'Ted Lasso' Season 4, Episode 9 Review: A Focus on Emotional Manipulation
The latest "Ted Lasso" episode, "Mae Rides the Bus," is criticized for its heavy-handed emotional tactics and underdeveloped character arcs, particularly surrounding Gemma, Alice, Shannon, and Mae.
The ninth episode of "Ted Lasso" Season 4, titled "Mae Rides the Bus," has drawn criticism for its overt attempts at emotional manipulation and a perceived lack of genuine character development. The episode, which chronicles AFC Richmond Women's crucial match for promotion to the WSL, is noted for its narrative choices that prioritize emotional impact over organic storytelling.
The review suggests that the series, much like the work of Taylor Sheridan, attempts to deflect criticism by incorporating elements that provide plausible deniability for its underlying intentions. This approach is evident in how "Ted Lasso" navigates accusations of being overly sentimental by introducing tougher storylines, such as team relegations or player injuries.
Key Plot Points and Criticisms
The episode centers on AFC Richmond Women's road trip to Bristol for a pivotal game. If they win, they secure automatic promotion to the Women's Super League. However, the team falls behind 2-0 by halftime, with player Boots sustaining a broken finger. Despite the injury, Boots returns to play with gloves in the second half, a decision questioned by critics for its manufactured emotional payoff.
Further critiques are leveled at the handling of Gemma's injury recovery, Shannon's moment of glory, and Alice's journey as a coach. Gemma's scare of a potentially season-ending injury is described as a narrative device that resolves without significant consequence, serving primarily to teach her patience. Alice's transition from a difficult coach to a more understanding one is also called into question, with the reviewer stating that the show fails to adequately demonstrate the work behind this transformation.
Shannon's late-game goal is characterized as a "meaningless spotlight," undermining the potential for a more impactful climax. This is seen as a betrayal of conviction by the show's creators, who are hesitant to fully commit to the cliché of the underdog hero.
Mae's Potential Fate and Narrative Function
The episode culminates with the apparent collapse of Mae, the beloved pub owner and supporter of the women's team. Mae, who has been given more prominence this season, joins the team on their travel bus and delivers a pregame speech about her own unfulfilled dream of playing professional football. Hints of her declining health are scattered throughout the episode.
Her final appearance is in jubilant celebration of Richmond's victory, only for her to collapse off-camera shortly after. A Bristol staffer informs Rebecca of Mae's condition, creating a somber cliffhanger. The reviewer argues that Mae's character has primarily served as a plot device for other characters' development, lacking depth herself. The potential death, or even a serious health scare, is viewed as a cynical narrative tactic, akin to the "Chewbacca gambit," used to evoke a fleeting emotional response from the audience without earning it.
The article concludes that the episode and potentially the season's broader narrative cannot reconcile genuine pathos with the show's "BELIEVE" ideology. The review expresses skepticism about the finale's ability to resolve the season's issues, suggesting that any bad outcomes can be easily dismissed by the show's optimistic outlook.