Ahead of Ted Lasso season 2’s release, TechRadar spoke to actor Phil Dunster about Jamie Tartt’s stalled soccer career and his AFC Richmond future.
Spoilers follow for Ted Lasso season 2 episode 1 ‘Goodbye, Earl’. Ted Lasso is a TV show about overcoming adversity. Despite the humor and optimism that runs through Apple TV Plus ’ most popular series to date, it doesn’t overlook the struggles that its eclectic cast of characters go through – and, ultimately, their ability to rise above it. With season 1 focusing on the hardship of key characters including Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), season 2 trains its eye on the show’s supporting cast and the troubles – personal and professional – that they must conquer to grow as individuals. That includes Jamie Tartt. The antagonistic former AFC Richmond star’s circumstances are a mystery at the start of Ted Lasso season 2 but, by the end of episode 1 – titled Goodbye, Earl – it appears that Jamie, more than anyone, needs a helping hand. Ahead of season 2’s premiere, TechRadar sat down with Jamie Tartt actor Phil Dunster to discuss his character’s stuttering soccer career. We also discuss the series’ examination of difficult real-life subjects and whether we’ll see Jamie in a Richmond shirt ever again. Ted Lasso’s season 1 finale left Jamie at a crossroads. Recalled from his Richmond loan spell by Manchester City, the attacker ended up relegating Richmond by setting up City’s winning goal on the final day of last season. Rather than celebrate Richmond’s demotion to England’s second tier, though, the egotistical soccer player found himself mulling over his part in proceedings – especially after Ted leaves him a note praising his unselfish behavior in assisting a goal rather than trying to score himself. Fast forward to season 2 and Jamie is conspicuous by his absence. That is, until the final scene in episode 1. Sitting down with his elderly female yoga friends, ex-Richmond midfielder Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) settles in to watch the latest episode of satirical Love Island-style show Lust Conquers All. To Roy’s surprise, arch-rival Jamie is revealed to be part of the series’ line up.
