Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 1, “Smells Like Mean Spirit,” kicks off the show’s final season with grace and laughs. This is the beginning of the end, and there’s a bittersweet feeling that is palpable throughout this final season premiere. Returning to Richmond feels like a homecoming. The stage has been set for an emotional goodbye. In the meantime, we are all where we’re meant to be, basking in the glow of one more comforting adventure. 

Immediately, Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) story is clearly one to focus on. This man has achieved everything he ever wanted, except one thing; the love of a father. His constant search for external validation has blinded him to the success he’s achieved. This trajectory is a devastatingly sad one. He has had infinite opportunities to save himself, yet he would rather wallow in the love he never had than focus on all that he has and the enormous opportunities he’s been given.

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 1, “Smells Like Mean Spirit,” also delves into the fact that Nate was always going to be a villain in this story. His infantile reaction to being disrespected is already starting to pay off. The way that Ted (Jason Sudeikis) taps into his self-deprecating self is so obviously triggering to Nate. This will be important for Nate to deal with. Otherwise, he will spend so much of his life fixated on mending his own wounded pride.

Jamie Tarr’s (Phil Dunster) arc is another that feels like it’s coming full circle. Even in small moments, he shows leadership and grace. This is a far cry from the cocky turd that was introduced in Season 1. He is carving out a place on this team and establishing himself as someone his teammates can look up to. In many ways, Jamie’s story is the opposite of Nate’s. Jamie has only grown more confident in himself. 

Jamie has been perfectly set up for a redemption arc that could cause a lot of emotional damage in the best possible way. Watching him step into his own is so sweet. This has been a build-up to the hero this team needs and deserves. Jamie Tartt is well on his way to healing his father wound. Everyone around him will no doubt be better for it. 

Ted Lasso is back, and this goodbye is going to be a difficult one. The premiere effectively sets the tone for the rest of the season. The beginning of the end is here. It’s evident where many of the characters are heading as the series draws to a close. Equally, it’s obvious that there are so many more stories to tell in the Lasso-verse. Hopefully, this season will be the starting point of a whole new chapter for the Greyhounds. 

Stray Thoughts:

• Ted’s story is set up to be the weakest of the season. If it’s because of the aftermath of the Olivia Wilde mess, fair enough. 
• I have to believe in Keely and Roy as a couple. If there’s no love for them, there’s no love for anyone. 
• Props to Dr. Sharon for moving on and getting some. We see you and we love you.

Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV+.