This week's penultimate episode of season 2 of Ted Lasso seemed to set up a disappointing end to the season for audiences hoping for a happy resolution. The series has been following several story threads over the season, each of which came to a head at the end of the penultimate episode. With the possibility of character dynamics changing, viewers are understandably anxious about the various decisions to be made in the season finale. Ted Lasso season 2, episode 11, “Midnight Train to Royston”, ended with cliffhangers to three of the subplots that the season has built up.
First, there is the fate of Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley’s (Juno Temple) relationship, which was left uncertain after Keeley told Roy about ex-boyfriend Jamie Tartt’s (Phil Dunster) profession of love to her. Roy likewise told Keeley about an innocent encounter with a woman in which he didn’t disclose that he was in a relationship. Second, there is the Ted/Nate subplot, in which Nate (Nick Mohammed) has become dissatisfied with not getting the glory in his job as an assistant coach. This has led him to betray Ted (Jason Sudeikis) by leaking to journalist Trent Crimm (James Lance) of The Independent that Ted had suffered a panic attack, not GI issues, during their FA Cup match against Tottenham. Finally, the penultimate episode has left the possibility that Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) might take an offer to play for a football club in Morocco.
Season 2 of Ted Lasso has been a slower burn than the first, with many of the early episodes focusing on individual characters. While it was refreshing to get a glimpse into the lives of secondary characters like Ted Lasso's Coach Beard, it felt as though this season hadn't been building to any overarching plot points. But some of the individual story threads began to pull together over the later episodes of the season to reveal the major changes that may be coming for the characters. With all of these loose threads hanging in the air, it’s difficult to see how the season could end on a satisfactory note. Most of the major storylines will need time to resolve. In particular, Nate's issues stemming from his deeply-rooted insecurity have been building up since season 1 and they haven't even begun to be addressed yet. It appears the finale may very well be a cliffhanger for a number of these relationships.
It appears that Ted Lasso season 2 is setting things up to get worse before they get better. In the case of Roy and Keeley’s relationship, it seems the couple may be heading for a break-up. Though they've helped each other to grow, the couple seems uncertain about the future of the relationship and a full commitment as other options have become available. If that were to happen in the season 2 finale of Ted Lasso, no doubt viewers would be heartbroken.
As for Nate, who was been chomping at the bit for more recognition and power, it's possible he may leave his position with AFC Richmond. Ted is known to be very forgiving, considering his attitude towards Rebecca’s betrayal in season 1 of Ted Lasso. It’s hard to imagine him firing Nate, but the possibility is on the table. And it may be for the best–Nate's ego has gotten the better of him. Meanwhile, if Sam decides to depart for Raja Casablanca, it would also be hard. Sam has always been a joyful presence at AFC Richmond, infecting other teammates with his positivity. It would also cut short the budding relationship between Sam and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham).
Each storyline will affect the team dynamics of AFC Richmond and the character dynamics of the whole show. It seems unlikely that all of these storylines will end happily, but even if they do, it will be tumultuous in the meantime. Clearly, there will be lingering issues heading into season 3, which is risky. Leaving Ted Lasso season 2 on an overall sad note will leave a number of viewers disappointed.