Ep 3. Do the Right-est Thing

Ted Lasso season 2 episode 3, titled "Do the Right-est Thing," continues to follow the journey of the titular character, played by Jason Sudeikis, as he coaches the fictional AFC Richmond soccer team. In this episode, Ted faces some tough decisions as he tries to balance his personal and professional life.

The episode begins with AFC Richmond struggling to bond as a team, despite Ted's efforts to bring them together. When a key player, Sam (Toheeb Jimoh), expresses his support for a group protesting against the Nigerian government, Ted finds himself having to navigate a tricky political situation. The show deftly handles the issue of race and politics, tackling complex issues with sensitivity and nuance.

Meanwhile, Ted's personal life is also hitting some bumps. He's been keeping his budding relationship with sports psychologist Sharon (Sarah Niles) a secret, but when that secret gets out, it threatens to derail everything he's worked for. Ted's struggles with communication and vulnerability provide a leitmotif throughout the episode.

As always, the show excels at mixing comedy with heart. Witty one-liners and banter abound, even in the midst of serious conversations. And while the jokes are often goofy and lighthearted, they never come at the expense of character development or emotional depth.

One standout scene puts Ted and Sharon on a double date with two of Ted's unlikely friends, beard-sporting coach Brendan (Brett Goldstein) and his hilariously deadpan girlfriend (Phil Dunster). The scene is a masterclass in awkward comedy, as the group struggles to make small talk while trying to keep their individual secrets hidden.

Ultimately, the episode navigates its multiple plotlines with aplomb. It tackles complex issues with deftness and grace, while never losing sight of its central theme of doing the right thing, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. As the characters continue to grow and evolve, Ted Lasso remains a heartfelt, hilarious, and refreshingly optimistic gem of a show.