The following contains spoilers from Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 11, "Mom City," now streaming on Apple TV+.
As Ted Lasso's third and final season unfolds, fans have been eager to see if and how Nate Shelley would be redeemed and return to AFC Richmond. Admittedly, he changed for the worst, with Rupert at West Ham trying to corrupt him even more. Thankfully, Nate resigned and went to work with his girlfriend, Jade, at his favorite restaurant, A Taste of Athens.
The season consistently showcased that despite his big break, Nate wanted to return to a more content life where he could find inner peace and himself again. Still, the pitch kept calling to him, with Nate secretly wanting to come back to Richmond. After the heart-to-heart with his father in Season 3, Episode 10, "International Break," the penultimate episode of the season, "Mom City," paved the way for his official return, and a big part is due to how Ted Lasso utilizes the shocking backstory between Coach Beard and Ted.
Ted Lasso Confirms Ted Gave Beard a Second Chance
Since its inception, fans wondered how Ted and Beard met before working together in the sporting field. The confirmation comes after Beard heads to Nate's apartment upon Ted and some of the players admitting they'd like Nate back. In a serious exchange, Beard admits he and Ted were athletes who didn't make it, which led to life taking them down separate paths and Beard going to prison for drugs and theft.
However, when he got parole, Ted gave him a second chance: a roof over his head, food and a job. Even after Beard regressed and stole Ted's car, Ted vouched for him and offered him another hall pass that kept him out of prison. Thus, Beard felt it was his responsibility to pay Ted's unique brand of positivity forward and offer Nate a chance to rebuild -- one Nate graciously accepts. In this situation, Nate is now like Beard -- someone in need of help. And the way Coach Ted upholds optimism and belief, it'd be unjust if Beard didn't embody the same characteristics in this scenario. Ted, after all, has taught him never to kick someone when they're down. Further, the door for redemption and non-judgment must always remain open, and Nate fully recognized that, eager to return to his roots where he learned the beautiful game as a kit man.
Ted Lasso Adds Nuance to Beard's Message of Forgiveness
Beard's origin further explained the transparency and overall bond between him and Ted and why they always look out for each other. They're brothers, with something more nuanced than just football between them. For all intents and purposes, Ted saved Beard's life, which further compounded the compassion, care and love permeating through the locker room. It's why Beard also loves Ted's family and why Ted often shows concern for Beard when things are muddied, such as losing streaks or his chaotic love life.
Both men look out for each other's well-being in a big way, bringing it full circle why Beard was so worried and sensed something deeper with Ted's mental health over the last couple of seasons. This decision also humanized Beard, who wasn't just hurt that Nate betrayed the club, but because he spat on the brother who gave Nate his first shot at glory. As such, Beard paving the way for atonement isn't a small gesture to honor the players and Ted.
It's another massive lesson about life in general, loyalty and, more importantly, forgiveness. Admittedly, this helped flesh out Beard's characteristics more. He's often been the most mysterious character on the show, but this scene crafted a poignant arc with one episode left. With hints that Ted will return to America to be with his son, Beard isn't just repairing old friendships; he's laying turf for Nate to return from the cold and possibly redefine the future with Roy Kent. It may give the club another dynamic duo at the helm, but this time, homegrown lads, in case Beard and Ted set themselves up for their own homecoming.
Ted Lasso's series finale airs May 31 on Apple TV+.