Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 2, “I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea,” continues the work of the premiere. This episode continues to set up the fact that this season is going to focus on how much each of the characters has grown. The second episode of the season sets up the fact that certain characters still have emotional baggage to work through. However, if they can conquer that they can probably conquer anything including Chelsea.
Trent Krim (James Lance) is back, and he’s more glorious than ever. His hair is poofy, and his observations are still on point. Now, he’s writing a book about the Greyhounds. He’s clearly the man for the job, with his insight and dogged determination. This is the perfect new adventure for Trent after demonstrating his integrity as a reporter. The fact that he’s unphased by being frozen out is proof that he is exactly where he needs to be.
The dynamic between Trent and Roy (Brett Goldstein) is genuinely heartbreaking. It’s a shame that the episode doesn’t spend more time with these two. They are two sides of the same coin. They both came from places of trying to prove themselves when everyone around them doubted them. Now, having achieved so much, they have the same choice to make. They can be stuck in the past, or they can look to the future. This is a budding friendship worth exploring.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 2, “I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea,” shines a spotlight on the best character on the series, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham). Watching her in action is always thrilling. This is another example of her knowing exactly what she wants and pursuing it single-mindedly. Although it seems like she wants Zava so that her ex-husband can’t have him, it’s obvious that above all else, she wants what is best for her team.
The fact that Rebecca can be so self-reflective and recognize how exactly Rupert was able to seduce her is a credit to her character. She’s obviously able to recognize what she saw in him. She could so easily hold so much resentment towards Rupert and towards that time period in her life. Instead, she’s able to see how much she has grown. More broadly, she, and by extension viewers, are able to recognize the strength it took for this character to move forward and pave her own way.
Ted Lasso continues to set up resolutions for all of these beloved characters. If the remainder of the season is going to allow this kind of emotional development and reflection, viewers are in for a fulfilling, if devastating ride. This is the core of what makes Ted Lasso great. Add in some solidly relatable friendships, and this final season is set up for success.
Stray Thoughts:
- Ted’s reaction to Roy and Keely breaking up is a whole mood.
- Mary from Ghosts is really a tight-ass, isn’t she? Still love her though.
- Relatedly, Shandy is one of the best and most chaotic new characters.
- Zava is going to cause all kinds of shenanigans, isn’t he?
Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV+.