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In the season 2 finale of Ted Lasso, Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) character takes a huge turn, setting up an interesting third season. While some fans may be surprised by how much Nate changed compared to the first season, Mohammed told Vulture there was actually a discreet moment in season 1 of Ted Lasso that set up Nate’s storyline on the show.

[Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for season 2 episode 12 of Ted Lasso.]

Nate sits at a desk in season 2 of 'Ted Lasso'
Nick Mohammed in ‘Ted Lasso’ | Apple TV+

Nate betrayed Ted and AFC Richmond in ‘Ted Lasso’

Toward the end of season 2 of Ted Lasso, Nate leaks that Ted (Jason Sudeikis) had a panic attack during a game to the press. After confronting Ted in the season 2 finale, Nate leaves his job at AFC Richmond.

The finale ends with Nate coaching West Ham United, a team that is owned by Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head), the ex-husband of Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham).

This sets up Nate leading his own team and foreshadows a rivalry between West Ham United and AFC Richmond.

In the season 2 finale of Ted Lasso, Nate says that Ted “abandoned” him, which led him to feel angry with Ted. Speaking with Vulture, Mohammed shared why Nate has this perception.

“When Nate would make suggestions to Ted and Coach Beard in season one, they would be like, ‘Hey, this sounds like a really good idea. Let’s try it out.’ Now they almost expect it of him, so he doesn’t get the praise he wants anymore,” Mohammed said.

A moment in season 1 of ‘Ted Lasso’ set up Nate’s arc

In season 1 episode 4 of Ted Lasso, titled, “For the Children,” Rebecca puts on a charity gala with the players and staff of AFC Richmond. The episode introduces Rupert as a character and features some pretty intense interactions between Rupert, Rebecca, and Ted.

Toward the end of the episode, a majority of the guests dance together, but Nate stays in his seat. According to Mohammed, this short scene has a big impact in season 2 of Ted Lasso.

Mohammed told Vulture:

“There’s a bit at the very end of that episode when everyone gets up and starts dancing. I had a long conversation with Jason about whether Nate would get up, too, and we decided no. And you assume that’s because he’s too shy to engage. But actually — and we made a decision right there and then — the reason why Nate’s not getting up is because he’s looking around the room and taking in the power play between Rupert and Rebecca and Ted. He’s taking all this in and essentially making mental notes for when his time comes. Obviously, that’s incredibly silent — you wouldn’t get it at that point in the show. But I think in hindsight, when you watch these episodes back and see the journey Nate goes on in season two, it does all add up.”

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Nick Mohammed knows what will happen with Nate in the Apple TV+ series’ third season

Season 3 of Ted Lasso is expected to premiere sometime in 2022. As of right now, it is a mystery if Nate will be redeemed or stay an antagonist as the show continues.

While fans do not know what will happen with Nate, Mohammed was told “early on” by Sudeikis and other writers what could happen with the character.

“I knew quite early on, actually. When we were filming season one, Jason had outlined potentially what journey Nate was going on… So from a story point of view, I knew where it was all going,” the actor told Vulture.

The first two seasons of Ted Lasso are available to stream on Apple TV+.

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