Nate Shelley's Season 2 Turn Explained | Ted Lasso Video Essay
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- Ted Lasso's Season 2 finale was a shock to many, but Nathan Shelley's betrayal was planned since Season 1. From his roast in season 1 to his monologue during the ending of Season 2, here's a recap and explanation of what led Nate to become a very different character than the AFC Richmond kit man we saw in the series premiere. And what's next for Nate the Great in Season 3?
00:00 Intro
01:51 Season 1 - A look at Nate's character
03:06 Season 1 - Nate Roasts the Players
03:57 Season 1 - Nate lashes out at Rebecca, and more
05:42 Season 2 - Where Nate left off
06:36 S2 - About Nate's spitting
07:41 S2 - The Wonderkid
09:15 S2 - Nate Kisses Keeley
10:15 S2 - Nate betrays Ted
11:30 S2 - Nate confronts Ted in S2xE12 Finale
13:07 Did Ted fail Nate?
14:16 Season 3 - Redemption for Nate?
SPOILERS!
Nate's grey hair, his move on Keeley, his transition to West Ham United and Rupert, and his relationship with his father - this is a look at everything that transformed Nate throughout Season 2.
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07:51 - Me reading all the comments rn 🙏
Haha happy for you guys! Keep it going with the channel 💪🏻
I know how much work goes into editing and production. This video was well done. And the commentary was spot on. Great job.
Huh. I always thought of it as the rise of Nate the Great.
He references el cholo someone suit.
I'm seeing this 1 year afterwards but SPOT ON psychological analysis! Thanks for giving us deeper understanding into how people like this 'work inside'.
I'm going to check out your other videos because the ex-husband character... I'd like to see your interpretation.
Ted Lasso is such as awesome show. Well written and I dare say, there's GOT to be a psychologist (group of them, etc) advisor on board... better yet if they're on the writing staff. We all REALLY could be better with a therapist. Cliche as that my sound... those people help us see ourselves: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Gotta shine a light on that crap, right?
Thanks again!!!
I don't understand how people think his betrayal was forced. Even in season 1, he was downright vicious when given the chance to lash out, you could see the anger and the low self-esteem driving him. Such phenomenal acting.
I think people believe this because of how subtle much of the transformation was until it wasn't. If you we're paying attention to Nate it would be easy to believe it happened quickly rather than over 2 seasons.
And is nobody gonna point out how his hair got grayer and grayer through this season?
I think more than likely, it’s a show run by Bill Lawrence and you can see a lot of Nate in Ted the Lawyer in Scrubs. The sad sack that has low self esteem, he even had his moments of saying dark and threatening things, but it was always done for comedic effect and he never turned into a bad guy. Ted Lasso is great at breaking cliches of other sitcoms and tv shows… season one Nate fell into that mold of Ted the Lawyer… Cliff Clavin from Cheers… etc. Any red flag he exhibited in Season One that we can go back now and be like “whoa he really was going down this path all along” was easily dismissed based on our experiences with characters like this in other shows
Right? The way he treated his replacement was shitty at best.
“Such a phenomenal actor”
Just wanted to say, he’s a truly brilliant comedian too. He does character comedy and often throws in magic (card tricks, memory stuff)
I love how Nate and Jamie had opposite arcs throughout this season
Well Said.
Wow! True.
Yeah, it's great how they are juxtaposed. But your comment made me wonder if they are really opposite arcs or are they just at different spots of a very similar arc. Jamie had all his success in season 1 and realized what was truly important when some of that was taken away in season 2. Nate started very low and is still on his upper trajectory at the end of season 2. I suspect Jamie will recognize the struggles Nate is having with father figures and will help Nate find his redemption by the end of season 3.
@@michaelhooper8951 that’s interesting, and is possible! I was going for a similar approach of Jamie starting with an ego but becoming a team player while Nate starts out a little humbled but his ego becomes his downfall
Yesss! I also love how the arcs both stem from a lack of validation by their fathers and how that leads both of them
Nate’s treatment of Will was the most jarring thing in season 2.
Not when you consider most bullies only bully because it's happened to them in some capacity.
@callmecatalyst right, because Nate is the primary character and he’s been such a jerk throughout the series that the minute he was promoted everyone knew he would continue to grow into a bigger jerk. It’s not like he was a timid nice guy character before this.
@@joefelice5062 I feel like you didn't really pay attention to the show
It’s not jarring at all.. so many not to subtle cues leading to this moment. And there are so many people like this in real life - fragile ego gets inflated once given power
@@Piterdeveirs333 wdym. He literally used his friends mental sickness just because he wasn't getting enough attention💀
The detail that Ted actually had the picture in his home is one I hadn't caught the first time round but it's brilliant
It makes it all the worse and it shows the difference in the priority of Nate and Ted so well. Nate only cares about pictures that are on Ted's office desk (public image) while Ted has the pictures he cares about at home (cares about the people around him).
@@strikersun14 I appreciate this character arc with Nate because although it is uncomfortable to watch, we see that Ted's influence isn't perfect. It doesn't always make everyone better. Nate learned lessons, but they were the lesson of his bullies and how to become one because he thinks that makes him strong. I can only imagine that Nate's demeanor in Season 3 will make Ted seriously question himself.
I hadn’t noticed this, so brilliant
same here- there are some really good subtleties throughout this show
Me neither. Shows how Ted really did value Nate, but with it being in his bedroom, Nate would never realize that. Makes it all the more tragic
You can absolutely see that his conversation with Ted was the one he wished he could do with his father.
Displaced anger
I definitely will see that in season 3
And earlier in the same episode we see Sam giving a speech to Ted that was actually directed at Rebecca, which was a great scene on its own but can also be seen as foreshadowing what happens with Nate.
I don't think I caught that on my watch of season 2, but this video makes it explicit. Kudos to the writers and this video's author.
Great point!
you forgot to mention how the bearded coach was the only one who was noticing all of Nates episodes. through out season 2 coach asked Nate to apologize to one of the players he lashed out at, and gets mad when he gets angry that roy forgave him, as well as subtle glances he gave every time Nate said something out of pocket. Hopefully they touch on that in season 3.
Coach Beard is the most observant of all the characters and people don’t realize it because he’s very silent and expressionless. But he can see thru Nate from the very beginning and was just waiting to see whether he took the right path or not.
The bearded coach named coach beard?
Coach Beard was the only one to criticize/rebuke Nate for his bad behavior, as he was the only one who noticed. He was also the only one who knew that Nate was the anonymous source without having to be told such.
@@msb5775 I think it’s very obvious that beard is the most observant. They make it pretty clear
All great comments - I also thought about that & how it drew a clear distinction between Coach Beard as someone who is comfortable with himself - & being an assistant coach- and Nate, who is clearly uncomfortable with everything about himself.
As a therapist I LOVE this show so much. The brutally real portrayal of anxiety and panic attacks, the emotion that male characters show (Jamie/Roy hug, Nate angrily wiping away tears, Roy and his “don’t settle..” speech), the strong relationship between Rebecca and Keeley, all of it is so needed right now. I applaud the writers for bringing these characters to life!
The Jamie and Roy hug may have been the most important comment on healthy male interaction the show had. All the ill-will between the two and the contrasting and toxic masculinity housed within those two characters and Roy is the one who knows that Jamie just needs a damn hug after punching his father. It isn't the apparently upbeat Ted, aware but cold coach, but the emotionally constipated Roy who takes the season long journey towards being more "healthy" in his interpersonal interactions. I love it.
@@soccerwizard975 I think that’s why I didn’t like s2: the way Ted lost his emotional literacy and was sidelined in the plot made very little sense following s1. Nate’s arc was definitely the most interesting element of s2
@@spewter we saw it falling apart in season one and it is nice to see am honest emotional breakdown affect others.
Ted's breakdown was not out of the blue at all
@@soccerwizard975 I say, Ted’s sudden loss of emotional literacy made very little sense. You say, his breakdown was set up in s1. Clearly these are different things we’re talking about
And here’s another big reason s2 was weak. Several elements of the plot should have had huge consequences but instead had none.
For example, Sam’s boycott of the club sponsor would have seen the club lose a significant part of their income. It would have brought down a hellfire of litigation for breach of contract as well as libel. It would have sucked up sums of money that would put the club at risk of financial ruin, and Sam would have lost his transfer value because no club would want to have him as a star striker, not when he could go into activist mode and cripple and/or kill the business.
Frustratingly, in s2 this plot was an isolated, self-congratulatory yarn to show what integrity its characters have.
What’s really disappointing about this plot is that every viewer struggles with trying to navigate the ethics of living in a Capitalist society where corporate abuse is rife. None of us have AFC Richmond’s luxury of making decisions without consequences.
Imagine if we want to take seriously Apple’s exploitation of African nations’ resources and the abuse of Chinese factory workers, then we should at the very least cancel our Apple+ subscriptions and live without Ted Lasso. But we make compromises or pretend that what we do isn’t relevant to what’s happening, etc.
@@spewter I certainly don't think that season 2 was perfect, not even close, but this is what you focus on? Who gives a sh*t whether there would be financial repercussions from covering up the logo on the jerseys. Do you think they would waste a couple of episodes on something so boring as the corporation filing a lawsuit? And why would they do that? To draw more attention to their bad acts that were being protested in the first place? Seems to me that they would want the whole thing to remain as quiet as possible so they would gladly just void any contract with the club and move on. What they did served a purpose to move along to the next part of the larger plot. It was a great show in season 1 and it is still a great show after season 2.
My prediction for Nate’s arc:
He’s going to succeed at first with strategy but be unable to lead the team. This will lead to his losing the head coach position and being demoted. In addition to that humiliation, he’s going to learn that Rupert only wanted him to hurt Rebecca and doesn’t value him or his ability.
Nate's tactics have all worked in one off situations, they'll probably win their first 6 games or something using an "Unseen" tactic (Sheffield United using overlapping Centre backs) as an example.
Then once teams have worked him out, the cracks will slowly begin to unfold.
Also I think he will lose the team when they get sick of his act
Mine is that Rupert only duped Nate so he could sabotage Ted and made him second guess his decisions now. Then hired Nate with the knowledge he'll fail and just to damage them all hurther.
Good eye small fry
I hope his arc isn't bettering his character through his failures. But becoming a better person because he realizes he is being a complete douchebag.
I kept thinking of what Higgins said: “a good mentor hopes you’ll move on, a great mentor knows you will.” Nate felt like he had to put Ted down in order to rise up, but it seems clear that Ted would have been thrilled to see Nate surpass him in his career. The difference between Keeley leaving her job she got from Rebecca and Nate leaving the job he got from Ted is really interesting.
Incredible writing parallel
Good catch of the parallel between Keeley and Nate
I loved the way they developed Higgins in season 2.
I didn’t even think of this great point
@@blankname6629 Higgins my fav character he’s the best
You end up hating his character from the bottom of your heart. That's when you realize how well scripted and well acted Nate is.
🙌🙌 Yesssss 💯
Yes me and my dad cheered at every bad thing that happened to him
Nate avoided the therapist like the plague and he was one of the characters that needed her the most.
I love how they strayed from a typical comedy show plot line and actually turned a character that was once loved into a villain. You don’t really see much of that in comedies
I never quite liked Nate from the get go. I had this feeling that given half a chance he’d be a shit heel. I think I was vindicated there but regardless, his is a really well done arc and more believable because the signs where there from word go.
@@ineptwizzard so true..
It’s a dramedy most of my favorites are in this realm. No in them is perfect
If Roy doesn't punch Nate in the throat in season 3, I'm going to be incredibly upset.
I'm ready to create a video essay about this, if it happens. 30 seconds or 30 minutes - whatever it takes. Lol
I'll settle for Roy punching anyone in the throat honestly
He’s here. He’s there. He’s punching everywhere. Roy Kent. Roy Kent.
Oh I think coach Beard wants first shot at him.
Ted’s a good man, he doesn’t hold grudges or beat people up. Coach Beard’s there to handle that.
@@incompetence10881 lolol
9:40 i’d like to point out that nate also bought the same kind of suit that roy was wearing whenever he first stepped onto the field, which was also when he first felt threatened by another coach that was “bigger” than him
Yeah I thought this, I feel like nate was using roy as a model of a powerful person and was in some ways trying to be Roy, but he only copied the aggressive parts of Roy and failed to recognise the underlying respect Roy had for people. It's so well done and so tragic all at once
I thought the sae whe Iwatched season 2's ending tonight!
I would argue it wasn't Ted's responsibility to recognize or manage Nate's insecurities. Nick Mohammed plays that last speech to perfection. As he's saying these supposed grievances out loud, he's hearing them and on some level, realizing how inappropriate and ridiculous they sound. But he's so bitter and embarrassed at that point, he doesn't think he can go back. I think Nate will be a very technically superior coach and win a lot, to begin with. However, his inability to inspire and actually manage, is what's going to be a problem and possibly break down his team in the long run. What Nate doesn't understand is Ted is insanely competent as a manager. It's an underrated skill set. Ted doesn't have the technical football knowledge but he does know how to motivate both individuals and a team and find talent to fill in the gaps in his knowledge.
And that's coach Beard, the one who is always reading books to increase his knowledge of the game.
@@arturcirilo7601 and Roy. The ability to manage effectively and delegate appropriately is invaluable. Ted is the king of soft skills.
I completely agree with this. Ted’s man management skills are where he shines brightest and he was right to consult with others to help with the technical side of things. Nate’s biggest issue will be that he thinks his technical knowledge of the game is everything. It’s important but he fails to recognize how much work his man management skills need. He thinks the solution is to be powerful and domineering and probably thinks that the cooperative approach that Ted uses is weak. I expect that next season he’ll find the squad at west ham won’t put up with as much of his crap as he expects and he’ll be in big trouble when he loses the dressing room. They do seem to be modeling Nate on mourinho down to the graying hair and mourinho’s abrasive approach to the players cost him at Real Madrid and Manchester United in particular
Great shout as to how Nick plays the subtleties in that rant scene to express how even he notices how he's potentially out of line once he hears himself out loud... and how his previous "upbringing" steeped in traditional toxic masculinity is clashing with the part of him that acknowledges the lessons Ted and Beard have had to offer as different masculine presences
Except in real life - Ted would be one of the most incompetent coaches going. He doesn’t even do serious training sessions before major games, he would have been fired on so many occasions in real life
As someone who has spent more than a decade working in a counseling position, Nate’s change is a somewhat common happening. When someone is on the receiving end of any kind of abuse, it greatly increases the likelihood they will become an abuser if or when the opportunity presents itself. It’s a situation that breaks my heart. Thanks for sharing such a great video!
Absolutely, and thank you for adding that information. I mentioned that Nate is doing what he feels a powerful/successful person should do. He's mimicking what he sees around him (or chooses to see around him). Someone that has been abused learns how to abuse others, whether they actually become an abuser or not. But, as you put it, the likelihood of acting out on that learned behavior increases. I'm hoping that Nate can discover and value the quality, influential people that care for him at some point in Season 3. Thank you for the kind words about this video too 🙏
Nate wasn't abused, he was literally promoted and respected. If he lacked the wisdom to do good with his position then that's his fault, not anyone else's.
@@apseudonym my point is that before Ted arrived Nate was severely mentally and emotionally abused by some of the players. That is something that sticks with you and is hard to move on from until that person forgives their abusers.
@@aaronkoch77 not to mention his parents, who seemingly withhold approval and have unrealistic, unreachable expectations for Nate.
This seems to mirror the Stanford Prison experiment results.
The way the writers positioned Nate as being a totally non-threatening (in a specifically intimate, physical or sexual manner) character in Roy's perception following the kiss with Keeley was absolutely brilliant. It cuts to the very core of Nate's fragile ego when he realizes that his peers perceive him as awkward and dismissible, rather than confident and powerful.
It's not that Roy is no longer mad after reflection, or Roy forgives the transgression because of trust - these reactions would grant a certain level of equality between the two, the whole point was that Roy has never considered Nate as having the same agency Roy himself possesses (even with all his unhealthy emotional baggage). The implication, that Roy isn't even worried about Nate because he doesn't see him as potent or powerful is brutal in it's realism, and is the last straw for Nate to turn his friends into threats and enemies to demonstrate his Agency on his terms.
I think that roy reacted the way way that he did because he trusts keely, but he is angry with Jamie because they have prior history. While Roy's reaction is worth noting I think what's more important is why nate kissed her in the first place. When ted stops giving him the attention he wants he turns to Keely more than once throughout the season. In That moment of intimacy which he hardly ever gets because lets be honest he doesn't have any love interests in the show. It might not be explicit but he seems lonely and wants attention and he misread the situation. It was the last straw because the last person he turned to for anything in the show rebuffed him, and in his opinion that bridge was burned. He could have reached out to someone else but that relationship let him down also.Who else was there for him to turn to? He didn't want to try again and took Rupert up on his offer.
Here, I can make that a whole lot briefer for you:
Roy doesn't consider Nate a threat, so he doesn't get pissed off even when he finds out Nate kissed his girlfriend.
You seriously watched a 15 min deep dive about nate betraying Richmond to write that. The video is about nate not Roy. You're not wrong but nate was the point of my comment.
@@hasselett Never use more words when fewer will give you less clarity?
@@hasselett That's how Nate percieves it. Personally, I think Roy and Keely have such a strong relationship that Roy would have been mostly okay if this had happened with most people. I can't imagine Roy lashing out at, say Beard or Sam in the same situation either. It's just that Keely and Jamie have history and Roy and Jamie have history. But Nate wasn't thinking about all of that. He just felt slighted.
Something else interesting to note is how the deal with getting corrected. Nate when was corrected about the wonder kid/wonderkind took it as a personal insult (receiving the jersey and hated it) while when Ted was corrected, nip it in the bud/butt, he accepted it and moved on.
And we also see Roy's growth as he deals with both Keeley and Jamie and has to struggle between his own negative emotions and a healthier path forward through understanding and working with others. Instead of taking Keeley's need for space personally he takes the advice from Jamie and gives her the space she needs.
I think the show does a great job of modeling how people actually think and feel, creating some very relatable conflicts, and then showing a path forward that is both healthy and realistic.
Even though Ted and Roy are both trying to be better people and taking really healthy steps forward, they still inadvertently end up hurting Nate. Which is a very real thing, because no matter what we do in this life we can't control the way others will react. You can do all the right things and still end up in a shit situation because another person's baggage/preconceived notions.
HORTICULTURE BABY !!! 😂😂
@@AbhishekSrivastava-zs8xb Love coach Beard!
You don't see these "turn to the dark side" stories often. This story is really well written, I felt both heartbroken watching this but also exited how this turns out
It cannot be understated how much Roy's dismissal of Nate+keelys kiss, shattered Nate's world
Ever since watching season 2, I've been thinking about this stuff. And I'm going to rewatch both seasons at some point, and see how often Nate is actually nice. Not accomodating, not subservient, not funny or awkward. Just nice. Because I haven't actually been able to think of stuff he does that is just straight up kind. And I think that's telling. Early Nate is inoffensive and accomodating, but I'm not sure he's ever been an actually good person. It's just interesting to think about now.
I love your comment, very insightful and probably true. I think I'm gonna have to rewatch both seasons too. Thank you.
He did make the box for Sam's gift collection but it wasn't his idea. He was being accomodating.
I just finished binging both seasons and even I can’t remember him being nice. Very thoughtful comment!
@@fighterck6241 if you notice when he goes to his parents to brag about being in the paper. There’s already a fully made box there. I don’t believe he made it at all. I’m pretty sure his Mom did.
@@yknowthatgirl He says he and his niece made the suggestion and donation boxes in season 1! Very interesting choice to completely omit this relationship in season 2.
“Power is a dangerous thing…It corrupts the best and attracts the worst. Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up.”
Ragnar lothbrok 👌🏻
Excellent breakdown of a character's fall from grace.
When I watched the final episode of season 2 and saw Rupert whisper into Nate's ear, all I could think of was Sassy's speech to Rebecca outside the nightclub in season 1. Rupert has built Nate an ivory tower, but he marched himself up every step until he reached the top. For any kind of redemption, Nate is going to have to accept responsibility. I hope he does.
I adore this show, the writing, the characters, the stories. Delicious.
Good point regarding Sassy's Rupert analogy. Like Rebecca, Nate needs to take ownership for his actions. I alluded to it at the end of the video, but if if Nate can shed his ego and grow as a person/leader while under Rupert's influence, that's a huge test - one that would possibly help him become the person that Ted sees but couldn't effectively support in S2. Season 3 can't come soon enough! -Andrew
@@ItTakes2Takes It's not really ego is it? It's the classic case of a deep feeling of inferiority (instilled in him by his horrible father) that makes people behave in a seemingly arrogant often nasty way. It's all to hide the fear, the anger and the feelings of NOT being worthy that often makes people behave badly to others - making someone else feel bad gives them power - but it's a power built on sand!
Great writing - there's an interesting parallel and then contrast between Nate and Jamie. Jamie comes from the same place, lacking confidence and hiding it behind the cocky over-the-top brash "me me me" act ... now he is developing into a more thoughtful of others character, as Ted's influence begins to seep in and cancel out HIS horrible father's actions. (Loved when it was Roy who went and gave him Jamie the hug he needed when his father had finished abusing him ...)
Nate is in some ways now where Jamie was at the beginning of the series.
Clearly Nate's venom towards Ted and the others is really towards his own father, but that lifetime of abuse and being made to feel small means he still can't stand up to his father ...
Hopefully in the next season Nate can work this out for himself, finally deal with his issues with his father - stop letting this negative critical man dictate who he is - and we can all have the happy ending that we want! 😃
@@PamelaProPeace Behind most great narcissists lies great insecurity.
Nate’s turn really helps illustrate something I haven’t quite been able to verbalize. A “loser” character is not all of a sudden going to shed their insecurities when they are brought “inside”. Power only amplifies what was already there
One of my favorite things I didn’t notice until the last watch through was in one of the first episodes Nate says his worst fear is aging. And then the greying
My prediction:
-Nate jumps out to a successful start, even defeating AFC Richmond
-The next part of the season results in a decline and losing streak
-Nate realizes he’s bit off more than he can chew
-Nate cannot break his dependence on public opinion and social media
-Nate begins lashing back out at the press
-Rupert tears Nate a new asshole both privately and publicly at season’s end
-Nate realizes how far he’s fallen
What Nate will find is Rupert withdrawing praise when the team suffers setbacks. Nate will take it out on the players (the anti-Ted). That toxic negativity will set up a losing streak. Rupert sacks Nate. West Ham bombs, prompting Rupert to sell out. (the anti-Ted has burned him down). At some point Nate will have a controlled meltdown on TV, tearing everyone to shreds, in forensic detail, sinking his chances of another coaching job, but opening the door to a stint as a commentator. Nates 'keen' football mind, and cruel humor make him a hit on social media and beyond. Finally Nate will have some sort of shot at redemption by finding a measure of generosity: Maybe that is in helping someone who is overlooked, setting aside his self hatred, while remembering the lessons of his history with Ted.
@baxa:
That's pretty much the rise and fall of Mourinho right there.
@@movieblues4614 my hope is that he finally has a very open and honest conversation with his dad and how he failed him as a parent.
Pretty accurate so far
When he spit in the dressing room mirror, my mom went “aww, Nate!”, while my dad responded, “oh, that’s his way of feeling confident/psyching himself up.” When you mentioned it, it all added up, and I think that contrast and juxtaposition really encapsulates Nate’s character.
Yes! That's great. Your dad gets it!
One monologue that Nate had that I feel should have been included here was the way he talked to Colin as well. He feels validated getting back at someone who slighted him in season one, but he recognized that Colin wouldn’t do anything to fight back, whereas Jaime, as Nate saw him at least wouldn’t take that so kindly. He did apologize, but only after Coach Beard saw and let him know to do better.
Another thing worth noting is Coach Beard saw this progression and didn’t really say much either. I don’t know if that was intentional or he just saw what Ted was going through and tried to handle it in his own way to try and bring him back to earth, but I found it interesting that he seemed to notice and Roy kinda noticed at the end too.
@callmecatalyst yeah he confronts him, but when he sees Nate still continue down the path, he doesn’t really pursue it further, doesn’t bring it up to Ted or to the Doctor either. Not saying he did nothing, just saying it seems like he let it play out after confronting him about it.
@@michaeljames3108 I think it's the scene where Nate tells Roy he kissed Keely. Nate's like 'Don't you wanna headbutt me or anything?" And Beard quips in "I'll headbutt you."
He's pissed at Nate and sees what he's doing. I don't think there's much he could do though to stop Nate.
@@Randomninja47 I unno..in the hierarchy of things Beard has to be above Nate. Coach Beard is also Ted's right hand man...they complete each other. I would think they would solve that issue, instead Beard lets it fester into what it manifests into
Nate's dialogue at the end is probably the most realistic conversation in the show. Everyone else seems to have this utopian attitude of forgiveness and understanding that, although that exists today in some capacity, is not the norm. Nate doing what Nate did is a very REAL thing that happens to people. I was surprised by how taken aback people were by his actions but it was pretty plain to see how he would react. The writing for this arc was truly inspiring.
How did people ignore that huge red flag when Nate was prompted to coach?!? His initial reaction to Rebecca was a HUGE RED FLAG for me!
His always assuming the worst
Yeah, I agree. He was given a lot of passes on his questionable behavior at times. If any other character had called Rebecca a “shrew” in that moment (like Jamie, Roy or even Ted) they would have caught heat for that. People have not been taking Nate seriously at all. Now that he’s on the other side, they will have to.
When he called her a shrew I audibly gasped. Then the way she treats him like a little boy and says "why so hostile?' infantilizes him and I think makes it worse. I wish she would have been mad at him in that moment for that insult. It would have changed the whole story I guess but when he said that, it gave me pause and I no longer liked nate. The writing on this show is brilliant. From the begining they show us who Nate really is,
It does probably feel like in reality a character like Ted would have spoken to him about that outburst
I literally searched for this video a week ago, and off course it did not exist yet. Instantly clicked when it was recommended. Nicely done!
Glad you found this - and thank you! I also searched for a video like this when I first considered making it. I was surprised at how few Season 2 deep dives there were. As I was making/editing this video over last week or two, I found myself constantly checking to see if someone else was going to make one before I could finish. lol -Andrew
@@ItTakes2Takes congrats on 100k+ views on this video. I'm very happy for you guys.
Agreed. There's this one and one more. Both very well done. Thank you, IT2T!
Nate is honestly one of the realest and most relatable characters I’ve seen in awhile
Calling it now, season 3 starts out with a press conference of Ted talking about Nate moving on to a new club and Ted saying something to the regard of "Yes, this was expected because Nate is a great coach and will succeed", referencing Higgins telling Keeley "A good mentor hopes you will move on, a great mentor knows you will."
I think he might throw in something small in such a scenario that is specifically hoping Nate will see it something that he thinks Nate did notice notice but he did that is heartwarming but something no one else will get what he is referencing
All the characters, the writing and how they approach human behavior etc is just so relatable and true. We shouldnt be suprised by Nate though. The moment he did that roast of the team in season one, he got the taste of power. You could see his mean streak/anger and misguided agression underneath. Ted gives him more power as a boost of appreciation, support and belief, but unknowinggly fuels the Nate monster.
I love how he went from like a 28 year old kit man to a middle aged football manager in like two years
Stress be like that sometimes…
One thing i find really interesting is the inaction of the coaching staff (except Beard) to address Nate's abuse sooner (if at all). Coach Beard simply has the "be better" talk, but we never see anyone talk to Colin or see his reaction. He consistently attacks members of the team and staff but they let many of these instances go. I think that by doing so they are complicit in allowing a hostile work environment. I wish that they had someone defend Colin or Will against Nate's cruelty. To be fair though not all of the abuse is witnessed.
I mostly agree with you here. However, I do think that Nate just isn't taken seriously enough by those around him. Even if they could have guessed he'd turn against the team (most of them didn't), they wouldn't have assumed he'd take a position with a team that's a real threat to them. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Andrew
To be fair, Ted and Beard say that they don't interfere with bullies because it only makes it worse, eh?
@@ItTakes2Takes it’s not about Nate turning on the team though, it’s about his effect on the Richmond team while he’s there. I agree that it seemed a bit odd that beard watched him throw up a bunch of red flags but never pulled Ted aside to express concern
This is a really good breakdown. I was starting to suspect a negative development like this when he got jealous over Will, insulting Rebecca, and it was really cemented to me when he got obsessed with all the tweets about him, and then when he brutally insulted Colin. The way his apology wasn’t genuine reminded me of so many people irl who hide their insecurities behind cruelty and bullying. There’s a reason he’s that way, of course; but it’s not an apology.
This is a great breakdown and explanation of Nate’s mentality and where he ended up.
The only critique I have is that some of what you said about Ted’s leadership style seems to be predicated on the fact that anything but constant admiration and reassurance would have been enough to keep Nate on (even that wouldn’t have been enough I think). That’s not really a failing in leadership so much as someone not wanting to follow a leader.
Ted definitely has his shortcomings, but to insinuate he could have even slowed down the Nate train Is unfair. Just my two cents.
Also it’s curious that needs therapy the most (Nate and his daddy issues) never got it in season 2 haha. Maybe that’s a path to redemption in season 3?
Regarding leadership - that's fair. I think my point was simply that Ted may have managed Nate differently if he knew what Nate was struggling with. Ted had his hands full. I'm not blaming Ted at all. But the fact remains that Nate sort of went unchecked for perhaps too long. Beard tried though!
@@ItTakes2Takes I loved seeing beard on the rewatch, even as early as S2ep1, trying to nudge Nate onto a less aggressive path.
I think the talk about the desire to be the boss shows that it would have been difficult for Nate to accept a subordinate role. When Coach Beard talks about working together to grow the most, Nate is totally baffled. Once he became The Wonder Kid, there was no turning back.
This video deserves more views: it’s one the best character analysis I’ve seen on CZcams. The show is very well written and crafted, and this kind of breakdown can help us to appreciate it even more. Well done sir
Wow. I don't know how to respond to this other than to say "Thank you." It's been great seeing so many Ted Lasso fans gathering in these comments. -Andrew
I had a slightly different take based on how both Nate and Keeley are leaving Richmond, both struggled to believe in themselves but thrived with the help of those around them. Keeley is open and honest with the people who have helped her reach her potential and they are happy for her success. Nate feels the need to sabotage his relationships with everybody in order to move on, he begins after the funeral. What Nate has failed to grasp is the toxic environment that shaped his poor self esteem was under Rupert’s ownership so if Nate gets off to a rocky start as a manager he will be tormented again.
I think there's a line Nate said about his Dad that he just isn't interested in anything.
Having a Dad like that and a Mother who will inevitably dote and coddle their only child can produce not necessarily an evil person as you say but someone who when a male father figure shows them the attention they feel they deserve they will go above and beyond trying to keep in the centre of it and when it got taken away from him by Roy when he walked up the touchline to be the new coach you could read it in Nates face. Jealousy. Ugly emotion particularly for someone with Nate's insecurities but all stems from a disinterested father.
Great performance by Nick Mohammed and I hope he gets an Emmy nomination for Season 3 whenever that will be as you're absolutely correct in saying a rewatch does make you think about some scenes differently.
The Roy Kent effect replacing the The Wonder Kid as the new buzzword was an interesting one even when Roy always deflected credit where it was due but Nate just seems to ignore it
Nate mentions that it's difficult to buy gifts for his dad because he "hates everything" in S2 Ep4. Yes! I really wanted to play more audio/dialogue from Nate in this video, but it sort of transformed into what we have now. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Andrew
@@ItTakes2Takes knew it was something like that. Rewatched it the other week and that part clicked for me in unlocking what's made Nate that way
Great vid, I'm sure the view count will skyrocket as more people discover the show
Yes parents play a huge role in how you see the world, the show makes that obvious. But it also highlights the fact that it really doesn't matter at all. If you choose to blame your parents and let that define you, that's on you. Jamie had a terrible father, yet he becomes a better person. Ted's father killed himself, and while Ted has unresolved feelings stemming from that trauma, he is also a good person. You cannot blame your parents. They do not define you.
@@apseudonym I'm sorry who are you referring to when you say you can't blame your parents? If you've understand what I've said correctly you must mean Nate but that doesn't work because he doesn't blame his parents. He blames himself or anyone but his parents who he is eager to bask in their admiration particularly his Dad
If you mean I should stop blaming my parents then you've definitely misunderstood.
When you're young and your personality is forming they are vital years and the people you spend the most time around are your parents and if one or both cannot relate or bond with their child through a quirk in their own personality then it can lead to a personality like Nate's.
It's certainly not a universal rule and differs from person to person but wasting time appointing blame seems a bit pointless when their is no malice in it simply a clash of personalities that never got resolved
Agreed, I hope Nick gets an Emmy next season. He did a wonderful job all the way from Season 1. I didn't appreciate it until I started really processing it all (retrospective videos like this one help). Roy is one of my favorites, so I'm glad Brett got an Emmy, but next year I'm rooting 100% for Nick. He pulled off the "turned to the dark side" better than any of the Star Wars movies. Such thoughtful pacing of the story!
Well put together! Nate's story is an excellent portrayal of "I'm a bully because I was bullied", with the twist of this mentality being suppressed due to having no authority. Ted unintentionally unlocked a monster!
I love Brett Goldstein as Roy but, man, Nick Mohammed should have gotten every TV acting award going for this season.
Nate was looking at a dad in everyone. Jamie had dad issues, Nate had dad issues, Ted had dad issues, Rebbeca had dad issues, all in common however Sam had a great relationship with his dad. This was a great portrayal of a few different characters.
I literally finish binging season 1 and 2 A few weeks ago and though i watched both of the seasons back-to-back I was not surprised by Nate's heel turn. It was there but I can see how having the break between series allowed people to forget about the small details
I can relate to Nate so much because I saw so many weak insecure guys in the military turn into monsters once the got a little power. I had a roommate that wanted to be an NCO so bad, not because he was a leader or wanted to take care of his men he was just desperate for the chance to be able to tell people what to do. He was one of the worst NCO's I ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Thank god I always outranked him.
Did u ever pull him aside coach beard style?
@@blankname6629 There was no helping him. He was like Nate so much, so insecure, physically and mentally weak. It made him sadistic when dealing with his men.
A couple of episodes into season 2, I turned to my husband and said "Nate is gonna go full Anakin Skywalker." Thanks for this insightful breakdown of a wonderful character arc.
The bit about Roy immediately forgiving Nate was a really great addition. it's palpable how Nate's ego gets massively inflamed from how unthreatening he is to Roy even though he kissed her.
The greying of his hair could be him undergoing the effects of extreme stress and anxiety, much like the syndrome's namesake, Marie Antoinette. It's great, because it not only shows us the process of Nate becoming the antagonist, but it allows us to also understand what has caused him to become this version of himself
I think one thing that fascinates me about this show was the flip of expectations. We are used to seeing shows that portray tough love coaches, and/or expected sources of toxic masculinity. This show has done a wonderful job of flipping the script and showing positive masculinity from uncommon sources. Ie Roy, Jamie, and more. (Of course they have their faults, but as a whole they're growing as characters) But we also get to see Nate, the stereotypical "Good Guy" and how his toxic masculinity is rooted in his insecurity. He is unsure of how he should act, and how he can define his own version of success, therefore he is portraying himself through these preconceived notions of strength and confidence. He treats people with cruelty, he dresses in clothes that he perceives as powerful, and he craves admiration from strangers rather than enjoying the respect from his friends. To me, this is a much more common form of toxic masculinity that I see. I know many more Nates than I do Roy Kents.
OMG! this phrase is so powerful "Good leaders, they offer the opportunity for growth but, perhaps more importantly, they help develop that growth while understanding the unique needs of the individuals they are leading."
Thank you! I've never noticed someone taking pause over that part. I really appreciate it! 🙏
The animosity Nate feels toward Roy doesn't make sense when it was Roy who protected Nate from the bullies in S1. Roy never did anything to Nate to warrant Nate's change in attitude. Nate just suddenly started making a few negative comments about Roy even before Roy became a coach.
Nate feels emasculated having needed to be protected by Roy. He lashes out at Roy, but it's actually a displacement of his anger at himself for being 'weak'. Like a toddler screaming "I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP, I CAN DO IT MYSELF" at a parent. It makes perfect sense to me.
(Also, Roy only took an active role in standing up for Nate after Ted 'made him' do it, iirc.)
It makes sense when you consider how much Nate hates himself and used his new role as an identity. Roy's presence makes him feel small again even though it's not on purpose. Nate wants to be seen as the strong man so he has to downplay the actual strong man.
I would say Nate is upset with Roy, and Ted, BECAUSE of all the good things they've done for them. He looked up to them and appreciated them as an equipment worker, and that's why it's so important for him that they view him as something more like an equal when he becomes a coach like them.
@@jonhanson8925 But Roy did say encouraging things to Nate. When Nate made the call to win the game, Roy spoke up to give credit to Nate and also expressed his appreciation privately. Nate's sole reason for disliking Roy is jealousy and fear.
My friend was confused by Nate's turn when we watched S2, and asked for my take on it. I sent him this as a reply:
"Nate spent his whole life being completely mediocre, and everyone in his life was more than willing to say so directly to his face. Then comes Ted.
Ted shows him his potential and has faith in him like no one has ever had. He treats him like a hero and respects his counsel. He makes him feel bigger than he ever has, and even makes very significant contributions to Ted's coaching career, and is rewarded with his new spot as a coach, but once he's reached that point, Ted (likely believing Nate was in a better place) shifted his focus to those who he felt needed his attention more.
He hire Roy to the team, and Nate's takeaway from that is that it's just another sign he's not good enough. His big moment is undercut by a small verbal blunder, and because he's so hardwired for criticism he ignores the fact that everyone is only laughing because they find it endearing and sees it as another insult.
His behavior is shitty and wrong, but also completely true to his character, if you think about it. That's quality writing."
I think the reason Nate’s downfall hurts so badly is because ultimately Ted Lasso is a show about people becoming better.
Tart becomes less of a douche and cares about the people around him
Kealey focuses on her self worth and goes after what she wants besides being arm candy
Rebecca moves on from her spite and becomes a more well rounded and loving person who doesn’t let her life continue to be defined by her asshole ex.
Sam becomes more outspoken for what he wants and the type of person he wants to be.
Ironically the only other person who struggles with being better like Nate is Ted. But Ted outwardly appears to be ok and is such a large catalyst for everyone else’s improvement that we forget.
Wow talk about character arcs!
Ted Lasso is one of those really good TV shows. Lots of feel good moments, mixed with just the right amount of drama without it being preachy. I love this show and I can't wait for season 2!
My favourite scene of season 2 is when Roy Kent joins the coaching staff with Rolling Stones's "She is like a rainbow" playing in the back. The song captures the turn the best imho. When Roy finally stands on the side you see him in an impeccable black suit while Nate wears this suit that still looks like a hand-me-down. When the camera focusses on his face you can see he is completely shocked and his insecurities flare up. And what does the song contribute to it? Scratchy violin noises sounding like something truly breaks in Nate's mind.
One of my favourite episodes
didn’t make the connection about Nate’s paternal issues in his confrontation with Ted until now. it becomes so clear with the clips overlayed, great video!
Finally an analysis of a TV show/movie that doesn't feel pretentious and doesn't rely on random speculation. Well done
Ha! Thank you!
This is a brilliant analysis of something that caught a lot of us off-guard at first, to be sure. Thank you for helping make sense of it, and further deepen my enjoyment of the show.
Thank you for watching and commenting. I've really enjoyed hearing from people that are finding new things to appreciate from Nate's character journey, and the show in general. 🙏
I like your ability to point out the subtle methods of the producers and directors. A lot of these events are not accidents. really well done! Love it.
An additional note on Nate's spitting: The first time I saw him do it (and before I had noticed all the yellow and red flags they were planting), I thought, "But what are you doing? Someone's going to have to clean that. Gross." A small symbol of how little he cares what others have to do after he does whatever he wants to feel powerful.
This is a great analysis of Nate's arc. I was so confused by Nate's villain turn because I felt it was entirely manufactured and out of character, but everything you point out here shows so much foreshadowing that I hadnt previously considered as part of his transformation. Well done!
This whole arc and its execution are a testament to the amazing writing and acting in this show. Great video and analysis
Great video! Instantly made me appreciate how well written the show is despite, in my opinion, a lackluster 1st half of the second season. The strong finish made up for it and your analysis just illustrates it further. Well done!
His downfall made complete sense to me. I see it every day with people obtaining positions of power with low self-esteem. They cant help it, and become the thing they resent. In the end, Nate will likely be redeemed when he wins a championship at the end of Season 3 in a 1:1 coach showdown with Ted, and Ted will be gracious in defeat. He will learn that last lesson and be redeemed.
I still think Richmond are winning the championship in season 3 just like Ted “prophesied” at the end of season 1. Epecially since they got promoted back to the PL just like he said would happen in season 2.
West Ham won't win the League. If someone is a poor manager, that person won't be able to survive the first rough patch. Once you lose the locker room (see: Mourinho lashing out at Eva Carneiro after the season opener in 2015), your days are numbered. I doubt Nate lasts the season.
Nate didnt hate bullying, he hated that he was being bullied.
definitely one of the best video essays i’ve seen concerning a character’s mentality. nice one. i love this show so much
i obviously watched the show and saw his evolution, but everything that happened between both seasons didn’t fully click together, and a video like this is exactly what i was hoping would set my thoughts in order. competent and comprehensive, thanks for helping those of us who are a little slower and with poorer memories!
I was in a weird position. I watched the last two episodes of season 2 before I started season 1 so I could see where everything was going. This was planned the whole time. Nate always took every chance to get revenge, to belittle people, to think of everything as the strong vs the weak. At first you think he’s just mad at the people who bullied him and then you realize he’s mad at the whole world.
Fuckkkkk, the audio of Nate's confrontation of Ted with the montage of his "misunderstandings".... that made me feel things. Good job.
Wow, thank you! Anything I edit... I always try to make sure that it makes ME feel things. So, hearing from anyone that shares the same feeling, even slightly, is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you! -Andrew
What a profoundly interesting break down, I found this extremely interesting..I also did not see this coming AT ALL but when you look back it makes perfect sense which is the perfect way to script a characters story arc , great video
Just finished Season 2. So very well said about Nate the great. And you made me realize that I missed/ or rather didn’t notice the picture of Ted and Nate on Ted’s Dresser. I do hope Nate redeems himself in Season 3. I hate the path he took in this Season, but you made me realize from the start of Season 1 that it was inevitable.
This is your first video I watched. Great job!! Makes me realize just how much better the show is than I thought and it was already a favorite.
Thank you! We haven't done many video essays on this channel, but I hope to do more. I have a less serious essay on the movie Hook (1991) if that's your thing: czcams.com/video/Q8kG-E_IJLs/video.html
Either way, thanks for checking us out! -Andrew
The best video to explain Nate.. This channel is still unbelievably underrated. So great
Thank you! I didn't really expect much from this video, but I was hoping people might seek it out down the road, before Season 3 aired. I've been pleasantly surprised by the steady engagement from everyone already. -Andrew
This was so wonderfully put together, it really helped me to organise how I felt about Nate's journey through the series so far (and showed me a bunch of incredible details I never would have noticed otherwise). Great video mate.
That's all I was going for really. Thank you! 🙏
You are definitely getting more subscribers of this. Well done on the analysis 👏🏾 This is brilliant
Thank you for the very well-crafted video! I wouldn't say I was completely caught off guard by Nate's "fate" in season 2, but I so dearly hoped for a redemption arc ever since the "wonder kid" episode... I actually got to season 2 finale thinking this would be it. It was sad seeing him go down that path, specially when we know, as a viewer, how much of it was probably due to his upbringing and how he didn't know how to handle it better. Hope he gets to a better place next season!
I usually just watch character analysis videos without thinking much about them bc they don't really provide much to think about, but this was genuinely outstanding stuff about one of the most interesting characters on TV rn
Beautifully explained! It was all there, it was amazingly written. It’s a story of a human being’s journey but as one that is not often brought up in films/shows. All the small seconds of the camera on Nate’s emotional responses to things - like Roy being a coach, the spitting on himself, the trashing speech he does for all the players. Modern Anakin turning. Right under our noses!
This is a fabulous analysis! Great work!
This is one of the saddest downfalls I’ve ever seen. He was so happy to be part of the squad at the start, but then he started to go down a dark and sad path. It breaks my heart every time
It’s funny, I remember just getting a niggling feeling that Nate might feel pushed out when Roy joined the coaching staff, but I pushed it aside.
Now, on watching someone else doing a react to season 1, noting Nate’s roast and how nasty it was, his comments to Rebecca, his constant put-downs of the new kit-boy, it all made sense superbly.
beautiful in-depth video, fantastic job on this!!
Nate started to view the general kindness towards him as taking pity on him, an extremely insecure and bullied man would start to resent that.
but then he tore up the “Believe” sign and I will never forgive him.
Amazing video 👌🏼 You basically said everything I thought about this character arc. Can't wait for season 3!
Thank you! There were so many great scenes I didn't get to spend time with in the end, but I think the major ones that needed to be talked about were addressed. I'd encourage anyone to rewatch the show with a focus on Nate's scenes. I'd like to do it all over again with a different character in mind, at some point. Either way, it's a worthwhile experience! -Andrew
WOW, Just wow. This has been one of the most interesting videos i have ever watched on youtube.
I just finished season 2 tonight and whilst i seen times where Nates personality was shifting, his outburst at Ted was a massive shock to me, thats why i searched for exactly this video.
Even though I remember all things that happened in this summary i failed massively to join the dots like this person has done.
I feel daft for missing so many key moments in this transition. Thanks for a superb analysis and explanation.
Ted Lasso, like football, truly is a game of two halfs
Wow. Thank you for this. I didn't think this would be appreciated by anyone. I made something I would want to watch. So, to hear that people not only enjoy what I would appreciate, but say that it was HELPFUL for them... thank you 🙏 -Andrew
I was just thinking about rewatching the series. This video essay just cemented it for me. Great analysis. Thanks!
Good breakdown and great editing. You’re very talented. Thank you for sharing.
This comment means a lot. Thank you. -Andrew
I just watched ted lasso and I was so surprised. I thought it would be alot more about football but it got really deep and psychological. 10/10 show
Never a football show.
It's truly incredible how realistic and nuanced the characters are in this show. Fucking brilliant
What a thorough and accurate analysis. Bravo and subscribed.
great video. Did not think about his arc in that detail yet. Really well analyzed
This show was so well written. And this video helped me to appreciate it even more. Thank you. This is a fascinating and well constructed analysis. Great video.
Thank you! I'm looking forward to talking Season 3 when the time comes. The comments have been a great way to pass the time until then! -Andrew
@@ItTakes2Takes me too. I’m almost hoping they keep Nate as an antagonist but allow some personal redemption and for him to become his own man. Maybe becoming a father himself, or losing his own, would be a route to some form of self awareness and acceptance. Or he could just go full dark side power mad over the top bad guy, which would easily be as entertaining, if not more so.
Nate has no love for himself. He values those he sees in power as more valuable than himself. It’s so painful to watch him struggle so much. I think it will get worse next season. He has no gratitude for what he does have instead of focusing on what he feels he is missing. Sad existence.
I love this psychological and factual based analysis of Nate. It feels so healthy to me to look at things like this. Recognizing each persons role in a situation, honestly, such a refreshing thing to hear others look at.
What I don’t understand is how he went so grey over that short time period. It’s not like he suddenly quit dying like me. He gradually switched on some sort of accelerated track. Maybe it speaks to his struggles and stuff.
Regarding the greying hair... The writers have said they wanted to do it as a way of 1) Creating a visual representation of the stress he was going through, and 2) Turning him into José Mourinho 🤣
Subbed, cannot wait for season 3, it's taking forever, great content hope you have more of this quality
Thank you! Waiting for season 3 as well, of course! Looking forward to making more content like this.
Wow. Brilliant, just brilliant.
So much I missed when I watched this incredible series.
Thanks
Nate’s character arch was bothering me throughout season 2 and certainly after watching the finale. I needed extra support to understand all the nuances of what happened. :-) Thanks for such a thorough character analysis! Excellent job.
“If we succeed without confronting and changing shaky foundations of low self-esteem rooted in contempt and hatred, we will falter along the way.” - bell hooks
I feel like that sums up Nate’s character perfectly. He has so much internalized self-hatred that he is undermining his own success (or inevitably will). Really hoping for a fulfilling redemption arc in season 3!
Oooo a bell hooks reference. Love it.
Great video. Your editing during Nate's confrontation with Ted is astonishing.
Thank you. I really enjoyed making that part and didn't really expect anyone to comment on it (or watch it in general, lol). 🙏
@@ItTakes2Takes I was totally enjoying the video all the way through--because you were so on point with what you were saying--and then you took it to another level with that part. Keep up the good work!
This is a really good analysis. I didn't realize on first watch just how much he associates ascension not through collaboration but by pushing others down.