DISCLAIMER: This recap of Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 12, “So Long, Farewell,” contains spoilers. Proceed at your peril.
Welcome back, Diamond Dogs! Well, it’s the end of the line, folks. While Apple refuses to clarify whether this is a season or series finale (it’s both), I’m treating this one like the latter. At the very least, it’s the conclusion of Ted’s story with AFC Richmond. “So Long, Farewell” is a solid closer that ties loose ends for our characters and delivers most of what I predicted would happen. I laughed. I cried. My heart swelled with exuberance. There were some great moments and a few okay ones.
As for the Tedbecca-sized elephant in the room, I would’ve at least loved for them to understand their connection to September 13, 1991. If they genuinely are platonic soulmates, the show should’ve addressed that. That said, I’m not mad about them not ending up together. Sure, the psychic’s clues seemingly pointed to Ted, but sometimes life takes you in other directions. Things don’t always transpire precisely how we planned. I suppose that’s the lesson here. Circling back, platonic soulmates are a thing. We seldom see genuine friendships between men and women on TV. On the flip side of that, intentionally baiting fans isn’t cool. I’m unsure if that was the impetus for the writers to include the kitchen and airport scenes, though.
While I assumed the Dutchman was a one-off, I guess he’s not? We should’ve had a little more buildup in that regard, some narrative padding, if you will, but it doesn’t tarnish the episode for me. As for Roy and Keeley, I’m okay with that ambiguous ending, although I’m choosing to believe we’re getting Keeley F*cking Jones, the Independent Woman. She and Roy both deserve room to grow independently of each other.
Ready to delve into “So Long, Farewell”? Let’s get to it.
RELATED: Check out our recap of last week’s Ted Lasso episode, ‘Mom City’
We open with Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) sitting in her kitchen while watching the pundits discuss Rupert’s (Anthony Head) divorce from Bex and his sexual abuse allegations. That’s why Bex and Ms. Kakes were on Rebecca’s doorstep. Suddenly, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) enters the kitchen. He asks Rebecca if she wants to discuss what happened the night before. She declines. When we think something of the romantic variety occurred between them, Beard (Brendan Hunt) bursts into the kitchen clad only in a t-shirt and a red thong. Those ass cheeks are on display for all to see. It’s a bit unsanitary, but there you are. Oh, and the thing Rebecca doesn’t want to talk about? Ted is leaving.
Jane (Phoebe Walsh) follows hot on his heels, wearing one of Rebecca’s blazers like a dress. Ted, Beard and Jane stayed at Rebecca’s flat because of a “deadly gas leak” in their neighborhood. Oh, the writers are cruel for this. The Tedbecca baiting! At Richmond, the Honorable Judge Isaac (Kola Bokinni) presides over a court session, wherein Treasurer Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) rattles off various fines accrued by the team during the season. Nate (Nick Mohammed), assistant to the kitman (fun The Office nod), Will (Charlie Hiscock), passes around the pink box (you know the one) to collect said fines. It’s a nice callback to the pilot.
Jamie (Phil Dunster), Dani (Cristo Fernández) and Jan Maas (David Elsendoorn) owe money, so it sucks to be them. However, Judge Isaac also charges Nate 5,000 pounds for missing an entire season. Nate agrees this is a fair charge. Here’s another delightful callback: Roy (Brett Goldstein) scares Keeley (Juno Temple) in the parking lot. Keeley’s remarks feel extremely Friend Zone-y, but Roy tests the waters anyway. Ted reads texts from Michelle regarding how excited Henry is about Ted coming home. Beard enters the office, revealing Jane had shredded his passport. Thankfully, he holds citizenship in three different countries.
RELATED: Best Quotes From Ted Lasso’s ‘Mom City’
Keeley asks Rebecca if she wants to issue a comment to the press about Rupert’s divorce. She refuses, claiming she’s over Rupert now. That’s my girl. Higgins (Jeremy Swift) gives Rebecca a packet containing potential Ted replacements. She can’t think about Ted’s replacement until the season is over. There’s one final match against West Ham on the horizon. Higgins mentions there are folks interested in buying shares of the club. Rebecca could earn a pretty penny if she sold 49 percent of Richmond. She asks Higgins how much she would take home if she sold the whole shebang. Initially, she bought the club to piss off Rupert, but that’s no longer her objective.
Meanwhile, the team performs “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music as a lovely bon voyage piece for Ted and Beard. It’s their last practice as the Greyhounds’ coaches. We see Trent (James Lance) in the stands along with the pub lads Jeremy (Bronson Webb), Paul (Kevin ‘KG’ Garry) and Baz (Adam Colborne). Everyone who watched the practice contributes to the performance. It’s adorable. Afterward, Keeley gives her farewell presents to Ted and Beard but orders them not to open them until they’re on the plane. She bursts into the locker room à la the pilot, even saying the same dialogue from that scene. Lots of callbacks here, folks.
Jamie tracks down Keeley and reveals Nike wants to fly him to Brazil for a commercial shoot. He asks her if she’d like to accompany him as his publicist. Keeley eagerly accepts the offer. Roy observes the interaction from afar. Then, he asks Jamie if he’d like to go out for beers that evening. Nate is shocked but happy that Jamie and Roy are pals now.
RELATED: Top 10 Inspirational Ted Lasso Quotes
Meanwhile, Rebecca and her mom, Deborah (Harriet Walter), have lunch at The Crown & Anchor. Rebecca reveals she might sell the club, which her mother supports. Deborah bonds with Mae (Annette Badland), while our fave pub trio states that Rebecca’s and Deborah’s meals are on them. How sweet. Trent gives Ted and Beard copies of his manuscript, The Lasso Way, for their reading pleasure. He wants their notes on it. Trent agonizing over Ted’s facial expressions and reactions is adorable.
Later, Jamie and Roy head to Bones and Honey for drinks. Roy tells Jamie how proud he is of him and his accomplishments this season. He insists his friendship with Jamie is essential. Then, Roy eases into the Keeley of it all. He recognizes Jamie harbors feelings for Keeley, but he’s very close to getting back together with her. So, there’s that. Jamie declares he won’t step aside because it’s not official yet. Fellas, don’t ruin the hard work you put into this friendship over a woman. That’s a tired trope, y’all.
Next, Rebecca sits with Ted in the empty stands. She asks him to stay. She reveals Henry and Michelle could move to London, and she’d make him the highest-paid coach in the league. However, if he’s still adamant about leaving, Rebecca will sell the club. “You go, I go,” she states. Based on Ted’s face, it’s abundantly clear he’s decided. Meanwhile, Roy and Jamie wind up on Keeley’s doorstep, looking worse for wear. They got into a physical fight over Keeley. Once inside, they claim Keeley can choose between them (ick). Naturally, this culminates in her giving them both the boot. My lovable dummies. Please don’t inadvertently uphold a sexist media trope.
Also, Jamie mentioning Keeley’s leaked nudes as a one-up on Roy is super gross. The boys undoubtedly regressed here, switching into toxic masculinity mode. I suppose it’s to show they both still have a lot of growing to do. At least after Keeley dumps them, it appears they’ve recognized how in the wrong they are.
RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Rebecca Welton
Then, Ted finds Nate staring at where the BELIEVE sign used to be. Nate starts to apologize, but Ted stops him, claiming it’s a-okay. Nate sobs and falls into Ted’s arms while apologizing profusely. Ted’s “Oh, buddy” remark hit me where it hurts. My heart. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for — a reunion of Ted and Nate the Great. Mohammed is excellent here.
Now, it’s almost game time. Roy asks if he can become a Diamond Dog. Ted, Beard, Trent, Higgins and Nate (who sits in his usual spot) assemble to induct Roy as an official member of the Diamond Dogs. Roy even barks. Earlier, he wondered aloud how to know if a woman likes you. (Funny how Nate faced the same dilemma earlier in the season.) However, he wasn’t ready at that moment to embrace the Diamond Dog in him. He wants to know why he spent a year trying to change, but he’s still the same person. Everyone offers sage advice re: their perception of change and how we can’t strive for perfection. Nate believes people are capable of good and bad change.
Higgins doles out the best wisdom about us recognizing when we need help and accepting it. Nate reveals he has a girlfriend, which elicits a lovely reaction from the group. Rebecca and Sassy (Ellie Taylor) reunite with Rupert. While Rebecca’s interaction with him is more subtle and understated, Sassy piles on the much-needed vitriol and the Rupert hate. She’s the #1 Rupert Hater. When Rebecca and Sassy sit beside Keeley, we see Barbara (Katy Wix) behind her. She chats with Higgins and Julie (Mary Roscoe — Jeremy Swift’s real-life wife) about her love of rugby and blood. Lots of blood.
RELATED: Best Quotes From Ted Lasso’s ‘We’ll Never Have Paris’
Colin (Billy Harris) reads a letter from Zava in the locker rooms. Zava sent them t-shirts and one giant avocado, as one does. Dani apologizes to Van Damme (Moe Jeudy-Lamour) for breaking his nose. He gives the latter a black mask. Van Damme changes his name to Zorro because of it. He has another callback moment with Ted regarding the pronunciation of his name. Ted opts out of imparting a pep talk in favor of Beard’s slideshow presentation. It’s a look back at their memories together. While touching, it doesn’t motivate the team to play football. We see them crying on the pitch beside the West Ham players.
The match begins! We see Michelle (Andrea Anders) and Henry (Gus Turner) watching at home with Jacob (Mike O’Gorman), who’s annoying about everything. Dr. Sharon (Sarah Niles) watches eagerly from her flat. Mae and the lads gear up for the match at the pub. So far, Richmond’s falling behind as West Ham gets the lead. Nate informs Ted that Manchester City scored during their match. Richmond would have to score more than Man City to win the Premier League title.
At halftime, Ted finally doles out his Ted speech. He thanks the guys for three beautiful years and tells them he loves them. It’s touching. Sam and the players pull out pieces of the BELIEVE sign to assemble them. We see Jamie kept his piece as a bookmark in the novel Ted gave him in Season 1. Nate gets teary-eyed as the boys present a fully formed BELIEVE sign.
Ted reveals that’s the fourth thing in his four-step program for success: Believe. We should’ve known that. Back on the pitch, Jamie scores, which ruffles Rupert’s feathers. Isaac delivers a mean penalty kick that breaks the goal net. Rupert, incensed, demands that George (Bill Fellows), who’s got his little short shorts on, push the West Ham players to succeed. He orders George to get Jamie out of the game. George refuses, citing that he doesn’t play dirty. Rupert shoves George onto the ground before a stadium full of people. Eventually, Darth Rupert storms off the pitch, his long black coat flowing behind him while the Richmond fans call him a wanker. Another nod to the pilot.
Next, Ted brings Nate out to convey to the guys to utilize Nate’s play. They do, and Sam scores the winning goal. Nate jumps into Ted’s arms, excited that Ted had the team use his tactic. More callbacks! Side note: Nate’s hair is becoming less gray. That’s because he’s on the Light Side again. We see the pub and the stadium raucously cheering for Richmond’s victory, along with Michelle and Henry in Kansas and Dr. Sharon in her flat. Colin kisses his boyfriend, whose ticket was under “Wynonna Judd,” on the pitch. Awww. Ted finally does his victory dance, which we see in the pilot. We also get a nod to the offside bet in the pilot, and Jamie pulls out some Ted moves of his own.
Later, we see Ted at the airport. He spots a newspaper with Rebecca on the cover. She sold 49 percent of the club to fans while remaining in charge. We also see magazine covers featuring Zava and Shandy. Ted snaps an “ussie” with the same fella from the pilot. Only this time, their interaction is significantly more positive. While waiting at his gate, Ted spots Rebecca, who purchased a first-class ticket just to see him off. Yes, it’s the big rom-com airport moment you’ve all been waiting for … only for the two to embrace and cry before parting ways. As Ted leaves, it almost looks like Rebecca might follow him. In first class, Ted asks Beard if they’re doing the right thing. They came in second place, but they almost won the whole dang thing.
RELATED: Every Mel Brooks Movie, Ranked
Beard removes his sunglasses and states he wants to stay in London with Jane. He’s in love. He also hasn’t slept in three days and packed only rice in his luggage. Ted doesn’t think Beard can leave because boarding is over. Beard implements a game plan to get himself off the plane. Our fave coaching duo exchanges “I love yous.” Ted calls Beard by his first name — Willis. Willis Beard? I never thought we’d learn his first name. Beard fakes his appendix bursting, resulting in the flight attendants removing him from the plane. It’s an Oscar-worthy performance.
Outside, Rebecca notices a little girl trip before her. She helps the girl to her feet, only to spot the man behind her: the Dutchman (Matteo van der Grijn) from Amsterdam. He’s a pilot! The two lock eyes and Rebecca properly introduces herself to the Dutchman and his daughter. I had a feeling the show would go in this direction. Ted opens his gift from Keeley, a Richmond-themed snow globe. Trent notices Beard left a sh*t ton of notes for his manuscript, while Ted complimented Trent on a job well done. Ted’s only note is he would change the title. It was never about him. Side note: Trent’s Golden Girls shirt is to die for. His t-shirt game is impeccable.
We see Keeley changed the title of her business to KBPR to include Barbara. The two are hard at work in their office. Rebecca introduces the new AFC Richmond manager to the press … Roy Kent. I expected he’d get the gig. We see him hang up a naughty boobie picture in his office next to a photo of Phoebe (a little weird). Nate has dinner with Jade (Edyta Budnik) and his family at Taste of Athens. Sam finally plays for the Nigerian league. That’s my boy! Jamie reconnects with his dad, James (Kieran O’Brien). James looks happy and sober. I hope they can mend fences and Jamie gets the support to work through his father-induced trauma. Rupert is booted from West Ham. It’s what he deserves.
RELATED: 8 Reasons Why You Should Watch Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace
Higgins and his family host a massive cookout with the team present. Of course, Roy, Keeley, Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield) and Jamie are there, too. Rebecca arrives with the Dutchman and his daughter. Mae and the pub boys marvel at their certificates which prove they own shares of Richmond. Trent signs copies of his book at a bookstore, which is now titled, The Richmond Way. Later, Keeley presents an idea to Rebecca about Richmond starting a women’s team. She’s over the moon about it. Roy plays with the green army man Ted gave Dr. Sharon in her office. He’s finally sitting down for a therapy session. We see she’s the official Head of Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being at Richmond.
Nate puts the BELIEVE sign back up while Beard observes. It appears Nate is an assistant coach alongside Beard, as I predicted he would be. Then, we see Beard and Jane get married at Stonehenge, which must surely be a dream. Everyone’s present, including Dani and his two girlfriends — another callback. We cut to Ted waking from a nap on the plane. Yeah, that Stonehenge marriage is definitely a dream. Notice how Ted was reading How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan before he slept? Maybe he’ll change his mind and move back to London…
Ted reunites with Henry and Michelle. Later, Ted coaches Henry’s soccer team. We see Michelle in the stands sans Jacob. I hope she dumped his ass. Henry gets down on himself for messing up. That’s when Ted swoops in with the advice he gave Sam: be a goldfish. Ted looks content.
RELATED: Catch up on the Greyhound goodness with our Ted Lasso recaps!
“So Long, Farewell” goes out on a simple note with Ted and his son. I appreciate the simplicity in that final moment. Sure, he got the Greyhounds to number two in the Premier League, but Ted doesn’t need all the bells and whistles — just Henry. The writers have been planting clues that Ted would inevitably go home all season. Yes, he loves his found family, but Henry means the world to him. He wants to be there for his son, especially after what he endured with his own father. I can understand why he didn’t want to uproot Henry and Michelle. As an anxious kid who changed schools, it’s a difficult adjustment.
This series finale is stuffed to the gills with callbacks and nods, primarily from the pilot episode, but some reference other points in the show, too. You know, full circle and all that. Hannah Waddingham and Nick Mohammed give sensational performances.
Overall, Season 3 is the weakest compared to its predecessors, suffering from narrative inconsistencies; however, I believe the final four to five episodes put us back on track. Phil Dunster is my MVP. He better get an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Jamie, who has the best character arc by a mile. These later outings remind us of what we love about Ted Lasso in the first place: its joyful heart, endearing spirit and charming characters.
So long, Ted Lasso. Thank you for the laughs and the tears. Thank you for the wisdom and the life lessons. And thank you for a series that spotlights mental health in the sports space and for giving the finger to toxic masculinity. It’s wonderful watching these characters thrive together, ones who aren’t afraid to declare their love for each other. Friendship is wholeheartedly embraced here and given such care. Finding a show as uplifting as this one that believes in second chances and redemption is a rarity.
Thanks, Coach, for making us all believers (and not in a weird cult way). Richmond till we die, indeed. Who knows? We might get a Richmond women’s team spin-off or a continuation of the series without Ted. Perhaps a Sam-focused Ola’s show or a KBPR series. While our titular coach’s story might be finished, the finale is open-ended enough to leave room for narrative expansion.
Ted Lasso Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Apple TV+.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/keeley-jones-ted-lasso/
[email protected]
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.
- HARLEY QUINN Season Finale Recap: (S05E10) The Mess Is the Point - March 20, 2025
- THE WHEEL OF TIME: Kate Fleetwood on Liandrin’s Ambitions in Season 3 - March 19, 2025
- MYTHIC QUEST Recap: (S04E09) Telephone - March 19, 2025
