I still don’t understand how we got to the second episode of the final season of Ted Lasso without addressing how the romance between Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) and Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) is moving forward or has stalled for some time. Whatever’s going on, it was on good terms, but it seems to me that it’s over. After all, the businesswoman’s focus returned to reacting to the evils of Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head), a cruel man whose favorite pastime is bringing out the worst in people. By the way, has his son been born yet? What happened to that subplot?

These are some unanswered questions. Phoebe’s teacher who derailed the romance between Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) has also disappeared. Nothing that matters, apparently. The central theme of the season seems to be deciding when to stop/leave/return, or, as Ted (Jason Sudeikis) wondered: knowing what we are doing where we are.

The fact that the coach continues without understanding the rules of the game, thinking of strategies without using that of others or even knowing the names of the biggest players in the market already lost its charm at the end of the first season and only reinforces the fact that Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed) has some reason for his resentment. It’s in a few small outbursts that Ted shows himself to be a man of the pulse and not the clueless loudmouth: when he took out on Nate his frustration at being divorced, in season 1, and when he got fed up with seeing that Roy was chasing Trent Crimm (James Lace), the former journalist who is now writing a book about Lasso and the AFC Richmond, who were getting the players ice. Ted has an inverted courage to face constraints: he doesn’t run away from the line and doesn’t like those who do.

Hence comes one of the surprises of the episode, tied in several situations. The executioners of our mental health, and our self-esteem, usually come from the past and in different roles. Trent spilled his venom when he wrote about a fledgling Roy years ago, forever undermining the player’s self-confidence, building a cynical and aggressive wall as Roy never forgot the harsh words about him. The journalist confirms that he also did it out of insecurity, he needed to prove that he was a shrewd reporter at the time and as both have come a long way, the apologies are accepted.

The same is not true of Rebecca and Rupert. She shares with Keeley her ex-husband’s effective method of attack: being charming, persistent, and making “you feel unique and special.” He got over her cynicism years ago when she realized it would be a mess to get involved with him, but the game was effective and now she’s stuck with the negative reactions he knows to awaken in her. That’s what he’s doing with Nate and what he tries to do with new player Zava, but he ‘loses’ to Rebecca who is in charge of changing things.

It’s interesting how consistent Ted Lasso is with Rebecca. The series was born from her problem in this unhealthy relationship with her ex, even with success and new romances, it is her wounded ego that brings out the worst in her and Ruppert delights in touching the wound. So, in the mirror of all relationships, Rebecca has a soft spot when it comes to him, but she has more wins than she usually counts. Ruppert doesn’t conform to his ex’s autonomy and the battle bothers us. And entertain.

Ted almost faints when he learns about the separation of the couple he helped form and – like everyone else – he doesn’t understand the reason for the end of Roy and Keeley. But we have the tip. The press agent was one of the most recognized “soccer groupies”, exposing herself (literally) in sensual photos, accepting to be presented as an object, and jumping from one relationship to another with players. Her best friends follow like this, like Shandy (Ambreen Razia), an intelligent woman, but always connected to the players. Shandy is the one who reminds Keeley of the importance of her split from Roy: she is an independent woman who has achieved success WITHOUT owing it to any boyfriend or husband.

Only women know what it’s like to live in the shadow of their relationships, even if Roy isn’t a bad guy. And no, she still hasn’t been able to prove herself to people. Even her Chief Financial Officer, Barbara (Katie Wix), is prejudiced against her boss, judging her professional ability based on her background and appearance. And when Keeley finally confronts her, things seem to fall into line.

Without Nate to prove himself around him, Ted now has the mirror in Roy to break his skepticism. The former player “comes home”, in this case, a game against his former team, Chelsea FC, and is honored by the loving crowd. The conflict between what he had with the public and what he heard from the press generated insecurity in him, so much so that, when he thought he was going to lose everything because he didn’t know when to stop, he anticipated his retirement to maintain the appearance of control in his life. However, as he confesses, he didn’t take time to enjoy what he had when he had it, something that unwittingly reinforces Ted’s own questioning.

The American coach is contemplating returning to the United States and being close to his son, even more so as his ex-wife is already moving on with her life. Ted’s doubt is not if he will return, but when he should return and it looks like it will be soon.

The second episode was more flawed than usual brilliance, with the hand forced into “funny” situations with the team and the loose points being kind of obvious. But I believe in Ted, so it was just a stumble.

Before I forget, here’s my guess on what will happen at the end of the season: Ted Lasso will be invited to be the coach of the American Football Team, which will host the 2026 World Cup (with Canada and Mexico). That’s why he’s leaving London and AFC Richmond. The path is all drawn. But before that, he’ll have to face Nate and help Rebecca get over Rupert. Roy and Keeley? They are already our Rachel and Ross…