Stephanie Hsu and ‘Laid’ Producers Break Down Ruby’s Shocking Decision and Why She Had to ‘Do Something Unforgivable So Early On’

As a cinema enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over the intricacies of narrative structures and character development, I must say that “Laid” is a delightful addition to the dark comedy genre. The show’s unique premise, combined with its sharp wit and relatable characters, makes for an engaging watch.

⚠️ Caution: This write-up unveils crucial plot points from Season 1 of the series “Laid,” currently available for streaming on Peacock.

Are your former lovers dying in increasingly mysterious and confounding ways?

In the Peacock dark comedy “Laid,” the main character Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) finds herself in a tangled web when her former lovers mysteriously begin passing away, one after another. At times, she catches glimpses of it on news reports, while at other times, it happens before her very eyes. The twist? They are dying in the same sequence as their romantic encounters with Ruby.

The idea is humorously referred to by Hsu as “redonculous,” despite the fact that it’s inspired by an immensely popular Australian television series that was broadcasted for two seasons.

The co-executive producers, Nahnatchka Khan (“Fresh Off the Boat”) and Sally Bradford McKenna (“Will & Grace”), recognized an opportunity to explore new avenues with the concept initially presented in the Australian version. Khan found appealing the notion that “the central character is entangled in a contemporary love triangle while simultaneously grappling with past events,” all while navigating the consequences of betraying her closest female friend.

After her Oscar-nominated debut in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Hsu takes on another role where her character grapples with the aftermath of a universe timeline change. In “Laid,” Ruby experiences turmoil as she navigates her life’s path, questioning if her romantic notion of love under the rain will come true.

In the first episode, Ruby stops by the roadside for a video call with her therapist, then cranks up her tunes immediately afterwards without giving their discussion another thought. Khan characterizes Ruby as someone who gives off the impression of being self-aware and actively working on personal growth, but in reality, she isn’t making any genuine effort.

Hsu was drawn to the character in “Laid” because it embodied a certain paradox. She explains to EbMaster that she finds comfort in portraying characters who have minor flaws and strive for perfection, despite getting themselves into various predicaments. These are stories, she adds, that seem rich with depth and complexity, making them compelling to explore artistically.

At the start of the series, Ruby and AJ’s partner, Zack (played by Andre Hyland), encounter each other unexpectedly at a wedding and engage in a sexual encounter. The friendship between Ruby and AJ forms the core of the narrative as AJ persistently pursues the investigation, driven by her desire to uncover the reason behind these mysterious deaths. It’s only natural that Ruby feels tormented by guilt over her actions towards her best friend’s boyfriend.

To this very moment, Hsu expresses deep disappointment towards [Ruby]. However, he’s appreciative that many who have witnessed it don’t harbor hatred towards her for the incident. Instead, they seem to comprehend its wrongness, but with an understanding of Ruby’s character. This was a lapse in judgement she must address throughout the series. I should note, I myself have never been in such a position. Yet, I am aware that people can err, especially when they are under the influence or disoriented.

The same plot twist is present in the Australian adaptation of the show, as Bradford McKenna points out: “It’s quite daring to have a character commit such an abhorrent, unforgivable act so early in the series. This aligns with our casting choices and recognizing that we needed an actress like Stephanie [Hsu] who audiences immediately connect with and support.

After deciding to incorporate a particular plot element into their American remake, Khan stated, “We thought, ‘How can we make this more complicated?’ Later, when Ruby engages in a scene reminiscent of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ during the season, I found myself questioning, ‘Is that too extreme?’ But Sally responded enthusiastically, saying, ‘I adore it.’

Regarding the “Cyrano”-like encounter Khan mentioned, Ruby uncovers a loophole regarding relationships after her seemingly insignificant ex, Richie (Michael Angarano), miraculously survives what should have been a fatal incident. Strangely, his death timeline skips over him. To ensure the safety of Isaac (Tommy Martinez), whom Ruby grows fond of, she engages in a relationship with invincible Richie while projecting Isaac’s image onto him.

Khan remarks, “It’s quite intriguing that Ruby seems to act in a peculiar manner, but it all makes sense if you follow along. I appreciate the fact that she consistently makes doubtful choices throughout [the series]. This, for me, underscores her authenticity. She hasn’t been portrayed as a villain and then transformed into a hero. Instead, she remains true to her character.

In the end, Ruby experiences her traditional romantic-comedy scene with Isaac, indicating that, for now, she believes she’s discovered true love. Everything appears peaceful as Ruby seems to have stopped the deaths. However, a significant plot twist creates suspense about what could happen next.

Midway through the series, it’s revealed that Ruby’s therapist had a falling out with her due to the tragic backstory that her mother had passed away and her father had left her. Towards the end of Season 1, Ruby’s long-lost father shows up unexpectedly at her doorstep, hinting cryptically that he knows why Ruby’s past lovers have been mysteriously disappearing.

Khan clarifies that the writers subtly incorporated curse and hex ideas as a “misdirection” or “red herring”, when in reality, it ties into the theme of “intergenerational trauma”. This exploration sets the stage for stories in season two. While season one delved into the protagonist’s past experiences, relationships, and self-discovery through adulthood, season two promises to focus more on the character’s formative years.

Right now, you can stream all eight episodes of “Laid” on Peacock. Although a second season hasn’t been formally confirmed yet, the way the first season concludes definitely leaves us wanting more!

2024-12-20 19:47

Stephanie Hsu and ‘Laid’ Producers Break Down Ruby’s Shocking Decision and Why She Had to ‘Do Something Unforgivable So Early On’

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