Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9 Ends with Mae Green's Death and Tribute to Anthony Head

Key points

• Mae Green, played by Annette Badland, dies in the penultimate episode of Ted Lasso Season 4, titled 'Mae Rides the Bus.'
• The episode features a tribute to actor Anthony Head, who died in June 2026 at age 72, with a memorial card at the end.
• Badland revealed she learned of Mae's fate shortly before filming and described the ending as 'devastating' but 'very best way' to go.
• Mae's death occurs after she watches the Lady Greyhounds win 4-2, with Rebecca Welton breaking the news to Ted Lasso.
• The episode marks a significant emotional shift as the series transitions to a women's football focus.

Background

Ted Lasso Season 4 has been transitioning to a women's football focus, with the Lady Greyhounds becoming a central storyline. Mae Green, a long-running character since Season 1, has been a key figure in the series, often providing comic relief and emotional support. The death of Mae Green marks a significant shift in the series, as it moves away from the traditional men's football narrative. The tribute to Anthony Head, who played Rupert Mannion, also reflects the series' ongoing connection to its original cast and storylines.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY and Deadline both emphasize the emotional impact of Mae Green's death and the tribute to Anthony Head. USA TODAY highlights Badland's reaction and the episode's emotional weight, while Deadline focuses on the timing of Head's tribute and the show's decision to honor him. TV Insider provides Badland's perspective on the ending, describing it as 'devastating' but 'very best way' to go, and notes that the show's handling of Mae's death is 'elegant' and 'realistic.' All three sources agree on the significance of the episode and the emotional impact of the character's death.

Why it matters

The death of Mae Green and the tribute to Anthony Head mark a significant emotional shift in Ted Lasso Season 4, as the series transitions to a women's football focus. The episode's handling of these events reflects the show's ongoing connection to its original cast and storylines, and the emotional weight of the ending is likely to resonate with fans. The tribute to Anthony Head also highlights the show's commitment to honoring its cast and the impact of their contributions to the series.

What to watch

The final episode of Ted Lasso Season 4 is expected to feature further developments in the women's football storyline and the impact of Mae Green's death on the remaining characters. The show's transition to a women's football focus is likely to continue, with the Lady Greyhounds becoming a central storyline. The tribute to Anthony Head may also lead to further developments in the series, as the show continues to honor its original cast and storylines.