WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 2 of Ted Lasso, "Lavender," now available on Apple TV+.
When Season 1 of Ted Lasso wrapped, it felt ironic that Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) would be the one to help relegate AFC Richmond from the English Premier League. His time with the club was filled with controversy, so he went back to his parent club, Man City, and played a major role in the demotion. However, key events in Season 2 now has Jamie crawling back to Richmond in what's already proving to be a divisive signing.
Jamie abandoned Man City to "live life" on a reality dating show called Lust Conquers All. However, he's dealt a massive blow as he's voted off early and told by Man City he's not wanted anymore. Without a contract, the narcissist is struggling as he felt like he's approaching his prime.
It leads to his agent telling him no club's interested and maybe his talents should be taken to more trashy TV. This pushes Jamie to seek out his ex, Keeley, who realizes he's vulnerable and advises him towards Coach Ted. Jamie ambushes Ted at the Richmond pub, admitting that he made a mistake quitting. Despite his turbulent tenure with Richmond, he does admire Ted, evidenced by him bringing the toy soldier Ted gave him as a gift.
But as Jamie grovels for a spot back in Richmond, Ted confesses, as skilled as Jamie is, that it's not a good idea. Jamie's burned too many bridges after insulting players, creating a bullying atmosphere with his toxic personality. Thus, he understands why Ted's leaving him out in the cold with no options.
However, an image of Ted and Jamie in the bar makes the rounds online, leaving Ted's players angry. Sam lashes out at the coach as he feels betrayed. He thinks Ted's re-signing Jamie but Ted assuages these concerns. Ted knows Jamie belittled so many and made them feel inferior, so he's glad to maintain their record of no egos and locker-room bust-ups since.
But when Sam admits that his dad loves how Ted's a role model, Ted decides to help Jamie. He doesn't want his career tanking, which Jamie hints will happen as he only did the dating show to piss off his overbearing dad. Ted saw the man berating Jamie last season so he tells his staff in a stalemate vote that they need to give second chances too.
He knows the team won't like it but they need to offer safe hands to those in need. The episode ends with Jamie on board for winter training and the footballers, especially Sam, tentative with their reception. It could implode, but Ted believes that Jamie can change his ways and be a leader with Roy Kent now retired. Plus, as Higgins noted, Jamie and Dani Rojas can be the trump cards to break their new curse in this season's winless streak.
Starring Jason Sudeikis as the titular coach, Season 2 of Ted Lasso is under way on Apple TV+. The first two episodes are streaming now, with subsequent episodes available every Friday.
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