Smells Like Mean Spirit

We’re back!! Today we launch a brand-new season of What Would Ted Lasso Do? and like the team, which goes deep underground to learn some lessons, so too did we dive deep into the first episode of Season 3, Smells Like Mean Spirit. 

In this week’s episode, Dimple and Jeff explore the crisis each character is experiencing as we move into the next phase of the show. Everything from Rebecca’s personal crisis and Roy’s crisis of confidence to Keeley’s leadership crisis, Nate’s identity crisis, and Ted’s existential crisis - the driving force behind his actions this season. We also explore the challenges the team is facing with the negative rhetoric and the fine line between self-deprecating humor and self-judgment, and so much more! The episode is packed with so many storylines and themes and sets us up beautifully for the season ahead!

“So, this is again why I keep defending Nate’s humanity because we talked about all the microaggressions he experienced last season, the subtle acts of exclusions. But he also had a lot of over-bullying over the entire course of his time there, even before Ted got there. So, all that stuff has played into who he has become. Again, hurt people hurt people and so we can see why he reacts this way. (Dimple 43:06)

In This Episode

• [02:09] Jeff and Dimple giving their initial remarks on Season 3, Episode 1.
• [09:01] Reflecting on Ted’s thinking and how winning can corrupt.
• [11:50] Rebecca’s personal crisis and ambition to beat Rupert and Ted’s swearing.
• [18:37] On Rupert being a master manipulator and Nate’s identity crisis.
• [22:10] Dimple’s take on Nate’s transformation being based on Jose Morino.
• [25:50] Jeff not liking WimHof's breathing and Dimple’s pushback.
• [33:10] Discussing Rupert’s power moves on Nate.
• [38:40] Dimple thinks the team is still in crisis.
• [46:00] Discussing Nate’s sewer remark.
• [50:30] On Ted making a joke at his own expense to counter Nate.
• [54:42] Dimple talks about Roy’s crisis of confidence and breakup with Keeley.
• [58:21] Jeff talks about the crisis with Rupert and King Midas curse.
• [1:00:52] That phone call about Jake!
• [1:02:50] Dimple on Keeley’s leadership crisis. 

Resources & Links

• Mentions
• Vague Visages - https://vaguevisages.com/2023/03/19/ted-lasso-soundtrack-apple-tv-plus-songs/
• ‘Ted Lasso’ Actor Reveals Nate’s Physical Transformation Was Inspired by a Famous Coach – https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/10/ted-lasso-nate-finale-jose-mourinho
• WimHof Method – https://www.healthline.com/health/wim-hof-method
• I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles – Th Story Behind the Famous West Ham Chant – https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/im-forever-blowing-bubbles---the-story-behind-famous-west-ham-chant/v2c0pje1uewx170vlhczghgxx

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