Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 8, “We’ll Never Have Paris,” is among the most heartbreaking and poignant episodes of the season yet. This is truly the best that the series has to offer. The combination of drama and humour pulls everything together in a spectacular way. There are course corrections being made that will hopefully serve the rest of the season well. It’s a shame that the season has taken so long to capitalize on these story vignettes.
The social commentary on this episode is incredibly on point. The issue of sharing intimate personal photos is all too real. This episode illustrates just how adept this series can be at providing compassionate analysis of issues that impact real people. This episode features a utopian vision of men holding one another accountable. This is a welcome change from focusing on the trauma that such a violation can be for women and other marginalized genders.
While Keely (Juno Temple) has been sidelined from the Greyhounds for most of the season so far, there’s a sense that that might be changing. While it might make some fans upset to see Keely end up with her ex Jamie (Phil Dunster), there’s actually a story here that could be heartwarming. Jamie himself has experienced so much growth this season. There is a universe where this new, mature version of Jamie Tartt is worthy of Keely Jones.
Elsewhere, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) finally has to put his money where his mouth is. He talks so often about how important being a father is to him. It’s clear here that his own pain actually blinds him from being the father he wants to be. This is an important aspect of this character for the show to address. This feels like the right choice, to show Ted just trying his best, but being invited to do better for his son.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 8, “We’ll Never Have Paris,” thankfully features Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) being the best friend Ted could possibly ask for. Is their relationship here setting up for some kind of endgame? Perhaps. In the meantime though, it’s so sweet that Rebecca cares so genuinely for Ted and wants him to see what’s right in front of him. It makes sense that Rebecca is the one to remind Ted that he can do better.
Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) redemption arc is still not working because it’s been rushed. What is interesting is how much he continues to mirror Ted even as he tries to pull further and further away from his former mentor. This is a fascinating and bittersweet dynamic that the series could focus on for the remainder of the series. By doing so, the inevitable reunion between Ted and Nate will be that much sweeter.
This episode is proof that Ted Lasso has more stories to tell. It feels as though the team is finally able to grow this season. Rather than focusing on side-quests, the team is able to come together as an inevitable conclusion gets that much closer. It also seems as though things are coming to a head, and these beloved characters will have to choose their own respective paths. All we as fans can do is enjoy the ride to what hopefully isn’t the finish line.
Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV+.