TV SERIES REVIEW
Laid
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024 - 
Runtime: 8 x 25m episodes
Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano, Tommy Martinez
Where To Watch: streaming on Peacock December 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Do you remember every name from your body count? Every hookup, every fling? Well, it may just be a case of life or death if you don’t! LAID spins a captivating tale where elements of mystery and romance entwine. It transports viewers into Ruby’s darkly humorous world, portrayed excellently by Stephanie Hsu, whose past love interests meet inexplicably grim fates. Created by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, the series oscillates between light-hearted romance and the tense atmosphere of a thriller, exploring the deep-seated consequences and plenty of laughs, all connected to Ruby’s romantic history.

In this series, Hsu exemplifies versatility, infusing Ruby with a richness that guides her through comedy and tragedy with equal zeal. Zosia Mamet stands out as AJ, Ruby's steadfast friend whose witty repartee and unwavering support anchor Ruby's journey. Ruby’s relationship dynamics introduced throughout the season are not just filler but pivotal to the storytelling, making the story's fantastic elements feel all the more real.

LAID distinguishes itself through its blend of humor and suspense and a probing look into the essence of personal connections. Each episode peels back layers of Ruby's previous relationships, portrayed through a lens that balances irony with introspective depth. The series invites viewers to delve into complex relationship dynamics, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. As I write this, I discovered it’s a remake of a 2011 Australian TV series (which I now want to check out to compare!)

The showrunners' brilliance in transcending traditional romantic comedy boundaries is evident. Their choice of Hsu as Ruby enhances the series, enabling a seamless flow between dramatic tension and comedic relief. The interplay between Ruby and AJ enriches the narrative, grounding the high-stakes drama in relatable emotions.

Moreover, the series integrates themes of suspense and revelation, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative maze of past loves. Each episode cleverly constructs a mosaic of past indiscretions and unintended consequences, elevating the storytelling to new heights. This intricacy enriches the viewer's experience and solidifies LAID as genre-defying entertainment. The show's ability to juggle multiple themes while keeping the audience engaged is a testament to its creative vision and execution.

LAID examines themes of identity and the impact of past decisions, good or bad, enriched by guest performances that add intrigue. Peacock needs to renew this for a second season. There’s so much potential here; I think a season could be brilliant! The script is meticulously crafted, weaving together humor and reflections that ensure the series resonates emotionally while providing ample entertainment.

Ultimately, LAID marks a fun evolution in the romantic comedy genre, presenting a narrative as intellectually stimulating as enjoyable. It challenges the conventional by offering a mix of light-hearted and “grave” elements, making it a series for those searching for depth and laughter in their viewing experience. LAID is a bold, refreshing take on romance and mystery, promising to captivate and engage viewers who crave a series that dares to be different.

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[photo courtesy of PEACOCK, UNIVERSAL TELEVISION]

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