Ted Lasso season 2, episode 5 recap – what happened in “Rainbow”?

This recap of Apple TV+s Ted Lasso season 2, episode 5, “Rainbow,” contains significant spoilers.

Read the recap of the previous episode.

“I believe in Communism. Rom-Communism,” Ted says to a room of baffled players. We’ve seen for a while that Ted’s outlook is that of one who sees the glass half-full in often unpredictable circumstances. It seems right that he believes Richmond to be the protagonist of a heroic narrative arc, and their string of losses is only a temporary setback that will nonetheless make them stronger.

It’s another thing for the show itself to become a rom-com, but it’s not a huge leap from what we’ve seen before (although many romantic relationships have not worked out in previous episodes). And it seems fitting that the hero of the episode, who gets the biggest rom-com moment, is none other than tortured protagonist Roy Kent.

I’ve always considered Roy to be the most fascinating character on Ted Lasso (and Brett Goldstein one of the show’s strongest actors). It was only a matter of time before he returned to Richmond, and while the reunion is triumphant enough, I do wish that his stint as a TV personality had generated a plot or two.

Ted Lasso season 2, episode 5 recap

That said, the episode itself is more than solid, tying in numerous plotlines in a satisfying way. First, we have Nate, who struggles to reserve a nice table for his parents’ anniversary. What seems like it could be about prejudice is actually a story of Nate’s self-confidence, which is given a boost with the help of Rebecca and Keely. It’s more a traditional sitcom plotline than the show is used to but fits with the highly formulaic rom-com theme of the episode. Alas, while Rebecca’s self-confidence trick gets him the table, he fails in asking out the hostess. Better luck next time Nate.

Rebecca herself is using Keeley’s dating app, Bantr, to chat with a mystery man. In my own opinion, the texts seem hackneyed (ghost him!), but Rebecca is charmed. She herself gets advice from Higgins, who describes meeting his future wife during the Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow.” “The best brand is being yourself,” he tells her, and she takes it in, but later chooses not to reveal her position to the mysterious texted.

AFC Richmond also holds a special place in Roy’s heart, even though he tries to deny it. After the coaches notice Isaac losing focus, Ted brings in Roy to train him. Roy meets the new captain in an underpass, showing him an amateur football game. “I brought you here to remind you that football is a fucking game that you used to play as a fucking kid because it was fun.’” Roy tells him. A montage set to Blur’s “Song 2” shows Isaac regaining his mojo. That Isaac’s story only works to bring Roy back into the fold makes his character feel a little shortchanged, but the end result is worth it.

Roy caustically rejects Ted’s plea to join the Richmond coaching squad, claiming to enjoy his TV gig. But later, on the air, he finds that was a lie. “We’re just on the outside, looking in, judging them,” he says, wishing he was back amongst the players, rather than watching from above. He rips off his mic and, like many rom-com protagonists before him, runs through the rain to Richmond (via a taxi and pedicab as well. Despite his knee pain recurring, he makes it to the game where he joins the other coaches. And Nate’s look at his arrival shows that if anything, the conflict has only just begun. 

Additional Points

• There’s a cute little When Harry Met Sally riff in the form of an old couple talking to the camera about their Richmond AFC meet-cute.
• Once again, Ted rebuffs Dr. Fieldstone’s invitation to therapy.
• Higgins: “I was the only kid in primary school with sciatica.”
• Higgins also mentions a call from Wrexham FC owners Rob McElhenny and Ryan Reynolds – whose real-life purchase of the club drew comparisons during the show’s first season. I’m not sure if this is a one-off joke or a setup for a future cameo from the acclaimed TV writer and “Free Guy” star, respectively.
• Ted gave Nate an “indoor whistle.”