Trent Crimm redeems himself in the ‘Ted Lasso’ finale

Folks, he did it.

In a somewhat unexpected, deeply fulfilling Season 2 finale twist, Ted Lasso‘s Trent Crimm — formerly a reporter for The Independent — redeemed himself for outing an anonymous source.

For those who missed the backlash against Crimm in Season 2, Episode 11, “Midnight Train to Royston,” some fans took issue with his lack of journalistic discretion. Crimm texted Ted an article he’d written in which an anonymous source revealed Ted once left a game because he had a panic attack. Before requesting comment, Crimm told Ted that the source was fellow Richmond coach, Nate.

As noted in our previous piece on Crimm’s big reveal, outing anonymous sources is a huge no in journalism. Relationships between reporters and sources are sacred, and with that one text Crimm put his journalistic integrity in question.

Crimm’s decision to out Nate was especially disheartening because up until that scene he was the epitome of a serious journalist. He was written as a character who valued his profession, the truth, and the ethics of journalism so strongly that I never imagined he would reveal a source. And after he did, I at least expected him to acknowledge it. Instead, the end credits rolled and fans were left to wonder if Crimm would ever address his text.

Following the episode, American journalists let out a collective groan of disappointment in Crimm, while fans from the UK defended his actions and argued that it’s more customary for reporters to reveal sources in the UK, especially tabloid writers.

While journalism standards may be different in the UK, it’s worth keeping in mind that there are Americans in this writers’ room. And the Season 2 finale made clear that Crimm not only felt revealing his source was unethical, but he did so intentionally with regard for Ted’s wellbeing and with an admirable plan to hold himself accountable.

In the finale, Ted goes address his panic attacks in the post-game press conference and notices that Crimm’s usual chair is empty. Ted later finds Crimm waiting for him outside, and Crimm explains that he missed the press conference because he’s no longer a reporter — he was fired when his publication found out he revealed an anonymous source.

“Oh snap, I didn’t say anything. I promise,” Ted assures him.

“No, I know Ted. I did. I’m looking for something different, deeper,” Crimm replies.

Now that’s how you leave a job.

Had Crimm remained a reporter at The Independent after revealing Nate as his source, fans of the show who feel reporters have an obligation to protect their sources would have deemed him irresponsible. But because Crimm came clean to his publication and sacrificed his own job, he brilliantly redeemed himself. Crimm knew that outing Nate was wrong, but he was willing to put his career in jeopardy to provide Ted with clarity that could help him better navigate the his public news cycle and personal betrayal. That’s a real class act.

In the end, Crimm made a series of bold moves that exuded integrity. And seeing his storyline take a righteous turn was even more satisfying because he burned Nate in the process, and we’ve watched Nate’s morality crumble this season with no signs of remorse.

The show’s writers wrapped up Crimm’s Season 2 storyline nicely, but I sincerely hope Ted Lasso hasn’t seen the last of him. Perhaps he’ll find a way to write again in the future, work with Keeley, or maybe he can pull a Kirk from Gilmore Girls and try out a bunch of different jobs — anything that keeps him close to Richmond and on our screens.

Until then, let’s hear it for Trent Crimm, Independent.

We can’t help but root for him.

Ted Lasso is now streaming on AppleTV+.