They make the whole plot
Ted Lasso is now releasing its third season over three years. Over this time a variety of characters have been added to the cast while others have left after a season. However, two of the characters, Keely and Rebecca, have stayed. Keely, played by Juno Temple, is a model turned businesswoman in the show. Rebecca, played by Hannah Waddingham, is the manager of the infamous owner of the AFC Richmond soccer club that the show is based on. Both characters serve as an inspiration for viewers and showcase the success of strong independent women. Although neither character is a main character they both are essential parts of the show.
In the first season of the show, the viewer is introduced to Keely. She is a model who happens to be dating the star soccer player on the AFC Richmond team, Jamie Tart. Keely seemed to be a side character on the show, appearing in a few scenes that focus on her and Jamie’s relationship. However, in the second and third season, Keely gets a lot more screen time. She works to get Jamie an endorsement and receives some of the profits, too. Her character evolves as she realizes that she can accomplish more than just being a model. Rebecca offers her a position to focus on marketing for the AFC Richmond team. She eventually starts another relationship with Roy, a player turned coach on the team. However when she is awarded the opportunity to start her own PR firm and Roy doesn’t approve she chooses to start the firm anyways and they break up. The evolution of Keely from a person who put her boyfriend before herself to a person who created a career for herself is drastic. She is a perfect story of a self-made individual.
Rebecca is also an image of a strong woman who overcame her hardships. The show begins following Rebecca’s recent divorce from her husband. In the aftermath, she inherits his club as part of the divorce. At the start, Rebecca tries to make the club fail in order to upset her ex-husband. However, after she meets Keely and Ted Lasso, the coach of the team, she realizes the club is worth saving. She puts her energy into recruiting the best players and making sure the club has the resources it needs. Not only that but the viewer sees the evolution of Rebecca in her friendships. Although she appears cold in the first season by the third season she is what I would describe as a caring and supportive friend. She constantly checks up on Ted and offers advice when Keely is having trouble adjusting to her new job. Rebecca is able to overcome her broken heart and thrive on her own and the viewer can see how she thrives as a result.
Although the show Ted Lasso is named after the main character that doesn’t mean Keely and Rebecca aren’t important to this storyline. Keely’s story shows that putting yourself first and working on your goals can lead you to succeed. And Rebecca is the friend that every viewer wants. Someone who takes care of her friends and is making her own way even if it’s difficult.