And just like that Ted Lasso‘s second season came to an end tying up the plots that were launched in the new stage of the characters’ lives, who are now preparing for the third and final phase of the series. That’s right, from the beginning Jason Sudeikis warned that it was a three-chapter story, see if he changes his mind.

Today’s post will be 100% spoiler free. If you haven’t seen it, come back tomorrow. (But come back!)

How do we create our own antagonists?

The big theme of the season was to witness the destruction of the soul of a sweet and submissive person like Nate and turn him into an arrogant, narcissistic, insecure, and bad character. It is the inversion of the success pyramid that gives the episode its name.

It was obvious to us Rupert’s play against Rebecca, who got sweeter and lost focus of her hurt against him. He was screaming in front of us that he was going to buy another team and that he was going to take Nate with him. Because Nate, as I mentioned before, is “right” in a few things. Without him, Ted wouldn’t have had any wins because so far he doesn’t seem to understand football. Or care. On the other hand, Nate – and no one else – is suspicious of the personal tragedy that led to Ted being the way he is, and acting the way he does and it becomes even more frustrating to see the coach being judged harshly on his appearance when inside he is not what others see. Nate, on the other hand, is transparent and simple, comparatively. He suffers racism, he has a father who destroyed his self-esteem and he doesn’t just want recognition, he wants popularity. And he doesn’t have the personality for it. Nate just looks at the greener grass next door. Rupert is literally the Iago, whispering in her ear and planting the seed of jealousy. Jealousy is a disease without return and is fatal. Nate and Ted’s relationship will never be the same, even if one day they understand each other.

So we say goodbye to a dark, hurt Nate who is intent on destroying Ted Lasso and Richmond FC, something Rupert shares. Once again, the series was brilliant in making us follow this fall into the void because we understand all of Nate’s motivations, we only regret that he lost faith, a clear symbol when he leaves the torn “believe” sign on Ted’s desk. The challenge has been launched.

Couples in crisis, new friendships

Sam and Rebecca are still out in the open. The player made his attack by deciding for the heart instead of a millionaire career. Now her decision is missing.

Keeley and Roy are at an impasse that happens but is empty. They love each other, but they don’t know if they have a future. Keeley is finding herself as a successful businesswoman and that is her passion. Roy, more experienced, has already seen the end, yet the two still ended up “together”, but more apart than anyone else. So does Coach Beard, who won’t yo-yo with his bipolar girlfriend.

Jaime Tart’s change, the opposite of Nate’s, is that he became looser this season. Docility is a novelty, but all he wants – apparently – is Roy’s approval and affection. Jaime’s path on this journey remains uncertain.

And now we have to wait a year to see the showdown. Ted has unwittingly created a monster that knows his failings as a coach and – without Nate – will have to prove that he’s more than a great person, he’s a great coach. And we haven’t seen that part yet…