Ted Lasso Theory: Roy And Keeley Will Reunite, All Thanks To Jamie

"Ted Lasso" giveth and "Ted Lasso" taketh away. Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley's (Juno Temple) relationship was thrown in the shredder this season when audiences learned the fan-favorite couple had broken up, despite previous statements indicating otherwise.

"[T]he challenge was how do we tell a romantic love story after they've got together and keep it engaging and keep it interesting and sexy and funny and sad and all of the things that you can do in other stories," Goldstein had told The A.V. Club during Season 2. "Can we do that in a relationship that stays together?"

Evidently not. And even though the two continue to share pining looks in Season 3, there is another fly in the ointment. Now a free woman, Keeley's eyes have started to wander to an old flame. Jamie (Phil Dunster) has stopped being a prima donna (or pre-Madonna) and has gradually become the best version of himself. Who better to fill the Roy-shaped hole in Keeley's heart? But as this is "Ted Lasso," predictability is not on the menu. Creating a love triangle for a love triangle's sake would disrespect Jamie's character development thus far. But that doesn't mean that he isn't integral. Instead of driving Keeley and Roy further apart, Jamie may just be the answer they need. With his newfound devotion to training and becoming self-actualized, he may be the very person to knock some sense into the two lovers — Roy especially.

Like the fans, Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield) has already questioned Roy's stupid decision to separate from Keeley. And while no one can give a clear answer on the genesis of the breakup, that doesn't mean there isn't a reason. After Roy tells Ted (Jason Sudeikis) why he left Chelsea, his boss gives him some insightful wisdom.

"A lot of folks think it's better to quit than be fired," Ted says wisely. Brett Goldstein would probably agree with this sentiment, as he told Collider. "The whole concept is heartbreaking. Roy is a very private person, and I think it comes from a place of, he doesn't think he's worthy of love. He doesn't think he deserves happiness." Better to break it off now. But Roy needs to get past this emotional immaturity to be truly happy. And the person who knows most about emotional immaturity is Jamie.

Already, Jamie is leaps and bounds from the self-centered person he was in Season 1. He knows what he wants and is open to criticism. He now gets up at four in the morning to train and follows instructions without complaint. Somehow, Jamie has surpassed Roy in the maturity department and has the clarity to show him the way. Already, the athlete has taught Roy modern colloquialisms, such as the right way to say "prima donna." He is on the right path to teaching Roy how to live his best life. Roy just doesn't know it yet.

The topic of masculinity crops up again and again. Jamie has a metamorphosis from a self-important footballer to the type of person open to team building. And one of the people that helped him was Roy. When Jamie endures the toxic presence of his father, Roy is the one who hugs him during one of the most heartwarming "Ted Lasso" moments. Now that Roy is struggling, it makes sense that Jamie would be a familiar touchstone. 

Not that he would admit it, but part of Roy's hangup with Keeley is being closed off. After confessing to Ted that he wishes he could have enjoyed himself at Chelsea instead of quitting, Roy states, "But that is not who I am, I guess." Ted replies, "Not yet." This is going to be his arc for the season. Roy has to learn that he is worthy of love which will come from the unlikeliest of sources. Roy has already shown Jamie what a fraternal presence should be like, and now it is Jamie's turn to return the favor. Jamie's presence this season isn't to rehash an old relationship with Keeley but rather to show Roy he can be open to vulnerability. Once Roy can understand this, he'll know that breaking up with Keeley is a mistake and set on a path to making things right. The three characters will come full circle in their arc with one another and be better people for knowing each other.