Apple TV’s beloved series, Ted Lasso, is back and better than ever. Season 3 continues to deliver heartwarming moments while placing a renewed emphasis on the characters’ journeys toward improving their mental health. Meanwhile, they must navigate the unique personalities on their team and compete in the Premier League.
The new episodes pick up at the start of the football season after Nathan Shelley falls out with AFC Richmond in last season’s finale. West Ham has now snatched up the “The Wonder Kid” as their new head coach, setting up a potential rivalry between him and Ted Lasso.
We quickly learn that this latest shift in coaching staff has AFC Richmond pegged as the underdogs in the league. Media outlets and journalists, in the show, are accrediting the brilliance of their previous season to Coach Nate’s tactics.
Professionally, the stakes can not be higher for these characters, but the show’s deliberate focus on the characters’ mental health challenges adds a layer of emotional depth. To underscore the importance of mental health awareness this season, the cast of the show went the extra mile and visited the White House to share their thoughts on the subject.
Mental Health in Ted Lasso Season 3
What challenges does Ted Lasso face?
Ted Lasso may be a beacon of hope for his team, but even he faces his own set of challenges. Despite the chaos of his personal life, Coach Lasso remains optimistic about his players’ chances of success. However, when he sends his son home in the first episode of the season, the harsh reality of his family situation finally sets in.
Throughout the series, Ted tackles most of his problems with his trademark humor and positive charm, but even he has his limits. In addition to striving to help others achieve their goals, Ted is faced with enormous obstacles, including the struggle to avoid panic attacks that plagued him in the previous season.
Despite the challenges he faces, Ted attempts to uphold unwavering positivity and a commitment to his team. By focusing on the things he can control, such as his attitude and his actions, he is generally able to overcome obstacles and inspire those around him. And, we will see how it plays out for him again in Season 3.
Everyone struggles with mental health
The third season of Ted Lasso has already showcased a remarkable ability to tackle the issue of mental health with its relatable characters and their struggles. While the titular character continues to overcome his own obstacles, other characters like Roy, Keeley, Nathan, and Rebecca have also been given a chance to confront their own vulnerabilities.
It’s refreshing to see how the show has emphasized that everyone has their own struggles with mental health, which is a universal issue that affects people from all walks of life. Roy’s emotional outburst in front of Ted and Trent Crimm was another example, showing how even the most confident and fearless leaders can have moments of weakness, and how opening up and sharing your feelings can be a crucial step toward healing.
Perhaps one of the most interesting character arcs this season is that of Ted’s new rival, Nathan, who is under tremendous pressure to prove himself and gain validation from his peers. His need for acceptance and validation reflects a problem that many people face in their own lives, and it’s fascinating to see how he copes with it. As the season progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how all of these characters continue to evolve and overcome their struggles with mental health.
How the characters will grow in Season 3
As Season 3 of Ted Lasso kicks off, we see Coach Lasso imparting yet another important lesson to his team and viewers alike. Through his quirky analogies and roundabout way of speaking, Ted’s well-woven dialogue emphasizes the need for a strong support network. He highlights the value of relying on others for a pick-me-up when lacking in confidence and staying connected with one another to let go of unnecessary stress.
Ted’s hopefulness and positive outlook propel his team forward despite the daunting and overwhelming task ahead of them. While most characters find solace in Ted’s words, unexpected relationships and support systems also begin to take shape, setting the stage for exciting growth in Season 3.
One character who shows real signs of growth early on in Season 3 is Jamie Tartt, AFC Richmond’s star player. We see him beginning to shed his selfish and arrogant persona, hinting at a potential redemption arc, but he faces a setback upon the announcement of a new star player coming to the club. However, not all characters are on the same path early in the season. Nate, Rupert, and Rebecca, who have each come into the season with their own self-serving agendas, must decide whether to continue their destructive behavior or learn that it only hurts them in the long run.
As the season progresses, we can look forward to seeing how these characters will evolve and face the challenges ahead.`And, we can even take what lessons we can, regarding mental health, and adapt the practices that work best for us.