Ted Lasso Season 3 Made Shandy Completely Unlikable; Here's Why It's Actually Okay

Ted Lasso has occasionally been criticised for its tendency to make even the most stubborn and abrasive characters quickly see the light and change for the better. However, Season 3 introduced some exceptions, at least for the time being.

One such character is Shandy Fine (Ambreen Razia), an old friend of Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) from the modelling world.

Shandy joins Keeley's PR firm, which manages marketing and public relations for AFC Richmond, and quickly proves herself to be one of the most unlikable characters in the series. She is the epitome of someone who obtained her position through nepotism: unprofessional, undisciplined, and arrogant. When Keeley attempts to set her straight, their confrontation results in Shandy's dismissal. Viewers who anticipated a reiteration of the Rebecca/Keeley storyline, with Keeley now playing the role of a supportive mentor, were left disappointed.

However, aside from viewer frustration, the Shandy subplot was well-executed. Rehashing a previous story is rarely a wise decision. Moreover, this particular storyline contributed significant elements to the show, aside from making it somewhat less saccharine. It demonstrated Keeley's continued character development and emphasised the uniqueness of her relationship with Rebecca.

Additionally, the subplot closely mirrored real-life scenarios. Hiring friends often leads to problematic outcomes, primarily because of the reluctance to discipline them when they first cross a line or make mistakes. This hesitation allows their behaviour to deteriorate, as was the case with Shandy.

Furthermore, this subplot explores the essential theme of the show, which is that first impressions can be deceptive. At first glance, Shandy appeared competent, possessing equal or greater knowledge of marketing and video shoots than Keeley herself. Unfortunately, her negative traits overshadowed any potential talent she may have had, particularly once she believed her position was secure.

So, as the saying goes, not everything that glitters is gold, and the Shandy Fine subplot in Ted Lasso Season 3 served as a poignant reminder of this reality. By exploring the challenges of personal change, the show continues to captivate its audience with engaging storylines and memorable characters.