Annette Badland Reflects on Mae’s Bittersweet Final Day in Ted Lasso’s Episode 9

Annette Badland, who has played Mae on Ted Lasso since Season 1, has opened up about Mae’s death in the show’s penultimate episode. In Episode 9, Mae passes away, and Badland spoke with TVLINE about the emotional weight of the storyline.

Mae’s Final Day at Richmond

Mae’s last day was spent with the Lady Greyhounds. She rode the bus with the team, joined them in the locker room, and shared a story about her own dreams of playing professional football — an opportunity that did not exist for women in her day. “You’re talented. You belong on that pitch,” she told the players before watching them overcome a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2.

Later, Rebecca received word that Mae had passed away and broke the news to Ted.

Learning Mae’s Fate

Badland learned of Mae’s death closer to receiving the script for Episode 9, rather than heading into Season 4 with the knowledge. “Quite a shock,” she said, adding that it was “what a privilege to have been in it at all.”

She also discussed the creator and lead actor, Jason Sudeikis, who told her personally about Mae’s departure. From that conversation, Sudeikis adapted his storyline for Episode 10, though Badland could not disclose details.

The Women’s Team’s Meaning

Badland reflected on how the creation of the women’s team gave Mae a renewed sense of excitement and purpose this year. She recalled a specific shot in Episode 3, when the Lady Greyhounds first played, showing Mae in the stands, clearly elated.

“I, Annette, support the lionesses,” Badland said. “I think it’s tremendous what’s happening with women’s football. Mae grew up at a time, as did I, when women couldn’t play football. They were banned. And she would have liked to have played herself, but never could or did.”

The Pep Talk That Closed Mae’s Story

The pep talk Mae gave the team before the comeback was a highlight for Badland. “To develop that — to not just put her on the bus, which is very jolly and wonderful, but to have that moment — is really significant,” she said.

Badland praised Sudeikis for allowing the moment to happen. “He cares about the women’s game, and he cares about his characters,” she said. “She’s not just a bystander. She actually gets involved.”

Mae’s Death Was a Happy One

Badland believes Mae died happy, and that spending her final day with the team was exactly how she would have wanted to go. “Really, it’s tremendous,” she said. “Not that she would want to go, but to see them develop…. Yes, it would be terrific.”

The Grief Over Ted and Rebecca

Rebecca’s delivery of the news to Ted showed the depth of what Mae meant to both of them. Badland was moved by the portrayal, noting that Mae and Ted had become more involved this season and that Mae had connected with Ted’s son.

Sudeikis often talked about Mae being the matriarch. “Although she was effervescent and loudmouthed, she was also a lioness,” Badland said. “It took a lot to win her trust and affection, but once you did, she would protect you.”

What Badland Will Miss Most

Badland expressed pride in being part of a show with such public response. She will miss the laughter and camaraderie, but she is most touched by the impact the show has on viewers dealing with hardship.

“I get messages from people who say, ‘My mother has cancer. She goes for her treatment, she comes home, she’s in a terrible state. We all pile on the bed and we watch ‘Ted Lasso,’ and we laugh and we believe,'” she said.

Badland will miss being part of the show, but she knows the show’s gift remains in the world.

The Legacy of Mae

Badland’s warmth toward the character and the show’s impact on viewers alike makes the goodbye feel earned.

Source material: “Ted Lasso's Annette Badland Reflects On Mae's Journey With The Lady Greyhounds In Bittersweet Episode 9,” TVLine.

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