While plenty of unanswered questions await in Ted Lasso season 3, it's certain that a failure to redeem Nate would be a betrayal of what the show is all about. Throughout the series, a number of antagonists have had changes of heart, and the show tends to focus on positive character growth. Despite this, there's a possibility, voiced by actor Nick Mohammed, that Ted Lasso season 3 won't redeem Nate, which would be a huge departure from the show's trademark optimism.
Nate's transformation from a shy yet cheerful kit man-turned-assistant coach into a spiteful and deeply insecure defector to West Ham is a slow-burn arc over the course of Ted Lasso season 2. While initially, it seems that Nate may just be going through some growing pains that come with his new position as a coach, his story takes a much darker turn by the end of the season, with the final shocking twist in the final two episodes of Ted Lasso season 2 that Nate was the one who leaked Ted's panic attack to the press, and that he has signed on to coach for the nefarious Rupert after leaving Richmond. During Ted and Nate's confrontation in the Ted Lasso season 2 finale, Nate accuses Ted of failing him, which could be a valid criticism given that Ted doesn't seem to notice Nate struggling throughout season 2 due to his own inner turmoil. At the same time, Nate's betrayal also reflects poorly on himself. All of this culminates in a tension that will likely carry over into season 3, and which seems ripe for resolution in the typical Ted Lasso fashion.
But according to Nick Mohammed, it's also possible that Nate won't get the same redemption that other once-antagonists like Rebecca and Jamie have enjoyed. While this could be a bold move for a show that is known for agreeing with its eponymous protagonist that people are inherently good and always deserve another chance, it would also feel like a betrayal of those very values. Ted Lasso's consistent morality and optimism extend to all of its main and side characters, even resolving a Trent Crimm issue in season 2's finale. Thus, a character like Nate, who has been a beloved staple of the main cast since Ted Lasso's first episode, surely deserves a redemption arc in Ted Lasso season 3 after his season 2 fall.
A big part of the reason that Nate needs to be redeemed in Ted Lasso season 3 is that it will most likely be the show's final season. Ted Lasso's writers always intended for the series' storyline and character arcs to conclude after three seasons, so even if Apple renews it past season 3, the show would potentially then turn to focus on an entirely new story. All of this adds up to the fact that Ted Lasso season 3 is the last chance for Ted and Nate to resolve the conflict season 2 developed between them. And, since Nate's betrayal makes Ted Lasso's football matter again, there will probably be plenty of opportunity for confrontation as AFC Richmond faces off against West Ham United on and off the pitch. Ted Lasso is no stranger to confrontation, and its story thus far indicates that such conflicts usually end up cathartically resolved.
Ted Lasso's success and popularity are thanks, in large part, to its refreshing optimism, lovable and believable characters, and genuine, well-plotted character growth. This trend strongly suggests that Nate can be redeemed in season 3, and simultaneously means that if he's not redeemed, it will feel like a strange violation of the show's core values. Of course, Nate's betrayal itself is an unexpected shock, so it's impossible to be absolutely certain of what Ted Lasso's writers will choose to do with his arc, redemption or not, in season 3.