Ted Lasso is counted among the most iconic sports-based shows of recent times. The Apple TV+ comedy series has so far aired three seasons, telling the story of the titular character who is hired as the coach of the AFC Richmond, a fictional football team.
Though Ted is ridiculed for his lack of experience in the professional sport, he makes it up with his optimism and positive attitude. In his endeavor, he sees the dynamics in the team changing. One character that significantly impacts these dynamics is Nathan "Nate" Shelley, played by Nick Mohammed.
Nate in Ted Lasso goes from being Ted's close friend to betraying him. After serving as the assistant coach for AFC Richmond, Nate quits the job and joins rival team West Ham United F.C. as the head coach. He later feels guilty about his actions and leaves West Ham too.
Nate in Ted Lasso betrays AFC Richmond to join their rival team
Nate in Ted Lasso starts as a quiet and insecure kit man at AFC Richmond. In the first season, when Ted and Coach Beard arrive at the stadium, Nate is nervous and unsure about interacting with them. He has to spend most of his time in the locker room and even gets bullied by some players.
As Ted values kindness, he pays attention to Nate and remembers his name when no one else does. He eventually begins to involve Nate more in the game. This makes Nate feel special, and he forms a close friendship with Ted, however, he keeps struggling with low self-esteem.
By the end of the first season, Nate starts gaining confidence and is promoted to assistant coach. He helps the team strategize with his motivational talks. However, his relationship with the team changes when he is gifted a ‘Wonder Kid’ shirt, which makes him uncomfortable because of his insecurities.
Nate's feelings of underappreciation slowly change him. In Ted Lasso season 2, his confidence turns into arrogance. After a win against Tottenham, Nate receives praise for his strategies, but he begins to let it get into his head.
He becomes rude and dismissive toward others. This behavior alienates him from the people who once supported him. Nate then makes a horrible move when Ted suffers a panic attack, and he leaks this news to the press.
By the end of the season, he is done playing second fiddle to Ted and betrays him and the team to take up the head coach position at the rival team, West Ham United F.C.
Nate Quits West Ham in Ted Lasso season 3
Nate’s character arc comes a full circle in Ted Lasso season 3. As the manager of West Ham, he feels like he is finally getting the respect he deserves, but it comes at the cost of his former friendships.
Despite his success, Nate secretly regrets the way he left Richmond. Though he mocks Ted and the AFC Richmond during press conferences, he misses the support and connection he once had with them.
In the last few episodes of season 3, Nate breaks down and quits his job at West Ham. He then returns to his parent's home to heal and later apologizes to the team for his actions. He tries to make amends with everyone he has hurt.
By the end of the third season, Nate returns to AFC Richmond as the assistant kit man. He helps restore the team’s ‘Believe’ sign, which he had torn down in rage. Hence, Nate goes through various ups and downs in the series and eventually returns to where he started.
Trending
All three seasons of Ted Lasso are available to stream on Apple TV+.
Reply
