Prime Video's Ride Or Die is a genre-bending spy comedy that offers a refreshing take on the action-packed genre. Created by Tessa Coates, the series stars Hannah Waddingham as a seasoned assassin, Judith, and Octavia Spencer as her civilian best friend, Debbie. What makes this show particularly intriguing is its ability to blend comedy with a realistic portrayal of these two women's lives and motivations.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ride Or Die is its exploration of the characters' backstories and relationships. Judith, a woman pushing 50, has never known true love outside of her friendship with Debbie. Meanwhile, Debbie is trapped in a one-sided marriage with a useless would-be politician. This dynamic creates a constant tension and challenge between the two leads, especially when they are not interested in being challenged. It's this dynamic that forms the core of the show's appeal, as it challenges the traditional action-comedy trope of two people who think they know everything about each other.
The show's ensemble cast is another strength. While Judith and Debbie's misadventures seem to be the focus, the story unfolds to reveal a network of supporting characters, including Calam Lynch and Ed Skrein, who add depth to the otherwise one-note spy-fiction archetypes. Coates, who has cut her teeth in stand-up and sketch comedy, brings a fresh perspective to the genre, and it shows in the show's execution. Ride Or Die never shies away from bending the genre or forming its own identity, while still maintaining the trappings of a conventional espionage story.
What makes Ride Or Die truly shine is its focus on women. The show never forgets that it's about women, and it's told by women. In one memorable scene, Judith and Debbie turn to a hostel full of party girls and their social-media sleuthing skills to hunt down a drug dealer. While this scene may be rooted in stereotype, the way it's executed is inspired in both its simplicity and its elevation of a concept frequently used to insult women. It's a testament to the power of female storytelling.
However, as the series nears its end, it returns to the 'sometimes besties fight' trope one too many times, making for a rough transition between the penultimate episode and the finale. The quick transition doesn't benefit the story's pacing or character development, but those sacrifices are at least made in favor of more action. The show goes hard in that department, with Waddingham taking a licking more than once, and there are plenty of mobster fights (and subsequent deaths) to keep your attention throughout the miniseries.
Amid the series' ongoing chaos, Waddingham comes across as both wickedly competent and extremely hot. The series emphasizes her desirability given her age (she'll turn 52 at the end of July) and that of her character. Equally important: The series treats Debbie the same way. Throughout Ride Or Die, she too is depicted as capable of desire and worthy of being desired.
In conclusion, Ride Or Die is a refreshing take on the spy comedy genre. It's a series that sizes up a challenge, squares its shoulders, and says 'I am she'. It's an occasionally flawed, frequently fun, and always entertaining spy comedy that offers a unique perspective on the genre. Personally, I think it's a must-watch for anyone looking for a smart and engaging comedy with a strong female lead. From my perspective, it's a shining example of how shows about women can shine the brightest when they're told by women.
