It's not about Ted Lasso

 Dear Jason, Brendan and Joe,

I forgive you.

With the debate and (sometimes harsh) discourse about how Season 3 of "Ted Lasso" ended, I think much of the message behind Ted's outlook has been lost. From Season 1's forgiveness of Rebecca, through Season 2's struggles with his own past, Ted and the show in general has always lifted us up with the aim of humans being able to be better to each other and to ourselves.

I know many of those fans disappointed at the ending in the season finale have dwelled on Ted and Rebecca not being romantically linked. For a show with the premise of "What if Nora Ephron wrote a sports film?" and many allusions to the soulmates and baggage that fit together that Ted and Rebecca show, it would be a reasonable expectation to see that outcome. "Ted Lasso" has often defied our expectations though, so I'm not here to be part of the Tedbecca clan. A different memory of Nora Ephron's legacy may be less in the romantic comedy of "Sleepless in Seattle" and it's ilk, and more in how words can separate or draw people together. "Psychic" and "Bully" can bring two people out of their inner worlds, just as "Thank you" can just be enough to let each other go. Beyond a romantic ending, I did just have higher hopes of happiness for our leads, but hey, sometimes it is the hope that kills you, right?

I forgive you, Jason, for leaving us at the end of Season 3 with Ted back in Kansas, with Henry (for sure), but away from the family he built - from his (at least platonic) soulmate Rebecca, his best friend Willis, and the 'sons' who look up to him.  I know on a personal level your own life has some mirrors to Ted's in working abroad with your children thousands of miles away. Ted's story hit somewhat harder for me, in that in my own life, much of my children's lives growing up was spent in another country, whilst I did what work I could that would enable me to see them as often as I could. So I forgive you, Jason, for having Ted finally in Kansas with his son, even though everyone else important to him is thousands of miles away. I hope you can forgive those of us who wanted Ted and Rebecca to have to all, in return.

The problem with splitting your life between two places is that, just as with a Kintsugi bowl, the presence of the golden fissures are always visible, no matter the beauty that is present. I know the strain of carrying a critical success whilst spending time away from those you love must have been hard, but then it's also not easy having your other life move on, whilst you focus and spend time with your children.

I believe that the many unanswered questions, from Ted's own romantic happiness, to Richmond's future, are 'good' unknowns with which to tie up this part of the story. Whether you're paving the way for a Season 4 or not, I believe in you. I just hope you remember to be kind to yourselves, and if this writing serves in someway to remind others that it was never about Ted, then I believe I will have served some use.