A Rough Start for Nate: Ted Lasso Season 3 Premiere Delves into His Humiliation
The highly anticipated third season of Ted Lasso is here!
The first episode of the acclaimed sports drama series premiered on 15 March, delving deep into character development and exploring some darker paths. Will redemption be in store for these characters?
At the end of season two, we discovered that the team's primary rival is now West Ham United, purchased by former AFC Richmond owner Rupert Mannion. However, the most significant development for both Lasso's football club and the audience was Nate Shelley's (Nick Mohammed) descent into villainy. The former kit man turned Ted's assistant became the head coach for West Ham United.
Audiences now seem to feel a mix of pity and resentment toward Nate. Plagued by suspicion (bordering on paranoia), he not only belittles himself but also insults his former friends.
“Him feeling looked down upon, unimportant, less powerful, has left him literally spitting at HIMSELF, at the irrelevant kit man that was bullied. I’m very eager to see how Rupert’s attitude towards him will elevate his napoleon complex,” Reddit user CroissantWhispere shares in their analysis of Nate’s humiliation and its outcomes.
Throughout the first episode, Nate endures repeated humiliation, exacerbating his low self-esteem and fueling his desire to lash out at others. In a press conference, he viciously mocks AFC Richmond and Ted, only to be met with Ted's selfless and dignified response, which earns admiration from the press and humiliates Nate even more.
Rupert exploits Nate's feelings, manipulating the head coach by preying on his insecurities. By devaluing Nate's accomplishments and wealth, Rupert turns him into a pawn to be used as needed, and Nate becomes as ruthless and selfish as Rupert himself.
Many fans also note clear parallels between Rebecca and Nate's storylines:
“It's the good people around her that pull her back so she doesn't give into Rupert's toxicity. Nate is immensely insecure around Rupert and finds confidence in cruelty just like Rebecca was when she left Rupert,” Tree_Droppings comments.
So, will Nate find redemption? Tune in to the next episode of Ted Lasso on 22 March on Apple TV+ to find out.