Trent Crimm is a recurring character in Seasons 1-2 of Ted Lasso, and a main character in Season 3. A sports journalist, he was a reporter for The Independent newspaper before leaving his job at the end of the series 2.
In his capacity as a journalist, he often reported on AFC Richmond and regularly attended press conferences along with other journalists and reporters such as Lloyd, Marcus, Greg, and Sarah. As of Season 3, he is writing a book about Richmond and shadowing the team across various games.
He usually introduces himself before asking a question by saying: "Trent Crimm. The Independent." When Trent was fired for revealing the anonymous source that leaked Ted’s panic attack, his father and Ted told him that he is now "Trent Crimm, Independent"
History[]
Meeting Ted Lasso[]
When Ted Lasso is appointed head coach and manager at UK Premier League club AFC Richmond, all the journalists express skepticism about Ted's ability to lead the club, particularly when Ted demonstrates a lack of knowledge at the first press conference. Trent is the first reporter from whom Ted fields questions, and pointedly discovers Ted's lack of basic knowledge, including the offside rule.
Trent then concludes that Ted is "an American who's never set foot in England, whose athletic success has only come at the amateur level, a second-tier one at that, and is now being charged with the leadership of a Premier League football club, despite clearly possessing very little knowledge of the game".
Ted asks whether there is a question in that statement, to which Trent replies sarcastically: "Is this a fucking joke?"
Profile on Ted[]
When a bunch of paparazzi pictures of Ted and Keeley Jones are taken and set to be published by The Sun, the two ask Rebecca Welton to do something about it, unaware that this was part of a plot by her to sabotage Ted. Rebecca continues this scheme under the guise of helping them by sending Trent Crimm to do a profile on Ted in exchange for asking the owners of the Sun not to publish the picture. Rebecca knows full well Trent and the media's bias against Ted, and privately hopes for a scathing article.
Trent makes his disdain for Ted clear from the beginning of their day together at Nelson Road Stadium, and he questions Ted's willingness to use a trick play thought up by the team's kit man, Nathan Shelley. Despite suspicious spying by Coach Beard, Ted has no illusions about Trent's approach to the story, at one point comparing him to a Roomba looking for dirt. Trent also questions Ted's reasons for holding a party after the loss against Crystal Palace F.C. (something he learned from Jamie Tartt) to which Ted insists he does not care much about wins or losses.
Trent's disdain starts to fade as he continues to follow Ted, noting Ted's positive attitude despite children at a local school insulting him, and his scheme to get Roy Kent to lighten up by giving him a copy of A Wrinkle in Time: Trent even assists Ted on the latter scheme by explaining the plot of the novel to Roy. Eventually they have dinner together at Ollie's Indian restaurant, where both Trent and Ted have to eat the spiciest thing on the menu due to Ted's adventurousness.
Trent lays his cards on the table, that he thinks Ted is being irresponsible by taking the coaching job because the team means something to the residents of Richmond upon Thames. Ted counters that he likes coaching the same way Trent likes writing, and it's not about the wins or losses but making the players the best versions of themselves on and off the field. Trent leaves the interview perplexed, particularly when Ted offers a genuine appreciation of their time together.
A draft of Trent's overall positive profile on Ted is soon read out by Leslie Higgins to Rebecca, much to her anger. Pointedly, Trent reflects that while he fully expects Ted to fail and embarrass Richmond, he will not gloat, "...because I can't help but root for him."
Professional Journalism[]
In subsequent press conferences, Trent and Ted maintain a friendly relationship, with Trent not shying away from tough questions but trusting Ted to answer them well. After AFC Richmond's first game of the Championship season ends in tragedy when Dani Rojas accidentally killed the team's mascot Earl during a penalty kick, Trent Crimm asks Ted for a statement. Ted responds with a touching story about when he lost his dog Hank, and how something can make you cry while it exists and even when they're gone. Trent does not ask a follow-up question, though he is clearly moved by the story.
Trent also asks tough questions to other members of the team. When the team, led by Sam Obisanya, protests Dubai Air's sponsorship by covering the logos on their uniforms with black tape, Trent asks Sam at a press conference if he is accusing the Nigerian government of corruption, to which Sam replies, "Yes, I am."
Panic Attack[]
Following Ted's unexpected departure from the field during the FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, Trent approaches Ted in his capacity as a reporter to ask him what happened. Ted claims to have had food poisoning, and goes on the record about it. Sometime later, Nate leaks to Trent that Ted actually left the field because he had a panic attack. Trent feels he has a responsibility as a journalist to report this news, but due to his respect for Ted, he notifies him about the article the night before and leaks his source.
After the team wins against Brentford FC, Ted holds a press conference to talk about the win and addresses Trent's article, but notices Trent himself is absent from the room. Trent meets Ted outside in the parking lot, where he explains he was fired from the Independent for leaking his source. When Ted claims he didn't tell anyone about it, Trent replies that he was the one who ratted himself out, declaring that he is going to search for a new passion in life, away from the Independent. The two bemusedly observe that he can now start introducing himself as Trent Crimm, Independent, something his father also told him when he found out. They part ways amicably, though Trent is left embarrassed when he realizes he locked himself out of his car.
Trailing Richmond[]
Trent returns at the start of the next football season, explaining that he wants to write a book about Richmond. Although Rebecca, Leslie, and Keely vocally express support for this idea, they privately try to convince Ted to veto it, which he does not. Trent witnesses the group's scheme to recruit Zava for the team, and pointedly asks Rebecca if, on record, she is only doing it to get back at her ex-husband. This time, Ted, Leslie, and Keely all silently urge Rebecca to deny it, which she does not. Trent commends her for pulling such a petty yet bold move.
Roy Kent, however, is not pleased at Trent's presence. He discourages the whole team from talking in Trent's presence, and intentionally disrupts Trent from working when Ted gives him half of Roy's office as a temporary workspace. When the team's silence around Trent affects their attempts to strategize at a game with Chelsea, Ted confronts Roy and tells him to work things out with Trent for the good of the team. Roy pulls Trent aside and reveals his reason for hating Trent: Trent wrote a scathing review of his performance during his first year at Chelsea when he was only 17 years old. Trent apologizes, admitting he was writing just to get a rise out of readers, and the two reconcile.
After the game, which ends with a 1-1 tie, Trent observes as Roy and Ted talk about Roy's experience visiting his old team. He listens as Roy admits returning to Chelsea reminded him of his own insecurities about the game as his skills degraded in his last years on that team, admitting he should have just enjoyed the time he had left instead of worrying about how good he was. Trent and Ted agree that sports is a good metaphor for life.
Mentoring Colin[]
When the Zava gambit pays off, Trent follows the team as they win multiple games. At a celebration of the winning streak at Sam's restaurant, he graciously accepts a matchbook gift from Sam before departing the party. On his way out, however, he notices Colin Hughes kissing his partner Michael in an alley outside the restaurant. Realizing Colin is keeping his sexuality a secret, Trent quietly starts paying more attention to Colin as he continues shadowing the team.
Unfortunately, Richmond's winning streak with Zava on the team runs out after a harrowing game with West Ham United. While working in the office, Trent overhears the coaching team struggling to come up with a workable game strategy. Noticing Trent's reaction, Ted asks if he wishes to weigh in. Trent declines at first, citing a need to maintain objectivity, but relents when everyone (including Roy Kent) teases him. He proposes an old-school long-ball game, a kick and rush tactic. However, he, Beard, and Roy concede that it also would not work.
Trent joins Richmond on an exhibition match in Amsterdam, which ends poorly for the team as usual. Noticing Colin separate from the rest of his team for a night out in Amsterdam, he quietly trails him to a gay club, making his presence known after the bartender shares with Colin some of the events happening that night. Colin panics and makes a run for it, only for Trent to reveal he knows and, pointedly, notes he probably has a good reason for not telling anyone – revealing to Colin's relief that he is also gay. The two share a beer along the canal, next to the Homomonument built for gay and lesbian victims of the Holocaust, and discuss their sexualities. Trent reveals coming out improved his relationship with his wife and daughter, but keeping the secret for so long was difficult – and, he points out, he cannot possibly imagine what it must be like for Colin as a professional athlete. Colin admits he knows his team would be supportive but finds it easier to not let it complicate their relationship, and shares his desire to be able to hug and kiss his partner after the games as his teammates do with theirs, without it becoming an event or having to be a statement. Trent, moved by Colin's story, points out the ringing Bells of the Westerkerk and notes that Anne Frank heard the same bells every night. The two return to the club and enjoy a fun night out together.
The Lasso Way[]
Trent's faith in Ted begins to falter as he watches Ted's gambit in utilizing Total Football bring in questionable results at various practices, to which he indirectly suggests that Ted has chosen to switch tactics out of nowhere. However, after Ted's encouragement emboldens Jamie Tartt to speak up during a break and figure out how to use their own strengths to enhance the strategy, Richmond scores a rare goal in their game against Arsenal. Trent excitedly runs up to Ted after the game declaring Ted's plan will work, and spells out in detail that Ted has been using the same strategy he always has, the "Lasso Way": encouraging his players to be the best versions of themselves and support each other through small gestures that will have a huge pay-off in the end. After Trent runs off, Roy remarks that he is a bit of a dork, to which Ted smiles and replies "he's our dork."
When Ted fears that Michelle Lasso and Dr. Jacob are going to Paris to get engaged, he calls for a meeting of the Diamond Dogs; a very confused Trent ends up joining in, much to Roy's annoyance. When the group realizes Ted only assumed this was happening, Trent points out he cannot worry about something he is not sure will even happen, with Higgins suggesting he at least find out before getting worked up about it. The meeting disperses, with Trent giving an affirmative "woof!"
Sometime later, Colin informs Trent that Isaac McAdoo found out and has been stonewalling him. Trent advises that for some people it takes time to process the news, and that he will need to be patient with Isaac. Later, during a game against Brighton, Isaac is red-carded when he physically attacks a fan who shouted a homophobic slur. Trent quietly observes the locker room as the team reach the conclusion that Isaac is gay, and it's probably the case that there are other people in the room are gay. Colin finally stands up and comes out to the rest of the team, who are receptive and support him. Trent talks to Colin afterwards, as they agree that what occurred was not as bad as Colin feared. After the game, which Richmond wins 2-1, Trent joins the coaching team for a celebratory drink in the office.
Trent joins Ted and Rebecca for "Biscuits with the Boss" and talk about the Nate's recent departure from West Ham United. To Rebecca's consternation, Ted is reluctant to gossip, so Trent offers a rumor he heard about inappropriate workplace behavior at West Ham. Rebecca commends him for knowing how to handle girl talk, though they all agree Nate is probably not capable of that kind of behavior. Leslie Higgins comes in and shares word of Edwin Akufo trying to start an elite Super League. When Ted mistakes it for the Justice League, Trent explains a Super League is when the biggest and wealthiest teams compete only against each other.
The next day, Roy Kent comes into work clad in a red, orange, and yellow tie-dyed shirt. Trent witnesses this and exchanges puzzled looks with Ted and Beard, though they eventually shrug it off. A day later, he tries to ask Beard where he is from, but they are interrupted at the sight of Roy coming into work wearing a different, darker-colored tie-dyed shirt. Beard then shares he's from Peoria, to Trent's confusion.
The Richmond Way[]
When Ted's mother Dottie Lasso visits Richmond, Trent introduces himself to her in the locker room and asks some questions about Ted. Dottie compliments Trent on his hair and proceeds to regale him with a tale of Ted getting onstage and dancing with Bruce Springsteen. Ted notices the conversation, to his annoyance, and clarifies when Trent inquires that he sang "Glory Days" with a Bruce Springsteen cover band at his friend's bar mitzvah. Trent joins a group hug with Dottie, Leslie, and Beard.
As the football season nears its end and Ted announces his departure from AFC Richmond, Trent brings an editor's copy of his soon-to-be-finished book on Richmond, titled The Lasso Way for Ted and Beard to read. Trent proves rather insecure about Ted's opinion on the book, and quietly shadows him as Ted reads. Prior to Richmond's last game of the season, Trent joins Leslie, Roy, and Beard in explaining to Ted how joining the Champions League works, which Ted complains makes little sense until Roy gives the simple explanation of "money."
When Leslie points out, with Nathan Shelley's return, that the group is a reunion of the original Diamond Dogs, Trent tries to leave to give them privacy, but Ted invites him back, firmly telling him he is part of the squad. Roy then asks to join the Diamond Dogs, prompting everyone including Trent to look around for a prank show hidden camera. The Diamond Dogs mount up and listen to Roy's concerns that he has not changed in the past year and asks the group if people can change. Trent offers that people do not change so much as they learn to accept what they have always been, while Nate suggests people can change for the better. Beard argues that perfection is boring and there's no such thing, although the group calls out a few movies and other things that are perfect, including Trent's hair; Trent himself pipes in with "the other side of the pillow."
After Richmond's final victorious game, where Trent celebrates the win with the rest of the team, he finds Ted and Beard's copies: he is annoyed to find Beard annotated it with multiple corrections, while Ted left a simple note: "I'd change the title. It's not about me. It never was." Trent's book, The Richmond Way, is finally published and becomes a bestseller.
Personality[]
Trent Crimm took his job as a reporter very seriously, and had a reputation for asking piercing questions and writing scathing exposés. He is also aware of how serious the public took football, and at first felt Ted was disrespecting the sport by taking the job as coach. However, he could not help but admire Ted's unrelenting positivity in spite of everyone else's expectations. When his job as a reporter forced him to write an exposé about Ted's panic attack at the FA Cup match, his personal respect for Ted led him to not only leak his source but also allow himself to be fired.
Trivia[]
- Trent has a daughter who turned three a few months into Ted's run. Ted made her some biscuits to celebrate her birthday but ended up giving them to Higgins after coincidentally running into him, as shown in "All Apologies".
- James Lance reprised his role at the Ted Lasso White House Briefing on March 20, 2023. He referred to himself as Trent Crimm, fake journalist.
- Trent claims that Dustin Hoffman will be a better fit to play him in a movie. This is a reference to the 1976 movie All The President's Men where Hoffman played a journalist.
- Although Trent Crimm did not confirm his sexuality until "Sunflowers" in Season 3, fans of the series noticed hints as early as the second season: some instances include Trent leaving the pub with a man before talking with Ted in "Headspace", and holding a rainbow-coloured Snoopy mug in multiple episodes.