- she thinks it's well paced and just right whereas I agree with you, it feels like a leap we haven't seen has been made to speed up the redemption. My partner has watched the seasons spread out when they aired whereas I had speed binged the series and caught up to watch with her and watching it right up to this episode back to back, I've not forgiven Nate being such a bully as a viewer and that part it doesn't feel like he's changed or learned from. We never saw him treating players or staff better. It doesn't feel complete and we're rushing to the end of the series. Plus I'm a little sick of seeing so much of him when others could be given more space to be explored. I know not everyone will agree but that's how I'm feeling right now.
I’m curious on your thoughts on the decision made by the show to not actually show Colin coming out to his teammates? With how the show normally handles things I found it a bit odd they decided not to show the players’ and coaches’ first reactions to what he said
I personally liked that they did this. It made me feel like it was an important and still private moment for Colin and gave him some dignity in the situation. We already knew that information and we got the group reaction so I felt that was good.
@@tristagarcia7988 that makes a lot of sense. I was just curious to see how people would have initially responded to what would have been news out of nowhere to them all, baring in mind he’d be the first professional footballer at that level to have come out
Thomas hitzlsperber ex Aston villa did come out. But he was in germany at the time and I think he retired
Jack is what keely thought she needed and their relationship wasn’t great to start off with love bombing her I feel like personally think Keely and Roy will end up together cause well they never really addressed it and it was kind of just done because they were afraid of the change
Nothing to add in relation to Collin and Isaac.
About Roy and Keeley, I don't want them to go back together. I think in Life sometimes we meet the right people in the wrong time. That's ok. I don't like the idea that someone is "meant for" someone else. You can find love with someone else even though you have loved someone before.
I agree with the nate comments... he lacked confidence... he would tear down other players... demoralizing them... without building them back up... so the story arc of him being a jerk... having some success... but then being void of conflict and difficulty over the season... it is hollow. Every team has the occasional losing streak... the occasional challenge... and how he responds is significant... and based on his 3 season story arc... the suggestion is that he won't handle it well. But... There could be the case made that yes... as an assistant... he didn't get the credit he felt he was owed... making him insecure... now that he is the head coach... he feels confident in his skills/abilities and is more like bill parcells... a little sharp tongued... but towards a goal... but they haven't shown the towards a goal part of his coaching style.
I get what you mean about Nate's turn being too sudden. I like to think/hope they will later reveal that he reached out to Ted off screen, and has been growing partly thanks to their secret friendship. I confess, even this explanation could be a bit of a weak Deus ex Machina.
i think keely jamie and roy all need to end the series single and happy because you can be single and happy
Roy and Keely: I have competing goals for them. I would like Keely to be happy by herself and not need to be anyone's girlfriend. For Roy, I would like him to let himself he happy and loved by someone (ideally Keely). Clearly I am going to be disappointed one way or another.
This was my favorite episode of the series so far. So much payoff!
I think this show is trying to be a little more grounded than other fiction. It's not realistic for a group of people to get into a new situation that gets fully resolved every week. Ted Lasso is more along the ways of how to make positive change: small consistent steps over time.
Something deeper... Nate's dad
Colin's story isn't "woke" at all.
Keeley suddenly having a same sex relationship was out of nowhere but I think they handled that well too.
If I was to consider one storyline openly "woke" in this show it would be Sam's storyline, because that's the one that gets openly and blatantly political whilst not showing any nuance but just straight up condemnation.....Brindi Barot being so clearly named after and based on Priti Patel whilst also being portrayed as "white" {which ignores the reality that being Anti-Illegal Immigration is NOT about "Race"!} was the single worst scene in this show.
Sam's storyline in that episode was also clearly based on the Marcus Rashford furore and the idea that anyone who disagreed with Rashford's stance and actions had to be a "racist".
... am I the only one who's noticed that Trent has a rainbow cup with a gay rights slogan on it? Anyone? Beuller? C'mon, Beard for sure knows what it is.