Spoiler alert: This article reveals major plot details from Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 9, “Mae Rides the Bus,” now streaming on Apple TV.
Ted Lasso has delivered an emotional farewell to one of its original characters, with Richmond pub owner Mae Green dying in the second-to-last episode of Season 4.
Annette Badland’s character spends her final moments supporting the Lady Greyhounds from the stands during their away match against Bristol City. For Badland, Mae’s death reflects the reality of forming bonds and eventually losing people — while also giving the fiercely devoted supporter an appropriate send-off.
“She loved her life,” Badland said. “She made the very best of her life and really relished it. So she went, I suppose, for her, in the very best way.”
The episode’s title signals Mae’s unusually personal journey with the team. After indicating that the two-and-a-half-hour drive would be challenging for someone with her “level of seasoning,” she receives an invitation from Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, and Coach Beard, played by Brendan Hunt, to ride on the team bus. The players welcome her into their group during the trip.
Badland did not know Mae’s fate when she agreed to return for Season 4. She said she learned of the storyline around November, when production was only about one episode away from filming the pivotal installment.
Although the news shocked her, the actor trusted the direction taken by Sudeikis. She recalled being walked through Mae’s journey from the invitation and bus ride to her eventual death, a progression she hopes will have the same sudden emotional effect on viewers.
Mae’s Fighting Spirit
Badland approached Mae’s final locker-room speech by concentrating on the character’s refusal to surrender or fade into the background. She described Mae as outspoken and fiercely protective of anyone who had earned her heart and respect.
“Being an older woman, where you do become invisible, Mae’s never going to be invisible,” Badland said. “She will not allow that to happen.”
That spirit also informs Mae’s decision to watch the game among the supporters rather than sit in a box with Rebecca and the others. Badland explained that Mae would feel more at home beside dedicated fans who had saved their money to attend. Despite owning The Crown & Anchor, Mae does not view herself as part of a hierarchy.
Season 4’s shift from the men’s team dynamic of the first three seasons to the Lady Greyhounds gave Badland another dimension to explore. The actor said she was thrilled by the new chapter and praised the women playing the team as energetic and joyous collaborators. A pub quiz sequence took several days to film, with Badland describing the group’s enthusiasm as a “tidal wave.”
In Badland’s interpretation, Mae’s devotion carries extra weight because the character could not play football and would not have been allowed to do so. She sees Mae as someone who endured difficulties but continued to challenge the odds.
The episode also reveals Keeley’s pregnancy, placing the prospect of new life alongside Mae’s death. Badland embraced that contrast, observing that one generation moves on as another arrives. “I’m delighted for Keeley,” she said, adding, “and poor old Roy.”
Mae’s Influence Is Not Over
Mae may be gone, but the finale is expected to keep her within the story’s wider context. Badland said Sudeikis modified portions of Episode 10 after they spoke about the character’s death. While Mae does not make another appearance, her presence will still be felt.
The actor also teased that Mae’s substantial pile of shares will be put to use under specific instructions, though she stopped short of revealing exactly what that will mean. Asked whether the finale could include a funeral, Badland said it was possible but did not confirm one.
If Mae had planned her own celebration, Badland believes she would have demanded an enormous party at The Crown & Anchor with everyone invited. The future of the pub is also a concern for the character, according to the actor.
Badland even asked Sudeikis whether she might return as an angel after being told Mae would die. The two discussed the idea, but no such return has been confirmed.
Mae’s Season 4 relationship with Ted’s son also allowed audiences to see another side of her. Badland praised Grant, the young actor with whom she worked, and jokingly noted that his character now knows what he is doing with a tea towel.
Episode 9 additionally acknowledges Anthony Head and is dedicated to him. Badland remembered working with him in the pub, particularly during the darts sequence, and described him as charming, funny and generous. She said she had assumed he would participate in the season but later learned he had been ill and unable to do so. Badland called it an honor to appear in the episode dedicated to him.
What Happens Next?
The Season 4 finale will reveal how Mae’s instructions concerning her shares affect the team and how the series continues to honor her without another appearance from Badland. Whatever follows, the actor remains proud of Mae’s journey and of the response the show has received.
Badland said viewers have shared deeply personal stories about watching Ted Lasso during difficult periods, including one family that gathers around a mother’s bed after her cancer treatments to watch, laugh and “believe.” For Badland, being connected to something that provides that comfort is a meaningful part of Mae Green’s legacy.