Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: The 7 Biggest Reveals In “Signs”

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: The 7 Biggest Reveals In “Signs”

Ted Lasso, with its blend of humor and heart, is a beloved fixture on AppleTV+, and Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5, “Signs” is a turning point in the series. At its core, the show is a study in contrasts: an American football coach navigating the complexities of British soccer, bringing together a mosaic of characters, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Leading into Season 3, Ted Lasso continues to deliver life lessons delivered through its mustached protagonist. “Signs,” arrives as a critical juncture in the season, bringing forth pivotal developments that reveal deeper layers of AFC Richmond.

Leading up to Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5, the journey of AFC Richmond has been a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists. Legendary player and avocado farmer Zava joined the team, Nate is in the middle of a redemption arc, and Keeley’s PR firm is facing an uphill battle, but Ted’s optimism is still unshakable. While Ted Lasso season 3 kept collapsing, the fifth episode is one of the most important of the series, with several characters at a crossroads. “Signs” presents a series of revelations and events that push each character to new limits.

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: The 7 Biggest Reveals In “Signs”

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7 AFC Richmond Loses To Manchester City

The team loses 4-0, putting Ted’s motivational skills to the test.

For Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond team, their match against Manchester City F.C. stands as a defining moment in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5. The 4-0 loss to Manchester City not only serves as a significant plot point but also deeply affects the team’s morale and the faith of their supporters. This defeat is masterfully depicted, focusing on both the technical aspects of the game and the emotional toll on the players and coaching staff. The episode conveys the sense of a team grappling with its identity and capabilities, highlighting the struggles of a squad under pressure to perform.

The aftermath of the defeat is equally important, showcasing how each character responds to this setback. Ted’s optimism and motivational skills are put to the test as he tries to navigate the team through this difficult period. The episode excels in showing the human side of sports, portraying the players not just as athletes but as individuals dealing with their own personal and professional challenges. The loss to Manchester City becomes a pivotal plot device that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

6 Zava Retires From The Team

Zava surprises his teammates by choosing to spend more time avocado farming.

Zava (Maximilian Osinski) wearing a fur coat and sunglasses, talking to Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Rupert (Anthony Head) in Ted Lasso.

Zava’s retirement from AFC Richmond brings a dramatic shift to the team’s dynamics. His decision to leave professional soccer to focus on his family and his avocado farm is portrayed with a mix of humor and sincerity, characteristic of Ted Lasso‘s tone. This subplot is not just about a player’s retirement; it encapsulates the show’s broader themes of prioritizing happiness and the struggles of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. Zava’s character, who had been a major asset to the team, leaves a void in AFC Richmond, challenging the team to reevaluate their strategies and strengths in his absence.

The response to Zava’s retirement from both the team and the fans offers a nuanced exploration of how individuals are perceived within the realm of sports. Ted Lasso delves into the complexities of how athletes are often seen only through the lens of their professional achievements, overlooking their personal needs and aspirations. Zava’s exit from the team is handled with a mix of respect and bewilderment by his teammates. This plot point also serves as a catalyst for the characters, particularly Ted, to adapt to new challenges and re-examine their leadership approaches.

Ted Lasso holding a cup of tea between Rebecca and Jamie Tartt smiling

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5 Keeley’s New Workplace Romance

Keeley fires Shandy and gets close to Jack.

Keeley (Juno Temple) smiling at Rebecca in Ted Lasso

Shandy’s meltdown in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5 serves as a critical moment; a culmination of the mounting pressures and challenges she faces in her role at Keeley’s firm. This is a pivotal moment that not only affects Keeley’s career trajectory but also forces her to confront the challenges of leadership and the tough decisions that come with it. After first refusing to fire her, Keeley ultimately decides that Shandy has to leave the firm.

However, the aftermath of Shandy’s departure leads to a significant shift in Keeley’s professional life, as she essentially replaces Shandy with Jack. Jack, as a character, brings a different energy and perspective, contrasting sharply with Shandy’s approach. His presence in the firm not only changes the professional atmosphere but also initiates a personal subplot for Keeley. The burgeoning romance between Keeley and Jack adds an element of personal intrigue, and Keeley buries her emotions at first, Keeley and Jack kiss in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5, marking the start of another relationship.

4 Nate Gets Dumped Mid-Date

Anastasia leaves Nate in a family restaurant, but he ultimately gets closer to Jade.

Nate’s experience of getting dumped mid-date is a moment rich in character development and thematic exploration. This scene starts off with a sense of optimism as Nate attempts to impress his date, a supermodel named Anastasia, at the Taste of Athens restaurant. However, the date takes an unexpected turn when Anastasia, unimpressed by the humble setting leaves Nate alone.

This incident is not just about romantic rejection; it’s a poignant reflection of Nate’s internal struggle with self-esteem and his identity crisis. Throughout the series, Nate’s journey has been one of transformation, from a shy kit man to a more confident, albeit sometimes overly ambitious, coach.

This moment of vulnerability, being left alone in a familiar yet now hauntingly empty restaurant, symbolizes the gap between the person Nate aspires to be and the reality of his situation. However, instead of reacting with anger or despair, Nate’s interaction with Jade, the restaurant’s hostess, unveils a more genuine and likable side of him; it’s the beginning of Nate’s Ted Lasso redemption arc.

This turn of events serves as a reminder of Nate’s inherent decency and the simplicity he once cherished. The scene subtly suggests that Nate’s true self, the one more connected to his roots and values, is more appealing and authentic than the façade he has been trying to uphold.

3 Rebecca’s Psychic’s Predictions Keep Coming True

Rebecca grows anxious about the pregnancy prediction.

Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) in her office in Ted Lasso

In Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5, predictions made by Rebecca’s psychic continue to manifest in startlingly accurate ways. The episode touches on a particularly intriguing instance where Rebecca encounters her ex-boyfriend John at a café, and he unintentionally repeats a raunchy phrase that her psychic had foretold. This coincidence, far from being trivial, deeply unsettles Rebecca and propels her to ponder the legitimacy and potential implications of the psychic’s foresight. The repeated accuracy of the psychic’s predictions creates a compelling tension within Rebecca, as she starts to question the line between coincidence and destiny.

The most significant and personally impactful prediction for Rebecca is the psychic’s final prophecy regarding her potential to become pregnant. This aspect of the storyline delves into Rebecca’s deepest hopes and fears, adding a poignant emotional depth to her character. The unfolding of events, with each prediction coming true, amplifies Rebecca’s anticipation and anxiety about the final, most personal prophecy.

Keeley, Rebecca, and Michelle as seen in Ted Lasso season 3

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2 Henry Becomes The School Bully

Despite believing that Henry was being bullied, Ted’s son is the bully.

Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), Ted (Jason Sudeikis), and Henry (Gus Turner) on a pub terrace in Ted Lasso season 3

The revelation that Ted’s son, Henry, has become involved in a bullying incident at school is a significant narrative turn in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 5. This situation mirrors the show’s central themes of empathy, responsibility, and personal growth, serving as a stark reminder of the complexities of parenting and the unforeseen challenges that children can face. It also reflects on Ted’s own journey, as he deals with the guilt and helplessness of being away from his son during these crucial moments.

Moreover, the subplot is skillfully used to explore broader themes of behavior, influence, and the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of such actions. The way Ted and his ex-wife, Michelle, handle the situation sheds light on their parenting styles and their commitment to guiding Henry through this difficult phase in his life. It also provides an opportunity for the show to delve into the often-overlooked aspect of why children might engage in bullying, going beyond the surface to explore the emotional and psychological factors involved.

1 Ted’s Final Speech in “Signs” Explained

Ted motivates his team with a touching speech and destroys the “Believe” sign.

The repaired Believe sign in Ted Lasso

The culmination of the Ted Lasso episode is marked by a profound and emotionally charged speech from Ted. This speech is delivered after a series of personal and professional setbacks. Ted, usually known for his unwavering optimism and quirky pep talks, takes a more introspective and vulnerable approach in this speech. He addresses the team not just as their coach, but as a fellow human being grappling with his own doubts and fears. His speech touches on the themes of self-doubt, resilience, and the courage to face one’s inner demons.

Ted also tears up the Ted Lasso “Believe” sign, a symbol that has been central to his coaching philosophy. This act is highly symbolic, representing a moment of letting go of old beliefs and embracing a new mindset. It’s not about abandoning hope or belief, but about evolving and adapting to the realities of life. Ted’s tearing the sign signifies a rebirth of sorts for him and for the team. It’s a powerful message about the importance of facing reality, acknowledging one’s limitations, and finding strength in vulnerability. Ted’s final speech in “Signs” is a defining moment in Ted Lasso.

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Ted Lasso
TV-MA

Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is an American football coach who moves to England when he’s hired to manage a struggling soccer team despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he’s fit for the job. Ted Lasso has become one of Apple TV Plus’ most successful shows, earning over 10 Primetime Emmys.

Release Date
August 14, 2020

Cast
Jeremy Swift , Phil Dunster , Hannah Waddingham , Nick Mohammed , Brendan Hunt , Jason Sudeikis , Brett Goldstein , Juno Temple , Toheeb Jimoh , James Lance

Seasons
3