Ted Lasso's Controversial Character Death Sparks Backlash
Beloved pub owner Mae's sudden demise divides fans in Season 4's penultimate episode.
1Mae's unexpected demise
In Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9, beloved pub owner Mae collapses suddenly after celebrating Richmond's victory. The show doesn't depict her actual death, only showing fellow supporters reacting to her fall. Mae had just experienced her happiest moments, including traveling on the team bus and seeing the Lady Greyhounds' promotion-clinching win. This marks the first onscreen death of a main human character in the series, following only the earlier passing of Earl the Greyhound.
2Season 4's emotional extremes
The episode 'Mae Rides The Bus' juxtaposes extreme joy and tragedy within minutes. While celebrating Keeley's pregnancy and the women's team success, the narrative abruptly shifts to Mae's death. This tonal whiplash contrasts with earlier seasons' more gradual emotional arcs. The episode had already featured multiple plotlines including Zelda's villain reveal and Mae's detective subplot with Higgins before the shocking finale.
3Mae's expanded Season 4 role
Before her death, Mae's character gained significant development in Season 4. She formed a bond with Ted's son Henry and participated in investigating the team's sold shares. Most importantly, she represented older female sports fans finally seeing themselves represented at elite levels. As the Lady Greyhounds' original supporter, Mae embodied the show's themes of perseverance against sexism in sports.
4Questionable narrative timing
Mae's death occurs just as her character arc reaches fulfillment - having waited her whole life for Richmond's women's team to succeed. The episode's constant references to her age ('seasoning') foreshadowed the event, making it feel telegraphed rather than organic. Critics argue the death served more as a plot device than meaningful character conclusion, especially coming before the season finale.
5Controversial tribute placement
The episode compounds its narrative misstep by immediately following Mae's death with an 'In Memoriam' for actor Anthony Head (Rupert Manion). While Head's real-life passing warrants tribute, its placement right after a fictional character's death feels manipulative. Unlike other shows that place such tributes in premieres or finales, Ted Lasso's timing appears calculated for maximum emotional impact.
6Series' history with death
Ted Lasso previously explored death through Ted's father's suicide, which shaped the show's mental health themes. However, Mae's death differs as the first sudden, onscreen loss of a current main character. The series' typically careful handling of heavy topics makes this abrupt narrative choice particularly jarring to long-time viewers.
7Fan and critical reception
The episode has divided audiences, with many calling Mae's death unnecessary and poorly timed. Critics note the show sacrificed one of its most authentic working-class characters for shock value. The juxtaposition with Head's tribute further complicates reception, as both events feel emotionally manipulative rather than earned storytelling moments.
8Finale's uphill battle
With only one episode remaining, Ted Lasso faces significant challenges in resolving multiple character arcs while addressing Mae's death meaningfully. The show must balance honoring her character with advancing other plots like Keeley's pregnancy and Zelda's villainy. After this controversial choice, the finale must work exceptionally hard to regain audience trust and emotional investment.
Original article: Mashable — Ted Lasso's Controversial Character Death Sparks Backlash