Summary
Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, a compelling character introduced in season 2 of Ted Lasso, was underutilized in the show's final season.
As a sports psychologist, Sharon was instrumental in assisting several individuals, including Ted, Dani, and Jamie, in conquering their own personal obstacles. Although her exit from the club presented difficulties in showcasing her in season 3, Sharon's own narrative and enduring connection with the Richmond family would have greatly enhanced the concluding episodes.
The character development in Ted Lasso is rich and diverse, but one notable character from season 2 was not given enough attention in season 3. Throughout the three seasons of Ted Lasso, viewers were treated to captivating character arcs, delving into the lives of supporting individuals like journalist Trent Crimm and right back player Samuel Obisanya. However, due to time constraints in concluding the series after season 3, not all minor characters had their storylines fully resolved.
Ted Lasso, winner of consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy, boasted a powerful and inclusive ensemble cast. Often regarded as a heartwarming exploration of characters, in addition to its comedic elements, the show seamlessly intertwined personal journeys with the overarching Richmond AFC narrative. While Ted Lasso season 3 tidily wrapped up the majority of these arcs, granting a satisfying conclusion for the main characters, one vital character introduced in season 2 deserved a more prominent role.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Barely Used Dr. Sharon Fieldstone After Making Her So Important In Season 2
Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, portrayed by Sarah Niles, captivated audiences in season 2 of Ted Lasso. As a sports psychologist brought in to assist Dani Rojas after a tragic accident, she proved highly effective in helping him navigate his struggles. Despite initial skepticism from some, including Ted, Sharon played a crucial role in aiding Ted in confronting his own personal challenges, such as his father's death, divorce, and panic attacks. Additionally, she provided valuable guidance to Jamie Tartt and other players who sought her wisdom.
However, Sharon's impact extended beyond the characters in the show. According to Jason Sudeikis, the star of the series, the Ted Lasso storyline even influenced fans to seek therapy. While Sharon appeared in 10 out of the 12 episodes of season 2, her involvement in season 3 was more limited, with only three appearances. In two of those instances, she appeared via phone calls, and she also made a cameo in the series finale. Given her significant role in the previous season, it is perplexing why her presence was not more prominent in the latest season.
Why Sarah Niles' Dr. Sharon Deserved A Bigger Role In Ted Lasso Season 3
After helping Ted and the other members of the Richmond squad achieve significant personal breakthroughs, Sharon moved on to assist other teams with their own personal struggles. This decision by Ted Lasso placed the show in a difficult position, as it became more challenging to incorporate Sharon into the final season. It can be argued that Sharon's pivotal role in helping Ted confront his inner demons also equipped him to face the obstacles presented in Ted Lasso season 3. Consequently, it would have been natural and fitting for Sharon to return and assist Ted with these issues in the concluding episodes.
Furthermore, Ted Lasso season 3 had the opportunity to delve deeper into Dr. Fieldstone's life, revealing more about her personal story as she continued her work with the Richmond family. However, the writers chose not to take this route, resulting in minimal appearances and phone conversations for the character as the season progressed. While there is a possibility of Dr. Sharon's reappearance in an extended Ted Lasso spinoff, it was disappointing for viewers to witness her being sidelined in the final season, especially considering the impact she had during her run in season 2.