Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 6, “Sunflowers,” is by far the best episode of the season to date. It may also be one of the best episodes of the series so far. This episode has everything and moves characters forward in meaningful ways. Taking the Greyhounds out of England is a change that they clearly so desperately need. This episode is a chance for everyone to re-focus and re-prioritize. This will be essential as the season begins its second half. 

Immediately, the star of the show is Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham). Watching her take this time for herself and just relax is so viscerally satisfying. Rebecca has needed this period of radical rest for some time. This story isn’t about her connecting with a handsome Dutch stranger, although that certainly is a bonus for Rebecca and for viewers. Instead, the steadfast focus on Rebecca re-connecting with herself is a necessary one. While this character’s been chasing fairy stories told by a psychic, it’s really nice to see her just settle into herself. 

Roy’s (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie’s (Phil Dunster) bonding is among the sweetest stories on this episode. These two have come so far individually. This episode showcases how far they have come in their friendship. It’s been said before, but it’s worth repeating that these two have such a phenomenal chemistry every time they’re on screen together. This episode makes clear that these two should spend way more time together, just the two of them. They so perfectly complement each other even while they appear to be polar opposites. 

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 6, “Sunflowers,” finally puts Ted (Jason Sudeikis) back in the driver’s seat of his own destiny. After an entire series of having this man blatantly continue to refuse to learn anything about the sport he’s paid to coach, he’s tapping into the visionary he maybe always could have been. While this might come just a bit too late, he too spends this episode finding himself. After being caught up in the heartbreak and disappointment of his personal life, this feels like the opportune time for him to engage in some self-reflection rather than simply preaching this to his team. 

For the Greyhounds as a team, this episode feels like a turning point. Taking them out of England. Being in Holland isn’t just a chance for Jan (David Elsendoorn) to showcase his home turf. This is an opportunity for the team to uncover how incohesive the team has become. When even making small decisions causes this much chaos, it’s time for the team to engage in some serious regrouping. Dani (Cristo Fernández) and his tulip are the perfect illustration of how much the Greyhounds just need to stop, smell the flowers, and stay in the moment.

Unfortunately, if there is any complaint to be made about this episode, it’s that there is still no Keeley (Juno Temple). She has always been an integral part of this team. She’s still sidelined, probably going on side-quests for no one to see. This is such a shame because Keeley absolutely deserves her own Amsterdam moment. Hopefully, she will still get one. 

At the halfway point of the final season, Ted Lasso may have finally found its footing. This episode manages to distil everything about what makes these characters loveable as individuals and what makes this team so compelling to watch. If the rest of the season has storytelling like this, we are all in for a massive treat. The characters could be in for a send-off for the ages. 

Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV+.