“You know Ted isn’t dying, he’s just moving back to America.”—Rebecca

Saying goodbye is never easy. We’ve known since before the season started that this would be the end for Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and the series bearing his name. And still, it’s hard to say goodbye. Even though last week’s episode set the table, it was fair to wonder how it would end.

Today’s finale, “So Long, Farewell,” is a fitting sendoff for the series and the character whose meant so much to us over 34 episodes. It was funny, emotional and rewarding, much like the journey we’ve been on these three years. As I sat there late last night, I couldn’t help but be grateful for going on the journey. I’ll miss Ted but I’m grateful for the show and the experience I’ve had watching it these past three seasons.

As for the actual episode, we knew Ted would leave. As we pick up, everyone on the team knows. No one wants him to go, but everyone understands Ted longs to be with his son, Henry (Gus Turner). But he’s leaving the team in good hands.

AFC Richmond is on an epic winning streak, in contention to win the Premier League and promoting to the Champions League. Nate (Nick Mohammed) is back. The team has learned to play together. Jamie Tartt’s (Phil Dunster) potential has been unlocked. Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is over Rupert (Anthony Head) and moving forward. Roy (Brett Goldstein) is improving. And Trent Crimm’s (James Lance) book is nearly finished.

Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), who is going back with Ted out of solidarity, finish their last practice and the team offers a rousing and beautifully choreographed rendition of “So Long, Farewell,” from which the episode draws its title.

All the storylines from the season are coming to a head. Rupert is embroiled in another scandal, heading toward divorce and losing another team. Jamie and Roy are friends, but both are still enamored of Keeley (Juno Temple), who in the end chooses neither before the hour is over. Rebecca is mulling selling Richmond because she doesn’t want to think about going forward with Ted gone.

We also get the pairings we wanted to see. Nate finally gets to apologize to Nate, and it’s beautiful. Rebecca tries to convince Ted to stay, and their friendship remains beautiful. Jamie and Roy share a beer, and before it gets weird, each expresses their gratitude for the other. And, finally, Roy agrees to join the Diamond Dogs.

All of it is an amuse bouche before the final game of the season. Richmond is facing West Ham, again, with a lot on the line. In the first half, the team isn’t ready. They fall into a 2-0 hole, leaving Ted to give one last emotional speech. It doesn’t disappoint.

Richmond is a different team in the second half. Jamie scores, then Isaac (Kola Bokinni) scores on a penalty kick to tie things up. That leaves Rupert to come down to the sideline for one last meltdown that seals his fate. With just seconds left, Richmond gets the ball and Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) scores a goal, giving Richmond a 3-2 win and a chance at the Premier League title.

In the wrap up, Ted heads home. In the end, Beard can’t go. He’s in love with Jane (Phoebe Walsh). Ted offers another tearful goodbye to Rebecca at the airport. On her way out, she bumps into her paramour from Amsterdam (Matteo van der Grijn), a pilot who is there with his young daughter.

As Ted’s on the plane, we get a montage of what happens for our friends. Roy becomes Richmond’s manager. Rebecca finds the family she long sought and sells 49 percent of the team to the Richmond fanbase, so everyone feels like an owner. Keeley’s business continues to grow. Nate finds peace with Jade (Edtya Budnik) and his family. And Beard has Jane.

We return to Ted on the plane. Was what he saw a dream? Perhaps, but it provides some closure. Ted makes it home, where he’s greeted warmly by Henry and Michelle (Andrea Anders). We close with him coaching his son on the soccer field. Ted’s found peace and he’s right where he’s supposed to be.

Best Scene:

I loved the choreographed farewell number for Ted in his final practice.

Pop Culture References:

People: Winona Judd, Michael Flatley, Grace Kelly and Zorro all get a shout out.

Films: The Sound of Music, Eat, Pray, Love, The Shawshank Redemption, Back to the Future and Jaws all get a mention.

Episode MVP:

It’s Ted Lasso. He’s the glue that’s held the series together and he’s the glue that holds this finale together. This week, it’s all about Ted.

That’s a wrap on the season and the series. I’ll miss watching these characters and sharing in their lives. Perhaps we’ll get a spin-off with some, continuing without Ted. But I’m not sure I need that.

For now, I’ll echo Rebecca in the closing act: Thank You Coach Lasso.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.