Episode 9 of Ted Lasso's third season commences with the Richmond team reveling in a spirited practice session. Even Roy grudgingly concedes that the strategic shift was a stroke of genius. However, beneath the veneer of camaraderie, a fissure emerges as Isaac appears to be shunning Colin, flatly declining his invitation for a heart-to-heart over a brew.
Keeley reveals to Rebecca a lengthy trail of unanswered texts she's sent to Jack, and Rebecca offers a sympathetic ear. Ted arrives, bearing his signature biscuits, and then queries Rebecca if he can forgo the press conference due to a crucial meeting with Henry's teacher. Realizing Roy could fill in, Rebecca and Keeley break the news to him.
At West Ham's offices, Jade unexpectedly drops by Nathan's workspace. Rupert intervenes to introduce them, but not without a sly jab about Jade being too good for Nathan. Leslie approaches Rebecca inquiring about the press conference's aftermath. She descends to find a heated dispute brewing between reporters and Coach Beard over the Jimmy Page and Joe Walsh debacle. Swiftly stepping in, Rebecca handles the situation with aplomb but promptly seeks out Roy, scolding him to meet her in her office. He reluctantly obliges.
Frustrated by his failed attempts to engage Isaac, Colin turns to Trent for guidance. Trent counsels him to grant Isaac some breathing space. In her office, Rebecca confronts Roy about his indifferent demeanor and urges him to get his act together. Rupert enters Nathan's office for a check-in, only to find the latter poised and prepared for the impending match. Amidst their conversation, Rupert mentions Jade but misnames her as Kate, further compounding the already awkward situation.
On the fateful day of the match, Rupert coaxed Nate with the promise of a 'guys-only' evening out. As the clock ticked, West Ham squared off against Southampton, while Richmond clashed with Brighton on the same pitch. Suddenly, Jack's message broke the serene anticipation, informing Keeley that he was in Argentina and would remain there for months, confirming it was not a hiatus but a definitive end.
The match for Richmond did not commence auspiciously. Isaac, his mind elsewhere, allowed Brighton to sneak in an early goal. A belligerent fan from the stands relentlessly hurled curses at the team, and at halftime, when the fan's insults took a queer slur, Isaac's composure snapped. He stormed into the stands, confronting the fan in a violent altercation, earning himself a red card in the process.
Inside the tense locker room, Ted inquired about the incident. Once the details were laid out, the team urged Isaac to dismiss the fan's words, but he erupted, declaring that no one should have to endure such things, and strode out. Roy followed, offering counsel, sensing that the true source of Isaac's ire lay elsewhere and needed addressing.
The remaining players wrongly assumed that Isaac's reaction stemmed from being gay. This misconception spurred Colin to stand up and reveal his true identity to the team. To his relief, they accepted him unconditionally. When one player claimed indifference to his sexual orientation, Ted intervened, emphasizing that they cared deeply and would offer their unwavering support. Later, Colin confessed to Trent that the outcome had exceeded his expectations. They returned to the match, sans Isaac, but Colin's prowess assisted in scoring two magnificent goals, securing Richmond's victory!
Meanwhile, West Ham also emerged victorious. Jade congratulated Nathan via text as he prepared to accompany Rupert. But upon arriving at the club, Rupert's so-called 'guys' night quickly revealed its true colors as he introduced Nathan to two women. A shift in Nathan's demeanor was palpable, and he informed Rupert he had to leave. Instead, he headed to Jade's apartment, greeting her with a warm hug.
As another press conference approaches, Roy strides forward, usurping Ted's position. He tackles inquiries regarding Isaac's conduct, acknowledging its impropriety while maintaining a compassionate understanding that footballers, too, are human beings, with complex lives that remain unknown to the outside world. Rebecca, observing the entire exchange, nods approvingly towards Roy.
Isaac, after some deliberation, makes his way to Colin's abode, curious about why Colin assumed he couldn't be privy to the truth. Colin confesses that it was more a reflection of his own fears, rather than a concern for Isaac's ability to comprehend.
