Amazon Prime's new series Ride or Die is the most fun TV in ages, blending high-octane action with genuine comedy. The show follows Debbie (Octavia Spencer) and Judith (Hannah Waddingham), two best friends whose lives are upended when Judith is revealed to be an international assassin.
What Is Ride or Die About?
According to the official Amazon Prime synopsis, 'Ride or Die follows best friends Debbie Claybourne and Judith Burton who thought they knew everything about each other, except Judith turns out to be an international assassin. When a mysterious figure emerges from Judith's past and a hit goes horribly wrong, both of their worlds are turned upside down as they're forced to go on the run together.' The series is a race against time and a road trip across Europe, with law enforcement, assassins, and criminals in pursuit.
Cast and Characters
Octavia Spencer plays Debbie, the wife of MP David (Jamie Parker), who writes his speeches and is the brains behind his political career. Hannah Waddingham plays Judith, a forensic accountant—or so she claims—who has been a deadly assassin for 30 years, recruited as a teenager by her boss, The Director (Bill Nighy). Ed Skrein stars as Billy Donovan, the criminal Judith is meant to assassinate. The cast also includes Calam Lynch as Sam, Savannah Steyn as Queenie, Sylvia Hoeks as Ana, and Jacky Ido as Jacques.
Episodes and Viewing
All eight episodes are available to stream on Amazon Prime. The series begins at a gala where Judith's hit goes wrong, forcing the women to go on the run. Debbie feels deeply hurt by Judith's betrayal, while Judith exposes a vulnerability she's never had before: the risk of losing someone she loves.
Comedy and Action Balance
Hannah, 51, and Octavia, 56, are comedy heaven together. Creator Tessa Coates, a writer, actor, and comedian who has performed at Edinburgh Fringe and as part of the sketch trio Massive Dad, brings a light-hearted touch. The show strikes a fantastic balance of comedy and action, especially when Debbie and Judith bicker or gossip like real friends. Their bond feels authentic, reminiscent of iconic female friendships like Thelma and Louise, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe in Friends, Jess and Cece in New Girl, and Annie and Lillian in Bridesmaids.
Violence and Stunts
Despite the comedy, the series does not pull punches on violence. One scene involves a character having part of their ear bitten off, and Hannah performs nearly all of her own stunts. It is rare and epic to see a 51-year-old woman in a powerful action role, following in the footsteps of Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Viola Davis in The Woman King, and Robin Wright in Wonder Woman.
Verdict
Ride or Die is an entertaining buddy comedy that ventures to vicious places. Characters introduced for comic relief can be shot in the head the next moment. Bill Nighy shines as the stoic head of the assassination agency, while Calam Lynch and Savannah Steyn have a magnetising dynamic as Judith's handler Sam and tech whizz Queenie. The series may veer into clichés, but it is rip-roaring fun that fans will binge in one go.
Ride or Die is available to watch on Prime Video.
