'Ted Lasso' Stars Tease Season 4 Finale Amidst Character Deaths and Developments

The upcoming Season 4 finale of Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" is set to bring "big changes in bunches," according to stars Tanya Reynolds and Abbie Hern. The penultimate episode of the season, which aired on October 7, concluded with the unexpected death of beloved Crown & Anchor pub owner Mae Green (Annette Badland), followed by a tribute to the late actor Anthony Head, who portrayed Rupert Manion. The actors revealed that the shocking turn of events left them in disbelief.

"When we found out that happened, I thought it was a joke," Reynolds told DECIDER. Hern added, "She is so beloved and not just Mae. Annette, too. She’s such an essential part of 'Ted Lasso.'" While acknowledging the "absolutely devastating" nature of Mae's death, Reynolds confirmed that "there are some really beautiful scenes in Episode 10 that honor [Mae]," among other key developments.

The actors also reflected on the evolution of their characters, Gemma Jay (Hern) and Alice (Reynolds), particularly in Episode 8, which featured a moving scene where Ted sits with Alice during a panic attack. Reynolds, who identifies as an anxious person, emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying such moments. "It was really important to me for that scene to feel as authentic as possible," she said, praising the show's depiction of anxiety and mental health. The scene showcased Alice's vulnerability and Ted's non-judgmental support.

Regarding the developing dynamic between Gemma and Alice, Hern explained that Gemma's decision to stay committed to football, influenced by Alice's faith in her career, makes her feel "super safe." Reynolds noted that Alice has "complicated feelings" about Gemma, partly stemming from Gemma being a reflection of what Alice desires but lacks, particularly in relation to their respective backgrounds.

The finale, titled "The Departing Lass," was written by Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. Hern described watching the finale as feeling "like the beginning of an ending, more so than the beginning of this season. It feels like a beginning."

Looking ahead, while direct conversations about a potential Season 5 are not confirmed, the actors expressed interest in exploring their characters' pasts, with Reynolds suggesting a flashback to their Arsenal days. Both actresses acknowledged dealing with imposter syndrome since joining the show but were pleasantly surprised by the warm reception their characters and the women's team have received from viewers.