Prime Video's Ride Or Die is a genre-bending spy comedy that offers a refreshing take on the action-comedy genre. The show, created by Tessa Coates, introduces a unique dynamic between its leads, Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, who play a lady assassin and her civilian best friend, respectively. What makes this series particularly fascinating is its ability to blend comedy and reality, showcasing the complexities of its characters and their relationships. In my opinion, the show's strength lies in its ensemble cast and its willingness to subvert expectations, offering a fresh perspective on the spy genre.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ride Or Die is its exploration of the characters' backstories and motivations. Waddingham's Judith has never known real love outside of her friendship with Debbie, while Debbie is trapped in a one-sided marriage. This dynamic creates a constant challenge between the two leads, especially when they are not interested in being challenged. The show goes the extra mile to explain why these women work the way they do, adding depth to their characters and making them more relatable.
The ensemble cast of Ride Or Die is another highlight. While the focus is primarily on Judith and Debbie, the supporting characters, such as Calam Lynch and Ed Skrein, add a level of depth to the story. Coates, who has a background in stand-up and sketch comedy, brings a unique voice to the show, and it shows in the execution. The show has all the trappings of a conventional espionage story, but it never shies away from bending the genre or forming its own identity.
What makes Ride Or Die truly stand out is its focus on women. The show never forgets that it's about women, and it shines the brightest when told by women. The all-timer scene in the middle of the season, where Judith and Debbie turn to a hostel full of party girls to hunt down a drug dealer, is a perfect example of this. The scene may be rooted in stereotype, but the way it's executed is inspired in both its simplicity and its elevation of a concept frequently used to insult women.
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 plenty of mobster fights to keep your attention.
In conclusion, Ride Or Die is a refreshing take on the action-comedy genre, offering a unique dynamic between its leads and a strong ensemble cast. The show's willingness to subvert expectations and its focus on women make it a standout in the genre. While there are some pacing issues near the end, the series overall is entertaining and worth watching. Personally, I think it's a must-watch for fans of spy comedy and a refreshing addition to the genre.
