Does John Get Arthur’s Guns? Unpacking the Mystery in ‘Ted Lasso’
The Question at Hand
One of the most intriguing plotlines in the popular Apple TV+ series ‘Ted Lasso’ is the fate of AFC Richmond’s former star player, Roy Kent, and his beloved guns. John (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), a mysterious and complex character, has been hovering around the team, leading many to wonder: will John get Arthur’s guns? In this article, we’ll delve into the series’ storyline, provide some key background information, and answer this burning question once and for all.
The Context: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the world of Ted Lasso, it’s essential to briefly revisit the show’s setting and premise. ‘Ted Lasso’ follows the story of Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is recruited by AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football team, to lead their charge towards redemption. Upon arrival, Ted finds himself immersed in a complex web of rivalries, betrayals, and personal demons, including the enigmatic figure of John
Who is John and Why Does He Matter?
John is an English sports agent with questionable ethics, known for his ability to manipulate situations and players to his advantage. As the show progresses, John becomes increasingly central to the narrative, largely due to his connections with Roy Kent, the club’s former star player.
The Guns: Backstory and Significance
Roy Kent’s guns – or, rather, Arthur’s guns – hold great emotional value for the ex-footballer. In Season 1, Roy gifts his iconic ‘ Arthur’s Guns’ tracksuit to Ted as a symbol of mentorship and trust. Meanwhile, John shows up on the scene, boasting connections to Roy Kent’s past and hinting at potential deals that would alter the team’s dynamic. Given John’s questionable nature, many are left wondering if he would actually secure Arthur’s guns – the true extent of their ownership – or if Ted remains the rightful custodian of the cherished tracksuit.
What Do the Evidence and Plot Suggest?
Several points throughout the series support the notion that Ted remains in possession of Arthur’s guns. Notably:
- In Episode 8, Season 1, Roy explicitly gifts the tracksuit to Ted; this transfer of ownership becomes a turning point for Ted, solidifying their mentorship and bond.
- Throughout the series, Ted’s actions showcase a genuine connection to AFC Richmond, indicating that the clubs and their values come first – making it more unlikely for John, as an outsider, to ‘get’ Arthur’s guns.
On the other hand, some fans propose alternative theories, suggesting:
- John’s persistent meddling might be evidence that he has an underlying connection to Arthur’s guns; potentially, he holds the real power behind the tracksuit and plans to use it as leverage.
What Did the Creator Say?
Series creator Jason Sudeikis hasn’t directly confirmed or refuted speculation regarding John getting Arthur’s guns. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed:
"We like to leave a little bit of room for interpretation… John’s got his own little journey that he’s going through, and we want to leave some mystery about who he is and what he wants."
Taking it a Step Further
For a more in-depth understanding, let’s summarize key events and relationships across both seasons:
| Season 1 Highlights | Key Events/Relationships | Implications for John |
| Roy gifts Ted the tracksuit | Ted-Roy friendship | Strong indication of ownership transfer from Roy to Ted |
| John’s complex connection to Roy | Roy’s past mistakes with John | Unreliable, if not potentially malicious, behavior |
| Season 2 Highlights | Key Events/Relationships | Implications for John |
| John’s loyalty is put to the test | John’s conflicts with the team | Lack of trust or credibility |
| Ted and Roy’s partnership evolves | Their combined football knowledge | Enhanced trust and confidence between Ted and Roy |
| John’s schemes lead to chaos | Unfaithfulness and deceit | Discredit and exclusion from team affairs |
Taking the show’s narrative as a whole, it is logical to assume that John’s questionable character, along with Ted’s growth and relationships with AFC Richmond, ultimately solidifies his (Ted’s) connection to Arthur’s guns. This theory is also in line with the overall theme of the show – teamwork, loyalty, and overcoming personal struggles.
The Conclusion: Does John Get Arthur’s Guns?
After examining the available evidence and analyzing the story, we can confidently state that John does not get Arthur’s guns. Instead, Ted remains the rightful custodian of the cherished tracksuit, a symbol of trust, friendship, and football’s higher values. Despite some potential ambiguity, Jason Sudeikis’s direction has led us through a winding path, providing sufficient context to support our conclusion. The ‘Mystery’ surrounding Arthur’s guns serves as a reflection of the show’s essence: human connections and character development, making our favorite football players more endearing and relatable in the process.
As ‘Ted Lasso’ continues to unfold, this theory might still be re-evaluated or adduced by new plotlines; however, based on our current understanding, Ted will undoubtedly continue to rock his beloved ‘Arthur’s Guns’ tracksuit.
Sources:
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Apple TV+ ‘Ted Lasso’ Series
- The Ringer, ‘Ted Lasso’, The New York Times)
