Ted Lasso Season 2 had the Best Character Development Arcs

What a ride Season 2 of Ted Lasso has been! Let’s chronicle some of the most memorable character developments so far:

Keeley Jones, the Independent

As self-described “famous for almost being famous,” Keeley put in a lot of legwork in Season 2, girl bossing her PR responsibilities in Richmond. Her competence secured her financial backing from Bantr to start her own firm.

But my favorite moments were of her personal growth — the way she was a pillar of support and comfort to her friends, as well as dealing with relationship crises, be it voicing out her need for space with Roy or her honesty about Jamie’s confession.

I love that she has grown to put herself first without hurting others.

Sam Obisanya stopped doing things only for others

Another cinnamon roll on the independent streak is Sam. My hot take is that while Sam truly believes in his principles, sometimes he is cornered into certain decisions by his father, individuals like Edwin Akufo, or even his own guilt.

This season, we saw Sam finally make decisions for himself, like staying back with Richmond.

He also makes it a point to clarify that his relationship with Rebecca has little to do with this relationship.

Jamie learned when it’s okay to be a prick

Jamie has been through a rollercoaster of events, peeling off the layers of being a prima donna. He went from someone who hurt others to save himself from hurting to baring out his feelings in front of teammates and facing the consequences of his actions.

It is commendable that Jamie has grown to be compassionate, supportive of his teammates, and, of course, learning that it is only okay to be a prick on the field.

Roy forgave Jamie and got in touch with his feelings

It must’ve been tough for Roy to re-adjust to a life where he’s no longer the star footballer. He deals with the insecurities of “Who is Roy Kent, really?” but the big softie in charcoal black has learned that his feelings are valid and shouldn’t be suppressed.

Other than finally entering the league of the Diamond Dogs, this growth is also reflected in his responses to former rival Jamie — forgiving Tartt for his Keeley love confession is a fresh example, the one I like most is Roy hugging a Jamie who’s just been accosted by his father.

The fall of Nate, the Great

From bullied to bully, both seasons of Ted Lasso have explored the mechanisms of self-loathing and self-worth through the lens of Nate.

And while Ted Lasso is a kind show, it is not an easy one — as in, Nate’s pettiness has always been there, and it wouldn’t be right to gloss over it.

Nate will make a viable #PublicEnemyNo1 in Season 3. I can’t wait to see what his redemption arc is going to look like!

Isaac Became A Better Captain And Leader

Remember when Isaac was Jamie’s lackey? I actually don’t either! Not only does it show Isaac’s remarkable turnaround, but also that he is more than capable of filling the heavy boots of being Richmond’s captain.

Isaac’s ascension to the position was rather quiet, much like his demeanor. But he makes himself heard when at the right times, like putting his teammates in line or encouraging them to believe in themselves, in the coolest fashion.

Ted Lasso, let’s talk about mental health, baby!

If I had to point out one flaw in Ted, it would be in him denying himself the self-care he needs, in contrast to the selfless care he provides to others.

But his emotions are catching up with him, and as the frequency of his panic attacks increases, Ted accepts that addressing his mental issues is important and healthy.

It is difficult for both us and Ted, to see him go through these debilitating experiences but as Lasso once said, “Takin’ on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong.”

About Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso is an American sports-comedy streaming TV series developed by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt. It’s based on a character of the same name that Sudeikis first portrayed in a series of promos for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Premier League.

It follows the life of Ted Lasso, a coach of college-level American football who is unexpectedly recruited to coach an English Premier League team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience at all in association football.

It stars Sudeikis as the titular character, Ted Lasso, joined by Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple, and Sarah Niles among many others.