Ted Lasso is about to conclude its fourth season, but the ninth episode titled Mae on the Bus gave the audience both a reason to cry and a reason to hope. Returning to streaming on Apple TV with a new season that could relaunch a genuine television trilogy, Ted Lasso has brought the beloved American coach back to the United Kingdom, but this time to coach a women’s soccer team which, in the ninth episode, had its well-deserved moment of glory, yet was tempered by a painful loss. Warning: what follows will reference what happened in the ninth episode of the fourth season of Ted Lasso and the consequences it could have on the season’s final episode, so we suggest you continue reading only after you have finished watching.
Ted Lasso 4, how the sudden disappearance of that character could save Rebecca and AFC Richmond (SPOILER)
Called Mae on the Bus, the ninth episode finally saw the Lady Greyhounds triumph on the field. But the victory was promptly eclipsed by a tragic loss: if just a few minutes earlier she had celebrated happily from the stands, toward the end of the episode Rebecca was informed of Mae Green’s death. A devoted AFC Richmond fan since the first season, she was introduced as the blunt owner of the Crow & Anchor pub who from the outset offered Ted a safe space to spend time away from home. A habitual patron, Ted formed a precious bond with Mae and convinced her to attend the match by traveling to the venue on their company bus. Overjoyed at the opportunity, Mae accepted immediately, but the episode ended with a grave loss that drew tears from the audience. Mae left us doing what she loved: supporting the Lady Greyhounds from the stands during a decisive match for their future, but her passing is not easy to process.
At the same time Mae’s death could still offer hope for Rebecca and AFC Richmond. Throughout the fourth season, Rebecca discovered that someone was trying to siphon away the shareholders’ stakes to topple her and she quickly became convinced that it was Rupert (the name of Anthony Head appeared at the end of the episode). The ninth episode, however, confirmed some fans’ suspicions about the season’s true villain: it turns out that all along Zelda Southport, the eccentric billionaire, acquired the Richmond shares behind Rebecca’s back to gain more power, while posing as a friend.
It would appear, then, that Zelda’s real objective is to take over the team and implement radical changes. Mae’s death could offer one last glimmer of hope to Rebecca, as the woman held substantial shares of Richmond. But what will become of them now that Mae is gone? It all depends on her will: could she restore the shares to Rebecca or transfer them to someone else? And, if so, who would be her heir? They could end up in the hands of the three loyal Richmond-supporting fans who have frequented her pub since the first season.
Annette Badland comments on Mae’s exit and how her inheritance could save Rebecca
On this matter, Annette Badland, who portrayed Mae for four seasons, spoke to Deadline, explaining that when she agreed to return for a new season, she wasn’t aware of the plans for her character. “I didn’t know, and I don’t think I knew until November [2025], I think. There was only one episode left at the end of filming. I was shaken, but I’m very proud to be part of the series and I admire Jason Sudeikis. I think the show has such success because the audience perceives its authenticity.”
As for how she could influence Rebecca’s struggle, the actress added: “She had a truly enormous pile of shares. I mean, there were a lot. She uses them with great efficacy. Her instructions are to use them in a particular way that is quite effective.” We will see what happens in the tenth and final episode.
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