‘Ted Lasso’ Recap: ‘Rainbow’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Ted Lasso’.
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One thing that each and every one of us want out of life is to be happy. Because being happy means that our days are bright and filled with peace and joy, and that's why we work hard to find our happy place in the world. But what's fascinating about this want for happiness is that because we honestly have little idea of how to achieve it, we try to obtain a great many things in life to see which thing gives us the happiness that we crave: Love, money, material objects, or the right job— and what's even more amazing is that none of these elements are the true "right" answer because different things make different people happy. However, there are some lessons in life that can help us toward happiness, and it just so happens that the next episode of the AppleTV+ series, Ted Lasso, takes the time to examine a couple of these lessons.

First, Nathan's journey in the the episode ‘Rainbow’ examines how being a little more assertive in everyday life can actually bring us great joy and happiness. Nathan's parents had an upcoming anniversary, and they wanted nothing more than to an enjoy a nice dinner at their favorite restaurant; most of all, they wanted to sit at the best table— a beautiful window-facing table at the front of the restaurant. However, because Nathan can sometimes be a little too soft spoken, the waitress was dismissive of his hopes for his parents when he made the reservation. That news was unacceptable to Nathan and motivated him to visit AFC Richmond's resident master in being bold and brave: Ms. Keeley Jones. She and Rebecca were quick to take Nathan under their wings and teach him what being assertive was all about, and those lessons paid off in spades. When the time for the big dinner arrived, Nathan and his family were seated at the back of the restaurant. So, rather than disappoint his father and himself, Nathan marched up to the front of the restaurant and used his new skills to get the table that his parents wanted for their special night.

This was just a beautiful and inspiring sequence to watch because it offered Nathan incredible growth as a character, and because it really does speak volumes to how little moments like this can bring us joy. After all, the world can be an angry and cruel place that doesn't always give us what we want. But sometimes, we can take control of little moments on a tough day and shape the world as we see fit— and that can bring one happiness. It also teaches us to look for more opportunities where we can repeat those actions, and once these actions become habits, the next thing you know, you're the head coach of your universe and living it up.

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The next life lesson present within this particular tale, Roy Kent helps us to learn. Roy was given the opportunity to do something quite special in this story: Isaac was struggling as team captain, and he needed special coaching to bring out the spark within him. So, Ted brought Isaac to Roy all so that Roy could coach Issac up a little and show him what it takes to last a long time in football. Roy did such a phenomenal job with Issac that Ted offered Roy a job on AFC Richmond's coaching staff because he genuinely believed that Roy was a natural coach and that it could be Roy's true calling. Roy, however, immediately rebuffed Ted's offer because of his cushy gig on television— but as is often the case, Ted's words resonated with him on a fundamental level, and Roy started to wonder whether Coach Lasso was right about where he properly belongs. In fact, the thought of becoming a coach and being around the game stuck with Roy so much that he came to realize that Ted was absolutely right! That realization led to another powerful sequence wherein Roy ran back into the arms of his one true love: football. The lesson here is quite clear: Sometimes we simply need to follow our heart in order to find happiness in life because when we've had a taste of what really matters to us, nothing will compare to it, and to ignore it would be downright foolish. Getting to see Roy stand on the pitch once again and take it all in really does motivate one to go out and do what they love— and you simply can't go wrong with a show that leaves you feeling so motivated!

Yet, what was truly amazing about this particular episode is that the good vibes didn't end there. The entire subplot of Rebecca and the dating service "Bantr" was equally uplifting. It reminded us of the wonder of love and how it can ensnare our hearts and souls in powerful ways. It's clear Rebecca is smitten with her anonymous admirer, and when you combine her flirty journey with Higgins' admission about the wonder of his wife, all you can do is try your best to keep from turning to mush.
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All of these segments made 'Rainbow' another feel good episode, and it surrounded us with positive and uplifting moments that showed us people coming together to support one another. And now that Coach Kent has arrived and Ted is figuring out that surrounding himself with great minds and great players is likely the formula to success in jolly ol' England, who knows what kind of wonders we'll see AFC Richmond accomplish on the pitch. We can't wait to see what other positive and inspiring moments await us when Ted and his ever-growing extended family return to the pitch, next week. Until then!    ​

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