LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The primary question surrounding the Season 3 finale of Apple TV+'s popular show, Ted Lasso, that aired on May 30, was whether it would also serve as the comedy series' ultimate conclusion. From start to finish, the episode titled "So Long, Farewell" carries the essence of a series finale, with all the loose ends being tied up. However, the show has the potential to continue as it is, with or without Ted (Jason Sudeikis), who made the decision to return to Kansas and be with his family.
After the three-year run of the series, two particularly emotional moments stand out in the final episode that made fans shed some happy yet sad tears. The first is when news of Ted's departure spreads throughout London. During the team's final practice, AFC Richmond breaks into song and dance, bidding farewell to their leader with their rendition of 'So Long, Farewell' from 'The Sound of Music', which fittingly connects to the episode's title.
The second poignant moment occurs at the series' very end, where the Cat Stevens song 'Father and Son' plays. Roy and Nate return the "Believe" sign, securely taped, to its rightful place. Beard is seen marrying a visibly pregnant Jane, surrounded by loved ones at Stonehenge. Dani finds happiness amidst the well-wishers, flanked by two beautiful women.
'Can’t hold back our tears'
Just as the song concludes, Ted arrives home and embraces his awaiting son, without Dr Jacob in sight and potentially out of the picture. In the final moments of the episode, Ted coaches Henry on the soccer field while Michelle (Andrea Anders) observes. From the expression on his face, it is clear that there is nowhere else he'd rather be.
Ted Lasso fans were quick to react but this time with tissues and sniffles as the ending left many viewers feeling quite emotional. One Twitter user wrote, "I did weep. Listened to the song after the show. Great show, Cat Stevens from the 70s wow". Another fan responded, tweeting, "Same. The song alone had me in tears, don’t get me started about what happened." Another commented, "That was the perfect song to end it. Logged on to tweet that, so glad many others felt the same way."
‘This is the end of this story’
In a March interview with Deadline before the Season 3 premiere, Sudeikis presented a challenge to viewers. He stated, "This is the end of this story that we wanted to tell, that we were hoping to tell, that we loved to tell. The fact that folks will want more and are curious beyond more than what they don't even know yet—that being Season 3—it's flattering. Maybe by May 31, once all 12 episodes of the season [have been released], they're like, 'Man, you know what, we get it, we're fine. We don't need anymore, we got it.'"
And he was correct. While the story could certainly continue, if it doesn't, it has been wrapped up perfectly like a neatly tied bow. It serves as a fitting farewell to the underdog, the ordinary person who never knows where life may lead but follows their heart regardless. Thanks to Ted, many individuals found inspiration to persevere through the challenges of a global pandemic. It's difficult to bid farewell to such a character, but it is truly satisfying to witness his triumph.
