In the second-to-last episode of Ted Lasso Season 4, titled “Mae Rides The Bus” and streaming now on Apple TV, Richmond pub owner Mae Green passes away in the stands while supporting the Lady Greyhounds at Bristol City. Played by Annette Badland since the first season, Mae dies doing what she loves, according to interviews and episode details released with the September 30 release of Episode 9.
Mae Green’s Final Journey With the Lady Greyhounds in Episode 9
The title of Episode 9 signals a final goodbye to Mae Green, owner of The Crown & Anchor pub. After hinting that a two-and-a-half-hour drive would be tough for someone with her level of seasoning, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) invite her to ride the team bus to the away match against Bristol City. On the trip, the players embrace her as one of their own, grilling her about her life before she delivers a spirited speech in the locker room and heads out to sit with the supporters rather than the VIP box with Rebecca Welton.
“That’s what happens. You’re involved with folks, and they disappear,” Annette Badland told Deadline regarding her character’s sudden death. “She made the very best of her life and really relished it. So she went, I suppose, for her, in the very best way.” Badland learned about the storyline around November, just an episode before filming it, admitting she was shocked by the script decision.
Behind the Scenes of Mae’s Legacy and Season 4 Dynamics
Transitioning from the men’s team dynamic of the first three seasons to the Lady Greyhounds brought fresh energy to the series. Badland praised the young cast members, describing them as effervescent and full of life, noting that the pub quiz scene felt like a tidal wave during filming. She also pointed out that Mae’s substantial pile of shares in the club will come into play, with specific instructions left behind to impact the team positively.
“She uses them to good effect. Her instructions are for them to be used in a particular way that is quite good,” Badland teased regarding the ongoing battle over club shares. While Mae’s death closes a major chapter for The Crown & Anchor, Badland revealed that Jason Sudeikis modified aspects of the Season 4 finale to ensure Mae remains part of the context, potentially appearing in conscience-driven ways similar to the classic film Wonderful Life.
Silent Tributes and Rupert Mannion’s Lingering Shadow
Episode 9 also pays a poignant tribute to Anthony Head, who portrayed Rebecca’s toxic ex-husband Rupert Mannion. Head died in June at age 72 due to complications, and Apple TV kept the gesture spare by ending the episode with the words “In memory of Anthony Head” on screen as Kingfishr’s “Oh Love” played, according to reporting from Fandomwire. Although Head did not film scenes for Season 4, Rupert’s presence heavily influences the plot.
Episode 9 unmasks Zelda Southport and her billionaire associate Hugo Riddles as the actual buyers orchestrating the purchases, proving that Rupert’s psychological shadow continues to haunt Richmond even in his absence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9
How does Mae Green die in Ted Lasso Season 4?
Mae Green passes away quietly in the stadium stands while supporting the Lady Greyhounds during their away match against Bristol City in Episode 9.
Why did Apple TV dedicate Episode 9 to Anthony Head?
Apple TV dedicated the episode to Anthony Head, who played Rupert Mannion, following his death in June at age 72.
Who is actually buying up AFC Richmond’s shares?
While Rebecca suspects her ex-husband Rupert Mannion is behind the mysterious share purchases, Episode 9 reveals that Zelda Southport and her associate Hugo Riddles are orchestrating the acquisition.
Will Annette Badland appear in the Season 4 finale?
Annette Badland noted that Jason Sudeikis modified parts of Episode 10 to ensure Mae remains woven into the narrative context following her death.
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