There is a lot happening in season 4 of Ted Lasso. There’s the action on the pitch, the struggles of those behind the scenes, and the looming threat that someone is coming for the Greyhound empire. In the penultimate episode of the season, “Mae Rides the Bus,” we get some movement in all those areas. Let’s dive in. SPOILERS BELOW.
Last episode, Gemma (Abbie Hern) hurt her knee. While she’s on the road to recovery, her absence is being felt by the team. We get a rapid flash-forward of about six weeks. And during that time, the team is fighting hard but frequently coming up short. That has them slipping in the standings and on the verge of landing somewhere they don’t want to be.
Greyhound struggles
Gemma is back, somewhat healthy, but not yet cleared to play. It’s clear she’s desperate to get out there, especially for a big match at Bristol. But the team is working on a new strategy to generate some more offense. Meanwhile, Shannon (Shannon Hayes) is working on improving on the field, making enough progress she’s caught the eye of Coach Alice (Tanya Reynolds).
As the team heads to Bristol, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) offers to let Mae (Annette Badland) ride with the team. She’s thrilled for the experience, and even provides a rousing speech in the locker room pre-game. It’s enough to inspire and push the Greyhounds, but they still fall behind quickly.
Near the end of the half, the team inserts Gemma. She’s been cleared and says she’s ready. She’s fouled on an ugly play but hits a penalty kick to cut the lead in half as the team approaches halftime. But her knee is bothering her, and she rightly decides to sit out the second half. It gives Shannon a chance to shine.
The lady Greyhounds fight hard in the second half. They get the game-tying goal then put in one to take a 3-2 lead. But the game is still hanging in the balance when there is a breakaway for Shannon. She takes the ball, makes the shot, and seals the win. It’s a big moment that brings some of the trademark Ted Lasso joy to the new season.
Roy and Keeley
Meanwhile, things are going well for Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple). It’s been about six weeks and they are going strong. But when Keeley passes out at a Greyhound game, there is concern about her health. That concern centers around possible high blood pressure, not helped by the stress of attending games. But she’s worried it might be something else.
Keeley grabs some tests and confirms her suspicions: She’s pregnant. She tells Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), who is over-the-moon. But the question is how to tell Roy. Things are going well, and she’s worried it will be an unwelcome wrinkle in their new dynamic. So, Keeley struggles with how to tell Roy.
He keeps her home from the Bristol game. He won’t even allow her the stress of watching live. But he does help to act out some of the game, which both entertains and thrills Keeley. After the win and their celebration, the time is right. She shares the truth with Roy, who is overjoyed. Looks like they’re going to be parents.
The real Zelda Southport
Sometimes when something seems too good to be true, that’s because it is. Zelda Southport (Tracey Ullman) is one of those people. She showed up when the team needed her most, offering her services and asking for little in return. She’s been a rock for Rebecca and Keeley. But it turns out she’s been hiding her true motives.
During the Bristol game, it becomes clear she’s the one buying up stock. She means to seize control of the team. But she’s also got a wildly dangerous diet, which leads to some serious indigestion at the game. She disappears into the bathroom just after directing her man to do whatever is needed to secure the last shares to get a majority. As the game ends, an usher brings some bad news regarding Zelda to Rebecca. She, in turn, heads down to share it to Ted. But we, the viewers, are left in the dark.
Did Zelda buy the team? Did she die? There are a couple possibilities, and all of them raise serious questions for the Greyhounds and the team’s fans. All of it sets up an exciting finale that could change things forever. Ted Lasso streams Wednesdays on Apple TV. Check back next week as we recap all the action of season 4.
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