As a seasoned viewer of comedies and rom-coms, I must say that ‘Laid’ has left quite an impression on me. With its unique premise, witty dialogues, and stellar performances, it’s safe to say that this series has found a special place in my heart.
There’s no harm in crawling into bed with Peacock’s new dark comedy, Laid, your brief new TV love affair. The inventive comedy based on the Australian series of the same name couldn’t have arrived at a better time. (We could all use a good laugh after the year we’ve all been subjected to.) The great success of this show lies on the fabulously talented shoulders of Stephanie Hsu, the Oscar-nominated actress who’s offered prominent turns in hits like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and, of course, Everything Everywhere All at Once.
30-year-old Hsu exudes an uncommon allure of an endearing misfit, and under the guidance of creators Nahnatchka Khan (known for ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ and ‘Always Be My Maybe’) and (renowned for ‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’), we swiftly discover a fresh character to support (and delight in her numerous life mishaps).
In a unique, darkly entertaining series, Hsu plays Ruby, a self-centered event organizer who finds herself in a chilling predicament as her ex-lovers start dying mysteriously. With her loyal friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) by her side, they create a timeline of Ruby’s romantic encounters and set out to alert each former partner about the looming danger. “You’re dying,” Ruby informs them, one after another. “What am I dying from?” one of the men inquires. With a frown, she replies, “Me!” It’s impossible not to be captivated and consume the entire series in one go.
When Her Best Laid Plans Go Really Astray
We are thoroughly enjoying how swiftly the story unfolds in this series, with moments delving into deeper psychological aspects without overwhelming us. Alongside Ruby, we find ourselves immersed in enjoyment while contemplating the consequences of our choices, particularly those that might be questionable. The show’s creator, Laid, demonstrates a free-spirited yet intelligent approach, which makes it all the more captivating. With its excellent writing and execution, this program has already proven itself to be a promising addition to our viewing list. Boasting talented actors like Michael Angarano (known for roles in Will & Grace, This is Us, I’m Dying Up Here) and Tommy Martinez (Good Trouble, Riverdale), the show further enhances its appeal.
Initially, John Davis and John Fox (known for The Blacklist) chanced upon the successful Australian series with the same name, which premiered in 2011 and lasted for two seasons. Since then, dating dynamics have significantly evolved, and by 2024, they reimagined that cheeky Aussie romantic comedy with a twist, creating a fresh, contemporary storyline full of humor and lightheartedness.
But there’s also a mission at hand here—warning Ruby’s exes of the doom that lies ahead. And if you recall the fun in watching other “mission-driven” comedies like My Name is Earl, Bad Sisters, or even Ted Lasso, you know how easy it can be to get hooked early on if the talent is there and the writers deliver something we can all relate to. That’s the case in Laid, where we watch one messed-up chick come to terms with what lies beneath her inability to commit.
Zosia Mamet Is Great but Needs More to Do
In the initial stages of the show “Laid“, the number of deaths spikes dramatically, leading hyper-attentive AJ to pull Ruby onto an unanticipated journey. Zosia Mamet, as always enchanting, intelligent, and humorous, is a pleasure to watch as AJ, but you might be reminded of her character from “The Flight Attendant“. However, rest assured that Mamet has a lot to work with in this production. Smarter viewers will quickly grasp that this actress has more depth than just a supporting role, even though it’s excellent. We eagerly await the day when she gets her own series. Similar to her character in “The Flight Attendant“, AJ becomes our ethical guide and almost singular anchor for the series. The writers provide the other characters with more extravagant material.
Among the characters is Andre Hyland, AJ’s bohemian boyfriend (from “Barry” and “Guilty Party”), who has a limited but intriguing, quirky part. On the other hand, Michael Angarano’s character Richie plays a more significant role in keeping the story moving forward, while Hsu’s Ruby, opposite to that, becomes increasingly unstable, comically confronting one ex-partner after another.
Richie is one of Ruby’s former partners, and he’ll undoubtedly be among her most unforgettable ones due to reasons we can’t reveal at this time. The chemistry between Hsu and Angarano is fantastic, making their scenes engaging and moving the story forward. Observe how skillfully the show creators develop Richie into more than a fleeting crush. If only other characters could have received the same level of attention as Richie and Ruby do.
Shrewd Rom-Com Delivers Perfect Plot Twists
In this captivating series, there’s a depth that unfolds beyond initial impressions, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating additional episodes rather than waiting for them. Tommy Martinez, known from ‘Good Trouble’, brings his charisma to life as Isaac, a handsome prospective love interest for the protagonist Ruby. As the narrative progresses, our lead character’s inner strength solidifies, and she grapples with the unintended consequences of her actions involving men.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must say that this series has managed to captivate me not only by its mission to alert Ruby’s past lovers but also by weaving a compelling mystery. The question on everyone’s mind is, why are these seemingly inexplicable deaths occurring? Is it the work of some supernatural force, a relentless stalker, or even a new, deadly STD? The creators have cleverly kept us hooked, and fortunately, they’ve done so with moments of sheer genius.
‘Laid’ Teeters on the Edge of Frenzy but Stays the Course
The balancing act of this series lies in determining the right amount of ‘Frenzied Ruby.’ Comedies like these, such as ‘The Flight Attendant,’ often push the boundaries of chaos and exaggeration, but watching characters in a constant state of frenzy can become tiresome. This show manages to outshine ‘The Flight Attendant’ and similar performances by Kaley Cuoco in ‘Based on a True Story.’ However, towards the later episodes, there was a risk of the comedy veering off course. But surprisingly, the series’ unexpected plot twists and skillfully executed final scene kept us engaged and won our approval.
Enjoy the addition of some familiar faces in the cast: The comedian John Early from ‘Search Party’, Finneas O’Connell, brother of Billie Eilish and composer of ‘Disclaimer’, Ryan Pinkston known for ‘Young Rock’ and the revival of ‘Will & Grace’, all deliver standout performances. It’s great to see Olivia Holt, who starred in ‘Totally Killer’, join us as well.
In “Laid,” Stephanie Hsu’s triumph is up for grabs, and she’s seizing the opportunity with her wit, tenacity, and infectious humor. Hsu has proven herself as a rising star, bringing a captivating comedic presence to the screen in this series. She breathes life into a character that could have easily been unlikable, making her relatable and endearing. We can all see a bit of Ruby within us. So, don’t hesitate to tune in and enjoy the ride. “Laid” is not just a one-night stand; it’s a full eight-episode journey streaming on Peacock starting December 19. Click the link below to watch:
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2024-12-17 19:01