Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Ted Lasso season 3, episode 11Jamie Tartt’s father made a surprise appearance in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 11. James Tartt hadn’t appeared in Ted Lasso since season 2 and was hardly mentioned at all during season 3 until the most recent episode. James was notoriously hard on Jamie, especially after AFC Richmond’s embarrassing loss to Manchester City. During season 2, James had barged into a private locker room to berate Jamie in front of his teammates. This outburst made Ted realize the abuse that Jamie had faced his whole life from the intolerable James.
In Ted Lasso season 3, episode 11, Jamie was named the Premier League’s player of the month. Later in the episode, Jamie broke down emotionally in front of Roy, claiming that he “lost his wings”. Jamie spiraled throughout the episode, unable to calm his nerves before playing Manchester City, the team he had once played for and his father’s favorite team. Jamie was afraid to face further scrutiny and humiliation from James during the match but was surprised not to see his father heckling him from the crowd.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Implies Jamie Tartt’s Dad Is In Rehab
After a visit to his mom’s house, Jamie expected to encounter his intoxicated father rooting against him as AFC Richmond took on Manchester City once again. The Greyhounds got off to an early lead based on a smart play by Jamie that led to a wide-open header for a goal. Jamie faced a great deal of criticism from the rowdy Manchester City fans, but nothing from his dad because he wasn’t in attendance. This made Jamie uneasy, knowing that his dad wouldn’t miss the game unless something extreme happened.
Jamie went down due to injury which gave Ted time to talk one-on-one with him. Jamie revealed that he hadn’t seen his father since he had punched him in the face at Wembley. After Jamie scored the game-clinching goal, two Man City fans acknowledged that Jamie’s dad “would’ve been proud” and took a drink in honor of James. This momentarily implied that James was dead, but a quick cut to James applauding at the television disproves this. Based on the brief look at James’ whereabouts, it can be assumed he is in some type of rehab facility.
Why Jamie Tartt Forgives His Dad In Ted Lasso Season 3
Jamie finally decided to forgive James in Ted Lasso season 3, episode 11. He told Ted he had two things to say to his dad: “f–k you” and “thank you”. Jamie realized he couldn’t continue to use his hatred for his father as motivation on the soccer pitch. Jamie had harnessed an internal desire to prove his father wrong which he successfully took out on his opponents. Ted helped Jamie recognize that forgiving James wouldn’t give his father anything. Jamie chose forgiveness to provide himself the freedom to live without James’ verbal abuse and ultimately let go of their toxic relationship, making him the true winner in Ted Lasso.
New episodes of Ted Lasso air Wednesdays on Apple TV.
