In the episode, pundits predict Richmond will finish last in their new season, prompting Ted to find ways to motivate the club.
At Heathrow Airport, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) brings his son Henry to board a flight back to Kansas.
Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Higgins (Jeremy Swift) find that pundits are predicting AFC Richmond will finish in last place for the new Premier League season, while West Ham United F.C.
Meanwhile, Keeley (Juno Temple) has started her PR firm, KJPR, although she later confides in Rebecca that she feels unhappy and stressed out due to how little free time she has left.
Meanwhile, at the London Stadium, Nate (Nick Mohammed) is training West Ham United players as their new manager but continues to struggle with his self-confidence despite the predictions of the team's success.
During a press conference, Ted claims that he found Nate's comments "hilarious", wishing him good luck on his new position and mocking himself by listing a lot of his imperfections, which delights the reporters and Rebecca.
That night, Keeley and Roy (Brett Goldstein) inform his niece, Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield), that they have ended their relationship.
Club gave the episode a "B+" and wrote, "I am happy to report that with its season three opener, 'Smells Like Mean Spirit', Apple TV+'s Emmy juggernaut has lost none of its luster.
"[4] Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone wrote, "The season premiere has an early scene where Ted FaceTimes with his therapist, Dr. Sharon, and admits that he's not sure why he and Coach Beard are still in England.
Jamie, still a seemingly reformed bad boy, has a role to play in 'Smells Like Mean Spirit', but his lingering feelings for Keeley remain unaddressed.
"[6] Paull Dailly of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "All things considered, the premiere delivered in many ways, and I'm cautiously optimistic about the season ahead.
"[7] Lacy Baugher of Telltale TV gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "In the end, the Season 3 premiere is a mixed bag.