Well, it’s over. Ted Lasso has reached its conclusion, at least with our titular coach at the helm. “So Long, Farewell” is already a hotly contentious series finale on Twitter. I genuinely don’t think it’s as bad as some folks claim. Is it a perfect last hurrah? No, but TV episodes rarely are immaculate from top to bottom. Besides, as Higgins aptly states in the episode, nobody’s perfect. I think this quote encapsulates this series as a whole:
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
“So Long, Farewell” might not go in the expected direction, but I think it carves out endings that make sense for these characters. There are some great moments and some okay ones. I shed tears, laughed and uttered a few “aw’s.” All in all, I’m content with how the series ends. Ted’s story is undoubtedly over, but the door is open for life at AFC Richmond to continue. We’ll see what the future holds.
In honor of the show’s third and final (sobs) season, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite quotes from “So Long, Farewell.” Peruse at your peril.
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REBECCA: You know, I was thinking about traveling abroad.
TED: Eat, Pray, Love-style, right?
REBECCA: Well, more like Drink, Sleep, F*ck.
Oh, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham). I’ll miss your sass and quick wit. Your version of Eat, Pray, Love sounds significantly more enjoyable. We need a spin-off or a one-off special episode featuring Rebecca on her “Drink, Sleep, F*ck” journey as she travels abroad. Perhaps it ends with her making a final stop in Kansas to visit one Theodore Lasso (Jason Sudeikis)? A girl can dream.
TED: I’ll tell ya, when I look up there, I still see it. Is that weird?
NATE: No, no, no. That’s — that’s lovely.
Ted Lasso boasts countless thematic cruxes, and the beauty of it is you can interpret/take away whatever suits you and apply that wisdom to your life. When Ted and Nate (Nick Mohammed) finally reunite onscreen, Ted mentions how he still sees the BELIEVE sign even though it’s not taped to the wall anymore. While this isn’t a particularly eloquent or clever line, it tugs at my heartstrings. Believing in oneself and believing in others is so embedded in this show’s core. Ted still seeing it means his belief in the Greyhounds hasn’t wavered. It was never about the sign.
Side note: while I wanted a longer, more detailed exchange between them, Nate’s apology is beautiful. Mohammed crafts a moving, tender performance that reminds us why Nate the Great deserves redemption.
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HIGGINS: Human beings are never gonna be perfect, Roy. The best we can do is to keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep on doing that, you’ll always be moving towards better.
Higgins (Jeremy Swift) always doles out profound wisdom for the masses. When newly inducted Diamond Dog Roy (Brett Goldstein) needs advice, Higgins swoops to the rescue. He says it best: we’ll never be perfect. It’s futile to strive for perfection. All we can do is our level best and never shy away from asking/receiving assistance. Knowing our limitations and cultivating a support system is essential. We need each other to grow.
SASSY: But in all seriousness, I do wish you the best … because you’re the f*cking worst.
One thing’s for sure: if Sassy (Ellie Taylor) sees an opportunity to spew much-earned vitriol at Rupert (Anthony Head), she’ll take it. This line isn’t her best, but its punch lies in its simplicity. Sometimes, straightforward language sans frills produces the biggest impact. I might have to pocket this one in case I run into my archenemy.
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BARBARA: I prefer rugby. There’s just more grown men throwing other grown men into the air like children. And blood, which is nice.
Barbara (Katy Wix) quickly rose through the ranks to become one of my favorite supporting players this season. I know Katy Wix from the brilliantly funny and heartwarming Stath Lets Flats, and her ability to play the “straight man” character is unparalleled. While she incorporates elements of that into her performance, especially at the beginning of the season, Wix allows Barbara’s more fun and delightfully weird side to shine in the later episodes. Because of that, we get this line, which is a thing of beauty.
TED: I’ve loved getting to know each and every single one of you. Learning all about the men you were and getting a front-row seat to the men you all have become. … I love you guys. I’m gonna miss y’all.
Ted’s signature episodic speech is a bit more somber this go-round, but that’s to be expected. I’ve seen whispers of Ted acting strangely in the series finale. I believe it’s one of two things: he’s trying so hard to suppress his emotions and keep it together. Or perhaps it’s due to Ted being at peace with himself. He doesn’t need the “toxic positivity” mask he donned in the first season. That wasn’t his true self, anyway. He’s learning that he doesn’t need to be upbeat 24/7. My gut feeling is it’s a mix of both.
Ted might’ve delivered this from a solemn place, but the words are impactful. He means it all. Plus, we hear something Ted repeated throughout the series — it’s about the men. It’s never been about winning for him. He only wanted to guide his players down the path of self-development and growth. Now, his job is done.
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What are your favorite quotes from “So Long, Farewell”? Sound off in the comments below!
Ted Lasso Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Apple TV+.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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