Viewers tuning into the latest installment of Apple TV+’s comedy series experienced a sharp tonal shift as Season 4, Episode 9 introduced a major tragedy alongside mounting corporate intrigue. According to a review by Esquire, the episode titled “Mae Rides the Bus” centers on the Richmond women’s soccer team traveling to Bristol City for a crucial away fixture. However, the emotional high of the team’s narrow victory on the pitch is entirely overshadowed by the sudden death of Crown and Anchor pub owner Mae Green, portrayed by Annette Badland.
Mae Green’s Final Journey With the Lady Greyhounds
As detailed by E! Online, Mae’s final hours on the show were spent in the company of the team. After expressing hesitation about driving to the away match alone, she accepted an invitation from Jason Sudeikis’s character Ted Lasso and Coach Beard to ride the team bus. During the trip, Mae delivered an unprompted, spirited locker-room speech to the players, encouraging them ahead of the match.
Seated alongside club owner Rebecca Welton during the game, Mae collapsed on the stadium bleachers following a heart attack after Richmond secured a nail-biting win. The series handled the character’s exit with restraint, withholding explicit graphic details of the medical emergency. Ted later broke the news to Rebecca and the team in the locker room. Actress Annette Badland admitted in interviews that she has not yet watched her character’s final sequence, noting that Mae was experiencing what should have been one of her happiest days.
Corporate Intrigue and Relationship Developments
Alongside the emotional fallout of Mae’s passing, the episode advanced several key narrative arcs. Longtime suspect Rupert Mannion has been officially cleared of orchestrating the purchase of Richmond shares, leaving Leslie’s investigation pointing toward Zelda Southport, played by Tracey Ullman, who is actively acquiring a majority stake in the team for reasons yet to be fully revealed. Meanwhile, Keeley Jones, played by Juno Temple, navigated a major personal development after collapsing from high blood pressure and later sharing a pregnancy revelation with Roy Kent.
As the series approaches its season finale, questions remain regarding the future of the Crown and Anchor pub and whether Apple TV+ will officially greenlight a fifth season. While senior vice president Eddy Cue noted that season 4 is strong enough to warrant continuation, no official renewal order has been finalized, though reports indicate Sudeikis has mapped out a multi-season framework.
Follow-up Questions
Will Apple TV+ officially renew Ted Lasso for Season 5?
An official renewal has not yet been announced, though senior executive Eddy Cue indicated the current season is strong enough to warrant continuation
What remains unclear: Apple TV+ has not set a formal release or renewal timeline
What will happen to the Crown and Anchor pub following Mae’s passing?
The show has not yet revealed who will inherit or manage the pub, leaving its future open for the season finale
What remains unclear: It remains unclear if a relative or new character will take over
Perspectives
Viewers’ perspective vs Production perspective
Story lens
Viewers’ perspective
Fans experienced a major emotional jolt as the series introduced its first major character death, transforming the show’s lighthearted tone into something much heavier as the season finale approaches
Production perspective
The creative team used Mae’s final trip to cement the emotional bond between the veteran pub owner and the women’s soccer team, while setting up high-stakes corporate conflicts with Zelda Southport’s share acquisitions
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