The ninth episode of Ted Lasso Season 4, titled “Mae Rides the Bus,” has delivered a significant emotional shift for the series with the sudden death of Mae Green. The beloved owner of the Crown & Anchor pub passed away in the stands moments after watching the Lady Greyhounds secure a 4-2 victory and a promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Actress Annette Badland confirmed the character’s departure in interviews following the episode’s release. Badland noted that Mae died “doing what she loved best,” celebrating the team’s success. The actress also revealed that she only learned of her character’s fate one episode before the filming of the death scene. The episode concludes with the news of her passing being delivered off-screen after she collapsed during the post-match celebrations.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Mae’s final arc focused heavily on her role as a bridge between the past and future of Richmond football. Before the Lady Greyhounds’ pivotal match, Mae delivered a speech highlighting the historical exclusion of women from the professional sport. Her words served as a thematic closing statement for the character, framing the team’s promotion as a victory for generations of female fans and players who were previously sidelined.
While the Richmond community mourns the loss of its fixture at the Crown & Anchor, the episode balanced the tragedy with a “circle of life” narrative. In a parallel subplot, Keeley Jones revealed to Roy Kent that she is pregnant with his baby. The juxtaposition of the team’s professional ascension and Keeley’s personal news serves to soften the blow of Mae’s exit, even as the future of the pub remains a question for the remaining episodes of the season.
Corporate Stakes and Dedications
Beyond the emotional loss of Mae, Episode 9 moved the season’s primary conflict forward by revealing the identity of the antagonist targeting AFC Richmond. Zelda, played by Tracey Ullman, was confirmed as the secret buyer attempting to seize control of the club’s shares from Rebecca Welton. This revelation positions Zelda as a major threat to the club’s stability heading into the final stages of the season.
The episode also included a poignant tribute in its credits. “Mae Rides the Bus” was dedicated to the late Anthony Head, the actor who portrayed the villainous Rupert Mannion in the show’s first three seasons. This tribute follows the actor’s real-world passing, marking a somber moment for the production team and long-time viewers.
With only three episodes remaining in Season 4, the narrative now shifts to how Ted Lasso and the Richmond staff will handle the loss of their friend while navigating Zelda’s corporate maneuvers. Fans are already looking toward the finale for a potential memorial service at the Crown & Anchor, a location that has served as the show’s emotional hub since its 2020 debut.
