'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Episode 12 Preview: Nate's return implies Ted might leave England to be with his son

Nate's return to AFC Richmond suggests Ted could leave the football club and England to be with his son
UPDATED MAY 31, 2023
Nick Mohammed as Nate Shelley in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)
Nick Mohammed as Nate Shelley in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The heartwarming comedic TV series 'Ted Lasso' is nearing the finish line with only one episode left to wrap up the storyline. Season 3 of ‘Ted Lasso’ featured themes of personal growth and how to uplift each other by solving personal issues. The show also gave some surprising twists along the way. Primary among them was the return of Nate Shelley to AFC Richmond.

‘Ted Lasso’ Season 2's ending astonished the viewers when Nate left AFC Richmond and took his dream job as a manager at West Ham. However, Season 3 Episode 10 revealed he has left West Ham. Now working as a waiter at The Taste of Athens, Nate’s fate is yet to be explored and decided in the finale episode. When AFC Richmond team players approach him to coach at Richmond, he refuses as he was worried about Ted's place if he took up the offer. However, his enthusiasm, commitment, and love for football made him realize that he does want to be with Richmond. Moreover, Coach Beard's forgiveness was the major contributor to Nate’s change of heart, but does this mean Ted will be leaving England? Let’s dig into our theories about Nate’s destiny in ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3 finale.

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Colin, Issac, and Will visit A Taste of Athens to invite Nate back at Richmond in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)
Colin, Issac, and Will visit A Taste of Athens to invite Nate back at Richmond in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)

Who wants Nate back at AFC Richmond?

AFC Richmond players Issac, Will, and Colin visit Nate at A Taste of Athens to invite him back to Richmond. But why did the players forgive him all of a sudden despite his cruel decision to quit managing Richmond in Season 2? Though Nate respectfully refused their offer, it is still an important offer to consider for Nate. The viewers of ‘Ted Lasso’ are curious about the logic behind players' decision to talk to Nate and why they want him when they are already dominating and will probably win the Premier League. Well, these questions, while puzzling, will be cleared in the season finale.

What did Coach Beard say to Nate?

Ted skilfully made Coach Beard forgive Nate after he showed a video of Nate hiding under the table for hours. He is the one to invite Nate back officially as a coach for Richmond. When Coach Beard visited Nate at his apartment, he finally reveals how he and Ted came to be friends. He shared a personal story of how he went to jail for stealing drugs and Ted helped him after he got out on parole. He also stole Ted’s car for which he could’ve gone back to prison, but Ted convinced the police that he gave the car to Beard. He pulled out this story to explain to Nate why he wants him back and give him a second chance too. It was indeed the best scene of Episode 11. Nate then decides to join the club. Perhaps Nate’s destiny did lie with Richmond after all.

Coach Beard visit Nate to reveal how he and Ted became friends in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)
Coach Beard visit Nate to reveal how he and Ted became friends in 'Ted Lasso' (Apple TV+)

Does Nate’s return to Richmond mean Ted’s leaving?

When Ted revealed to Rebecca that he has a truth bomb to share, we think it's about him leaving England for good. Moreover, with Nate’s return to Richmond for the final game of the season, it is likely that Ted may leave Richmond to be with his son and hand over his duties to Nate.

Besides, if the team wins the Premier League in ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3 finale, Ted’s goal would be accomplished as a manager. This would complete Ted’s redemption arc, not only for football but for his son too. Ted’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride since Season 1 as he has actually managed to grow, and now is the time he must go to be with his son.

‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3 is streaming on Apple TV+

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