The penultimate episode of Ted Lasso Season 4 delivered a devastating emotional blow on Wednesday. It unexpectedly wrote off long-time Crown & Anchor pub owner Mae Green. Titled “Mae Rides the Bus,” Episode 9 shifted its focus toward the AFC Richmond women’s team, the Lady Greyhounds, as they fought for a crucial promotion against Bristol City.
Throughout the season, Mae-portrayed brilliantly by veteran actor Annette Badland-took on an expanded narrative role. Beyond pouring pints and keeping the local community grounded, she assisted Leslie Higgins in investigating team shares. She also formed a sweet bond with Ted Lasso’s son, Henry. Her presence has been a staple of the Apple TV+ comedy-drama since the very first season.
The tragedy struck just as the club celebrated a massive milestone. Having traveled alongside the players and coaches on the team bus, Mae delivered an inspiring pregame speech. She shared her lifelong, unfulfilled passion for playing football before watching the Lady Greyhounds secure a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory that guaranteed their promotion to the top division.
What Happened to Mae Green at the End of Episode 9?
Following the final whistle, celebrations inside the stadium were abruptly cut short. Stadium staff alerted Rebecca Welton to a serious medical emergency unfolding in the supporters’ section. Rebecca discovered that Mae had collapsed.
While the episode chose not to visually depict her actual fall, the gravity of the situation was clear in the final moments. A visibly shaken and tearful Rebecca walked into the locker room area and delivered the heartbreaking news to head coach Ted Lasso. Though the exact dialogue was left unspoken, Ted’s immediate reaction-hanging his head in utter grief-confirmed to viewers that Mae had passed away.
Interviews with production and cast members following the broadcast confirmed that the narrative intent was to signal Mae’s death. This left fans to mourn a foundational character right on the doorstep of the season finale.
Controversy Surrounding the In Memoriam Tribute Card
Adding to the emotional weight of the episode, the conclusion sparked immediate online discussion and criticism regarding its editing choices. Immediately following the fictional tragedy involving Mae, the broadcast featured an In Memoriam tribute card dedicated to actor Anthony Head.
Head, who famously played the villainous former Richmond FC owner Rupert Manion during the show’s first three seasons, passed away on June 1, 2026, due to complications from pneumonia. Placing a real-life memorial tribute card directly after an on-screen character death proved to be a jarring formatting choice for many viewers, amplifying the emotional whammy of the broadcast.
Subplots and What Lies Ahead in the Finale
Alongside the heartbreaking developments surrounding Mae, “Mae Rides the Bus” advanced several critical storylines that will dictate the shape of the season finale:
- The Ownership Conspiracy: Zelda Southport (played by Tracey Ullman) was officially unmasked as the mastermind orchestrating the secretive share purchases through Hugo. With a controlling stake nearly secured, Rebecca remains dangerously unaware of who is pulling the strings.
- Keeley’s Big News: Keeley spent much of the episode navigating her pregnancy, eventually sharing the joyous news with Rebecca before finally telling Roy Kent, cementing a hopeful note amid the chaos.
- The Path Forward for Richmond: With the Lady Greyhounds officially promoted and the club facing severe administrative threats from Zelda’s corporate maneuvers, the upcoming finale must also find a fitting way to honor Mae Green’s memory.
As Ted Lasso heads into its season-ending clash, viewers are left grappling with the reality that the Crown & Anchor will never quite be the same again.
