The penultimate episode of Ted Lasso Season 4 has delivered its most significant emotional blow to date, confirming the death of a cornerstone character just ahead of the series finale. In Episode 9, titled “Mae Rides the Bus,” Mae Green, the beloved landlady of the Crown & Anchor, passed away, leaving AFC Richmond and its supporters reeling as they face a corporate takeover.
The death of Mae, played by Annette Badland, serves as the primary catalyst for the upcoming finale, “The Departing Lass,” which is set to air on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. While the episode focused on the immediate grief of the Richmond community, the narrative implications of her passing are tied directly to the club’s survival.
The Fight for AFC Richmond
The timing of Mae’s death coincides with the revelation that billionaire Zelda Southport, portrayed by Tracey Ullman, is the mystery buyer attempting a hostile takeover of the club. Episode 9 confirmed that Southport has been aggressively acquiring shares in an attempt to secure a majority stake, positioning her as the final antagonist of the season.
However, the path to total control for Southport may be blocked by Mae’s own legacy. Mae’s minority ownership of AFC Richmond—a plot point established at the end of Season 3—has emerged as the critical piece of leverage needed to protect the club’s independence. As the “Lady Greyhounds” women’s team continues their season under Ted Lasso’s coaching, the ownership of those specific shares will likely determine the club’s leadership in the 55-minute finale.
Script Changes and Behind-the-Scenes Decisions
According to reports, the decision to end Mae’s journey was a personal one for the production. Series creator and star Jason Sudeikis personally informed Annette Badland of the character’s death before the script was finalized. Following their conversation, Sudeikis reportedly modified portions of “The Departing Lass” to better reflect the impact Mae had on the series and its characters.
Badland’s exit marks the end of a character who served as the unofficial conscience of the Richmond faithful. While her physical presence will be absent from the finale, the modified script is expected to emphasize how her influence remains a guiding force for the players and the pub regulars alike.
The Circle of Life in Richmond
While the episode dealt with loss, it also balanced the narrative with news of a new arrival. The penultimate episode confirmed that Keeley Jones is pregnant, with Roy Kent revealed as the father. This development provides a thematic “circle of life” contrast to Mae’s passing, grounding the high-stakes corporate drama of the Southport takeover in the personal lives of the core cast.
As the series moves toward its October 7 conclusion, several questions remain regarding the legal status of Mae’s estate. Whether her shares were willed to a specific character like Ted or Rebecca Welton—or if they remain in a legal limbo that Southport can exploit—is the central tension heading into “The Departing Lass.” With only one episode remaining in Season 4, the future of AFC Richmond now rests on the final arrangements made by the woman who watched over the club from behind the bar.
