Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 9, “La Locker Room Aux Folles,” brings the Greyhounds back into focus at what feels like a critical moment. While everything still isn’t completely coming together with this season, this episode features so much of what makes this series great. The continued focus on character-driven stories is what gives this series and this episode heart and soul. 

Immediately, Colin (Billy Harris) is nothing less than an absolute gem. While commentary on the accuracy of his story must be strictly left to critics and viewers from the LGBTQ+ community, this entire arc has been incredibly emotional and ultimately heartwarming to watch. It’s long past time that the Greyhounds, as a team and as individuals were asked to examine their own homophobia, even though they may say that they support their teammate.

Perhaps the Greyhound who shines brightest next to Colin is Isaac (Kola Bokinni). Isaac represents a beautiful and sensitive way to show a straight, cis-gendered man confronting his own biases regarding the LGBTQ+ community. He confronts these biases and is given the space to grow, change, and ultimately become a supportive ally. The grace he is given on this episode is well-earned, as he displays in his actions that he is committed to maintaining his change. 

Additionally, Ted Lasso continues to be unmatched in its analysis of how necessary it is for men to have healthy outlets for their emotions. No one once excuses Isaac’s behaviour. Instead, it is used as an opportunity for everyone to self-reflect and then be honest about their own feelings. No one is criticized for feeling how they feel. Instead, the entire team is invited to examine how their good intentions may ultimately be damaging. They are never invited to turn their emotions into anything resembling destructive behaviour. 

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 9, “La Locker Room Aux Folles,” also features a major step-up from Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein). It might be a little strange that his tough-love moment comes from Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham). In the end, however, her words of wisdom end up being exactly what Roy needs to hear. He isn’t exempt from having to examine his own past actions. He’s also invited to be radically honest with himself and those around him. There’s a whole new depth to Roy Kent that’s been unlocked.

Unfortunately, the Nate (Nick Mohammed) storyline still isn’t totally working. Everyone knows that Rupert (Anthony Head) is the definition of the Worst. That message doesn’t need to be hammered home with a convoluted story involving Rupert hiring sex workers for Nate. This episode continues to rush Nate’s redemption arc along. Nate shouldn’t be given a gold star for realizing a various obvious case of sleazy behaviour on Rupert’s part. 

Ted Lasso proves again that there is a future for these characters beyond Ted himself. As the series apparently winds down (for now, possibly), there are evidently a lot of stories left to tell. Ted (Jason Sudeikis) himself remains firmly in the background, and that’s okay. The future of the Greyhounds is evidently in good hands if the team dynamics are this healthy. Time will tell if the series can maintain this momentum to the finish line. 

Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV+.