The following contains spoilers for Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 1 "Smells Like Mean Spirit," now streaming on Apple TV+.
Season 2 of Ted Lasso was a grueling mental health journey, not just focusing on Jason Sudeikis' titular character. While Coach Ted suffered from panic attacks, due to being away from his family in America and the pressures of the AFC Richmond job, others had to deal with internal issues. Jamie, for example, battled rage due to an abusive dad, while the club's therapist, Sharon, had demons within.
These arcs compounded how everyone had hurdles to overcome. Conversely, the drama wasn't all psychological, with problems like Nick Mohammed's Evil Nate joining West Ham popping up, reminding Ted life in London is unpredictable. For another character who initially seemed unflappable, Ted Lasso Season 3 has to address a major obstacle hindering their progress.
Ted Lasso's Jane Payne is Toxic Toward Coach Beard
Season 2 had Coach Beard in a very tumultuous spot, undoing his usual optimistic disposition. He was being emotionally abused by his on-and-off girlfriend in Jane Payne, who kept stringing him along: separating, reuniting, and even flaunting meetings with her exes. The quirky Leslie Higgins grew concerned, but while he wanted to say something, Ted and the guys (aka the Diamond Dogs) stayed out, as they didn't want to meddle in Beard's affairs.
This led to Beard having a drinking episode, "Beard After Hours," and engaging in a wild, taxing night out with fans. Clearly, he wasn't handling the Jane dilemma well, plus with Richmond losing at the time, he seemed to be spiraling. While they did patch up, Season 3 of Ted Lasso needs to have Beard cut the cord for good, realizing his mental health comes first and that if he pursues a relationship, it has to be with someone who's serious about love.
Sadly, it feels like Jane just treats him like a lustful toy rather than a valuable partner. The fact she had him video-conferencing at Rebecca's father's funeral, wanting to see the corpse reiterates how immature she is, and that a gaslit Beard will do anything to please her, even if it's wrong. He shouldn't be bending his moral compass like this, not for someone who sees him as a game, and who may well not want to change for the better.
Ted Lasso's Coach Beard Can Grow By Dumping Jane
What would make Beard severing ties from a stubborn, demanding Jane organic is how the Apple TV+ series shaped break-ups with other unhealthy relationships. Jamie and Keeley are a prime example, with the latter finding true love with Roy after accepting Jamie is a manchild. The series also dissected this with Rebecca and her cheating ex, Rupert, with Rebecca adamant once she got divorced, lost her rage and grew to love the club, her life changed for the better.
This is the wholesomeness Beard needs, especially as he's usually the stoic one healing Ted and offering advice to others. The assistant has also been testy with the staff, resenting Jane for taking advantage of Beard gnawing at him -- something her last name, Payne, nods to. Simply put, Beard can't afford to be in a dark place because the club has been promoted once more and the competition will be high. With Nate gone, they need all hands on deck. Thus, Beard has to focus and improve, personally and professionally. Whether it be an intervention, or Beard getting his own epiphany, he needs freedom that'll ultimately be best for his evolution on and off the pitch.
Ted Lasso Season 3 premieres March 15 on AppleTV+.