Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9 Ending Explained: A Heartbreaking Win
Ted Lasso season 4 episode 9, titled “Mae Rides the Bus,” delivers one of the season’s biggest victories and its most heartbreaking moments.
AFC Richmond enters the episode just one win away from promotion. While the team, coaches and fans focus on the crucial match, the episode quietly builds an emotional story around Mae.
What begins as a celebratory Richmond victory eventually turns into devastating news for Ted and the team.
What Happens in Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9?
Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, invites Mae to join the team bus as Richmond travels to Bristol for the important match.
Before the game, Mae opens up to the players about a childhood dream she never had the opportunity to pursue.
She reveals that she once dreamed of becoming a footballer. However, women were not allowed to play football when she was young.
Her story gives the Richmond women’s team a major emotional boost.
Mae fully embraces the experience, enjoying the team bus journey and celebrating alongside Richmond supporters in the stands.
Richmond Secures a Major Victory
The episode also follows several important developments away from the match.
Gemma, played by Abbie Hern, continues working toward recovery from her injury. Meanwhile, Alice, played by Tanya Reynolds, grows into the coach her team needs.
Keeley, played by Juno Temple, also discovers that she is pregnant.
At the same time, the mystery surrounding Richmond’s ownership takes a major turn. The episode reveals an unexpected threat to the club.
Despite these developments, Richmond manages to secure a crucial victory against Bristol City.
But the celebration does not last long.
What Happens to Mae at the End?
After Richmond’s victory, the players and supporters celebrate their success.
Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham, then approaches Ted and asks him to step away from the celebration.
Rebecca has received devastating news about Mae.
She tells Ted that Mae has passed away.
The episode does not show Mae’s final moments. It also never directly states the words “Mae is dead.”
Instead, the heartbreaking revelation is delivered through Rebecca’s expression, her words and Ted’s reaction.
Ted lowers his head in grief as the reality of Mae’s death sinks in.
What Happened to Mae?
Mae’s appearance in the episode initially feels like a heartwarming opportunity for one of Richmond’s beloved supporting characters to become part of the team’s journey.
However, it ultimately becomes her final appearance.
After Richmond defeats Bristol City, Mae unexpectedly collapses while watching the match from the stands.
The episode then leaves the details surrounding her death off-screen, allowing the emotional impact to come through Ted and Rebecca’s reactions.
Zelda’s Plan Against Richmond
The episode also brings another major storyline involving Zelda Southport, played by Tracey Ullman.
Zelda was introduced as an eccentric billionaire entrepreneur and sports investor. She becomes closely connected with Rebecca and Keeley while taking an interest in AFC Richmond.
At first, Zelda appears to genuinely want to help the club.
However, the episode reveals that she has been working to acquire Richmond’s shares.
Her scheme makes her an increasingly significant threat to the club. Her strange associate Hugo also appears to be helping her with the plan.
Zelda’s role has drawn comparisons to Rupert, Rebecca’s former husband and one of the show’s previous major antagonists.
While Zelda has no direct connection to Rupert, the episode establishes her as a powerful opponent for Richmond.
Roy and Keeley Reconcile
Roy Kent and Keeley’s relationship also takes an important step forward.
After getting back together, Roy appears happy with where their relationship is heading.
Keeley, however, has something important to tell him.
For the first time, the series explores a pregnancy storyline involving Keeley. She discovers that she is pregnant after passing out during Richmond’s match against Southampton following an intimate encounter.
Initially, Keeley is nervous about telling Roy because the couple have only recently reunited.
Roy’s actions, however, give her confidence that he is ready for the next stage of their relationship.
When Keeley finally tells him the news, Roy reacts emotionally and makes it clear that he is prepared to become a father.
Episode 9 therefore balances a major Richmond victory with several life-changing developments, ending on an emotional note that could have a major impact on the remaining story.