| "Smells Like Mean Spirit" | |
|---|---|
| Ted Lasso episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | MJ Delaney |
| Written by | Leann Bowen |
| Featured music |
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| Cinematography by | David Rom |
| Editing by | A.J. Catoline |
| Original release date | March 15, 2023 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Smells Like Mean Spirit" is the first episode of the third season of the American sports comedy-drama television series Ted Lasso, based on the character played by Jason Sudeikis in a series of promos for NBC Sports' coverage of England's Premier League. It is the 23rd overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Leann Bowen and directed by MJ Delaney. It was released on Apple TV+ on March 15, 2023.
The series follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach, who is unexpectedly recruited to coach a fictional English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience coaching soccer. The team's owner, Rebecca Welton, hires Lasso hoping he will fail as a means of exacting revenge on the team's previous owner, Rupert, her unfaithful ex-husband. The previous season saw Rebecca work with Ted in saving it, which culminated with their promotion to the Premier League. In the episode, pundits predict Richmond will finish last in their new season, prompting Ted to find ways to motivate the club.
The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and humor, although some criticized the writing, pacing and over-abundance of subplots not addressed from the previous season.