‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3 Episode 10 “International Break” Review

The following will contain spoilers for episode 10 of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso. For a recap/review of last week’s episode, click here. 

From the offset of season three, Ted Lasso has been pretty jam-packed with overflowing plot points and the non-stop development of interactions within its ensemble of characters. However, as the season draws closer to its conclusion in just a few short weeks, it appears the latest installment was meant to be a bit quieter, allowing both the viewers and the characters within the narrative a chance to reflect on all that’s happened throughout ten episodes. Titled International Break, season three, episode 10 of Ted Lasso does not feature much of the eponymous character from Kansas. Instead, his star-studded and beloved cast of supporting characters, notably Keeley and Nathan (who I’ve been following very closely since the season began), get most of the spotlight and a chance to take significant strides towards a happy ending.

When episode 10 begins, KJPR, the world Keeley inhabits and built on her own since setting out on her own, is shattered. Following the controversial leaking of her intimate videos and Jack’s immature kneejerk reaction, the once-adorable blossoming couple is no more. However, as was forewarned in previous episodes, the deterioration of their relationship affects the professional relationship, and Jack’s company has pulled its funding, forcing KJPR to close its doors. From the moment Jack first appeared, she slowly changed from someone to root for to someone to root against actively.

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Keeley’s arc over the last three seasons has always seen her tied to a romantic partner, and when she sees her professional life affected by personal decisions, she spirals a bit. Ignoring Rebecca’s frantic calls and texts, Keeley wanders into Mae’s beloved pub and strikes up a conversation with her over several heavy pours of some heavy liquor. Keeley is not in the wrong, but she feels guilty. She feels responsible, and at her lowest, she needs a pick me up and finds in a place we’ve seen damn near every other character in Richmond find comfort. What’s even more heartwarming is what happens next for Miss Jones.

Episode 10 also features the *official* debut of Roy’s sister, Pheobe’s mom Molly (Sofia Barclay). She first appeared in episode 8 of season 2 as the ER doctor, Dr. O’Sullivan, tending to Dr. Sharon Fieldstone after her bicycle accident. In a wholesome celebration of his niece’s favorite holiday, Uncle’s Day, Roy is surprised by the arrival of his “best friend,” Jamie Tartt. The ongoing familial dynamic between Roy and Jamie has been the highlight of this season, with both denying each other as their best friend.

However, Jamie proves his gratitude for Roy by gifting him an original jersey from Roy’s time as a member of the Chelsea Football Team. See, Jamie has been chosen to represent England in the global International Break games, a huge honor for the young man amidst his redemption arc. However, this gift signifies what was touched up previously in season one of Ted Lasso; Jamie grew up a massive fan of his now (NOT) best friend. As he reached a huge milestone in his life and career, sharing the moment with his mentor/quasi-older brother was a tender and touching highlight of their relationship.

However, the second gift Roy receives for Uncle’s Day is the one that sets off a series of events that leads to the exciting revelation of the episode. Opening up his second gift of the day from Pheobe, Roy receives an adorable handmade tye-dye shirt from his loving niece using colors that spell out his name (red, orange, yellow). However, as we all know, Roy only wears black (or charcoal, depending on who you ask). This sudden change in outfit causes quite a stir at the AFC Richmond stomping grounds and Pheobe’s school, where Roy bumps into someone else from season two: Ms. Bowen, AKA LeAnn. Confirming she was flirting with him last they met, Roy suddenly realizes when she harkens him to a bit of a mess (a callback to Ted being called a mess earlier in this season) and suddenly exits.

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Roy spends the rest of the episode writing a mysterious letter that ultimately ends up in the hands of Keeley Jones, who cannot read his handwriting. Reading it aloud, Roy expunges her of all responsibility for their breakup, apologizes, and reminds her that she’s “Keeley f****** Jones” and that he still loves her. Roy and Keeley are back on, as revealed in the episode’s final moments. While many, including myself, have hoped for Keeley to get her own sort of strong, independent woman who needs no man or woman arc at the conclusion of Ted Lasso, Roy, and Keeley have obviously always been endgame, and it felt genuinely satisfying at the moment to see them suddenly back on the same page.

While I mentioned earlier that this episode felt quieter and less chaotic than its predecessors, it features many intersecting storylines. For example, Sam Obisanya is suddenly once again terrorized by delectably evil and petulant Sam Richardson as Edwin Akufo. He is the reason Sam is sadly not chosen to represent Nigeria during the international break, and he is also the reason Sam’s storied Nigerian restaurant is empty on a typically busy Friday evening. Richardson shines as the goofy yet spoiled billionaire unwilling to relinquish a grudge, even more so when he is separated from Sam and amidst his fellow wealthy football club owners, including Rebecca and Rupert (AKA The Devil in Rebecca’s phone).

They are brought together to discuss the idea of a dreaded Super League in which all the wealthiest club owners merge to make the sport more exclusive, cutting off access to anyone not rich as hell. Rebecca has had her own fair share of remarkable moments in season three but getting to see the origins of her motivational tactic of making herself big complete with a child version of her staring back at her in the mirror, was enough to bring this writer to tears. Watching this woman discover just how strong and capable she truly is has been such a journey, and season three expands on that notion tenfold.

With the finale rapidly oncoming and no announcement of a fourth season, it’s getting time to say goodbye to Ted Lasso for good. While there have been a few questionable choices and some hiccups here and there, season three feels like a satisfying and fitting conclusion for the show, synonymous with awards season over the last few years. Next week’s penultimate episode will undoubtedly raise the stakes even more on our way to what will assuredly be a highly emotional rollercoaster of a conclusion. – Christian Hubbard 

Rating: 10/10

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 10 is now streaming on Apple TV+.