NEW YORK, July 15 (UPI) — The highly anticipated series ‘Ride or Die’ has finally premiered on Prime Video, and fans are in for a treat. The show’s creator, Tessa Coates, and show-runner, Matt Miller, have crafted a story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The eight-episode series follows the lives of Debbie Claybourne (played by Octavia Spencer) and her best friend Judith (played by Hannah Waddingham) as they navigate the complexities of their lives.
At its core, ‘Ride or Die’ is a story about two women who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Debbie, a mild-mannered book club member, discovers that her friend Judith is an international assassin. As the story unfolds, Debbie finds herself in a series of outrageous situations, but what makes her relatable is her ordinary nature. She’s a woman who makes smart decisions and is capable of thinking on her feet.
According to Coates, the key to making Debbie relatable is to show her as a believable character. ‘When we’re living through Debbie, we’re always like: ‘Oh, that’s what I would have done. That’s a smart decision.’ Or even: ‘That’s clever, Debbie. Well done.’ You’re never thinking: ‘You crazy cat. What are you doing now?’ She is as believable as possible. Hopefully, that’s the thing that will resonate with people.’
One of the standout aspects of ‘Ride or Die’ is its portrayal of women in their 50s. The show defies the common trope of depicting women as being past their prime. Instead, Debbie and Judith are shown to be powerful, capable, and confident women who are loving their lives. As Coates notes, ‘I want to be like: ‘What if it’s not? What if we make a show where it looks awesome and it’s aspirational,’ and we’re saying, ‘Wow, these women are 50, and they’re also badass and they’re powerhouses and they’re loving their lives.’
The show’s cast, including Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Bill Nighy, Ed Skrein, and Sylvia Hoeks, deliver outstanding performances. The chemistry between Spencer and Waddingham is undeniable, and their characters’ friendship is a highlight of the show. As Miller notes, ‘That just happened by chance. They were both cast in the roles and then we had a table read in Prague and then, a couple of days later, we’re shooting the show and there was no rehearsal, there was no nothing.’
With its unique blend of action, comedy, and drama, ‘Ride or Die’ is a must-watch series. The show’s creators have done an excellent job of balancing the different genres, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. As Miller notes, ‘The action is logistically complicated, but we had a phenomenal crew in Prague where we shot the show, an amazing stunt coordinator and his team. So, we got again, very, very lucky with that part of it.’
Overall, ‘Ride or Die’ is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its relatable characters, stunning performances, and unique blend of genres, it’s a must-watch series that will leave you wanting more.
