Margaret H. Willison, a culture writer known for her sharp insights, joins to explore the darkly comedic Peacock series Laid. The show follows Ruby, whose exes mysteriously die, prompting her to warn past lovers. They discuss the blend of humor and emotional depth in the narrative, the complexity of the protagonist, and the show's strong performances. The conversation touches on themes of break-ups, LGBTQ+ representation, and how media resonates with audiences, making it a thoughtful dive into a unique rom-com experience.
The series Laid uniquely blends dark humor with mortality, as Ruby navigates the absurdity of her exes' mysterious deaths.
Character complexity is central to Laid, provoking discussions on viewer engagement with unlikable protagonists and their relatable flaws.
Deep dives
The Dark Comedy of Death
The series Laid combines dark humor with the absurdity of death, centering on a character named Ruby, played by Stephanie Hsu, who discovers that all her former lovers are mysteriously dying. This premise leads Ruby to conduct an audit of her past relationships as she attempts to warn her exes of their impending doom, creating a blend of comedy and horror that pushes the boundaries of typical sitcom narratives. The show features an array of talented guest stars, adding to its charm while contrasting the comedic elements with the serious theme of mortality. Despite its light-hearted moments, the show tackles the gravity of death in a unique and sometimes shocking manner, making viewers question their own reactions to the events unfolding on screen.
Character Complexity and Audience Engagement
Ruby's character is described as unlikable, provoking discussions about the nature of character likability in modern television. While some viewers find her combination of selfishness and wit a fresh take, others struggle to connect with her due to the tonal fluctuations throughout the series. The dynamic between Ruby and her best friend AJ adds depth to the storyline, allowing for engaging comedic exchanges that highlight their contrasting personalities. This character complexity raises questions about how audiences perceive flawed protagonists and whether a character's unlikability can enhance the viewing experience.
Cultural References and Humor
Laid heavily integrates cultural references and pop culture jokes, enhancing its comedic storytelling while appealing to a media-savvy audience. Specific humorous moments, such as quips about popular streaming services and recognizable celebrities, ground the absurdity of the show's premise in real-world familiarity. The dialogue captures the essence of how friends engage with each other, filled with rapid-fire wit and overlapping humor that resonates with viewers. Yet, some critiques suggest that the humor can feel overwritten at times, a reminder of the balancing act between cleverness and relatability in comic writing.
The new Peacock series Laid is a very dark rom-com. Stephanie Hsu plays a young woman who discovers that all of her exes have started to die under mysterious, sometimes freakish, circumstances. This causes her to conduct a kind of sexual audit of her life, and she sets out to warn everyone she's ever slept with that they are about to die. It's funnier than it sounds, and makes for a good holiday hangover binge.
