When it comes to Apple TV’s crown jewel Ted Lasso, every bar for future comedy series is set superbly higher than before. The show features some of the best performances, the most compelling, multi-faceted characters, and memorable, inspiring dynamics. Further, in showcasing vulnerability as much as they do, writers dismantle toxic masculinity and fortify authentic strength by revealing that bravery comes in the face of confronting the veracities that hurt. Whether it’s the romantic relationships or platonic ones, for two seasons now, the already fortified bonds stand as shining examples of what loyalty, adoration, and transparency should look like.
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It’s clear as day from their first interaction in the Pilot that Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein) and Keeley Jones (played by Juno Temple) are meant for each other, but the audience doesn’t see the depth of what they could be until Season 1, Episode 4, “For the Children.” From Keeley’s sincere apology after using Roy as a pawn in her and Jamie’s argument to their last scene in the Season 2 finale, “Inverting the Pyramid of Success,” everything that the audience sees between the couple is sheer transparency, effortlessly resulting in the two of them growing for the better by loving one another. While we don’t yet know when Ted Lasso will resume for its third and final season, we can be confident that the impact the two have had on each other is life-changing.
They’re Completely Open With Each Other
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There are a myriad of things about Roy and Keeley that stick out, but the vulnerability present in their scenes together is the beaming heart of their relationship. It starts with Keeley encouraging Roy to be honest about his feelings in Season 1, Episode 9, “All Apologies,” and continues in the Season 1 finale, “The Hope That Kills You.” In their brief locker room exchange, Keeley’s decision to sit by Roy despite his insistence that she stay away showcases that she isn’t going to back away from his stiffer edges. Neither his overt display of susceptibility nor his rage will change the bravery she sees in him, and thereby, sitting beside him allows Roy not only to recognize her loyalty but to genuinely understand how a partnership should be.
Viewers get further confirmation of this idea in Season 2 when Keeley boldly states that Roy’s vulnerability during his retirement speech was sexy. And throughout Ted Lasso’s sophomore season, we see more of Roy’s softer edges come to light as he continues to open himself up to vocalizing his emotions, even if multiple grunts follow them. Further, this substantial growth is not only something that we see around Keeley, but the Diamond Dogs as well when it chooses to begrudgingly vocalize his insecurities. Additionally, in “Midnight Train to Royston,” Keeley shows the audience her vulnerable margins by allowing us to get a glimpse of the very human uncertainties she too harbors, which Roy firmly counters, telling her that “the real you is f**king amazing.”
They Bring Out the Best in Each Other
These honest, open conversations also give them a safe space to confess truths other TV couples take ages to get through. Instead, on Ted Lasso, when Jamie told Keeley he wanted her back at Rebecca’s father’s funeral, she didn’t keep it a secret from Roy. She also didn’t conceal Nate’s choice to kiss her. The truth might have upset him initially, but it later gave Jamie a chance to sincerely apologize to Roy and be honest about the fact that he didn’t want to get in between them.
In every way where it matters, Roy and Keeley bring out the best in each other. Their relationship works as organically as it does because the two have solidified an intimate, sincere friendship that threads their partnership into a tighter bond. The Ted Lasso season 2 finale leaves them in a challenging spot, with some fans questioning whether the couple will make it to the end. But everything that we’ve seen thus far from the two has shown that they’re much stronger than the time they’ll spend apart.
As opposites — sunshine in human form and the unsurpassed, most amusing type of grouch — Roy and Keeley bring out the best in each other by choosing to be each other’s anchor, grounding them both in a place where there’s give and take in equal measure. For two seasons, through actions and words, the two have shown one another that they’re listening, learning, and trying their best to ensure the other’s needs are satisfied. They’ve also grown as individuals in helping one another reach new heights.
After Roy’s retirement, Keeley made it a focus to help him find a purpose outside the life and stature he was routinely used to as AFC Richmond’s Captain. While he’s now settled comfortably in his coaching position (a decision which wasn’t made lightly), it’s up to him as a partner to support Keeley’s new endeavors in running her PR firm. In the same way that he needed to concentrate on finding a profession where he’s satisfied and doing something he loves, she needs to do the same, driving through an angle that requires her to work a little harder right now. Whether in the same room or miles away, as partners, Roy and Keeley have already established that supporting each other is a maximum priority. There should be no doubt that he’d offer her his shoulder or whatever else she needed to help her grow during this novel journey, cementing and fortifying the trusting foundation they’ve built one adoring sentiment and thoughtful gesture at a time.
