‘Ted Lasso’ Doubles Down on Its Most Infuriating Storyline

Apple TV Sam and Diane, Ross and Rachel, Pam and Jim, Nick and Jess.

Every decade has a memorable sitcom will-they-won’t-they that goes through various stages of yearning, getting together, breaking up, and reuniting.

It is a tried-and-tested formula that, if timed right , will have audiences cheering at significant milestones—like first kisses—as if their team has just scored.

Unfortunately, Ted Lasso fails to capitalize on its previous romantic momentum and comes up short in this department.

“I think keeping two people apart who belong together is bad,” Keeley Jones ( Juno Temple ) says in an earlier episode this season.

She is talking to her ex, Roy Kent ( Brett Goldstein ), about his coaching staff quandary, but really, she is talking about them.

There is no wink to the camera, but there might as well have been.

The self-awareness suggests that this duo will rekindle their flame.

However, the latest episode is testing my patience, as Roy must complete one more manufactured task to show Keeley he is ready for round two.

Before Keeley will say yes, Roy must go on 10 dates with other women to prove he’s considered options beyond one-night stands with zero emotional connection.

If you are struggling to remember exactly why Roy and Keeley broke up, it might be because their split occurred off-screen between the second and third seasons.

There was no memorable big fight leading to a “we were on a break” blow-up.

Instead, all we are left with is a fuzzy outline of Roy’s insecurities and Keeley’s ambition causing issues.

OK, that is taking a page from the Ross and Rachel playbook, but with less conviction.