Pop Culture Happy Hour – Episode: Laid
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Team (Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris)
Guests: Christina Tucker, Margaret H. Willison
Duration: Approximately 18 minutes

Introduction to Laid

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Glen Weldon introduces the Peacock series Laid, describing it as a "very dark rom-com." The show stars Stephanie Hsu as Ruby, a young event planner in Seattle who discovers that all of her exes are dying under mysterious and often bizarre circumstances. Determined to understand why, Ruby conducts a "sexual audit," aiming to warn everyone she’s ever been intimate with that they might be next to die. Glen adds, “It’s funnier than that sounds and may make a good holiday hangover binge” (00:23).

Panel Discussion: First Impressions and Character Analysis

Christina Tucker begins the discussion by expressing a generally positive stance on Laid, noting its "deeply acerbic but really gonzo world building and tone." She appreciates the show's ability to remain engaging despite featuring an unlikable protagonist, stating, “It's been a long time since we've had someone so unlikable on and I kind of miss that” (04:54).

In contrast, Margaret H. Willison shares a more nuanced perspective. She admits struggling with the protagonist’s characterization, describing Ruby as "monstrous" and questioning whether the show effectively conveys just how terrible the main character truly is. Margaret compares Ruby to characters from other series like It's Always Sunny and New Girl, suggesting that Laid lacks the "steadiness in that characterization" that makes such characters endearing or relatable (05:07).

Glen Weldon counters by emphasizing the importance of humor over likability in a comedy: “It's not about likability, it's about funny. And this is a comedy. All anybody cares about is funny. And I think this show is funny” (06:00). He praises Stephanie Hsu's performance, asserting that her portrayal of Ruby makes the character likable in her own right despite her flaws.

Humor and Dialogue: Striking the Right Balance

The panel delves into the show's humor, particularly its dialogue. Glen Weldon appreciates how both Stephanie Hsu and Zasha Mamet deliver jokes effortlessly, though he admits there are moments of "overwritten jokes." Christina agrees, highlighting that the dialogue mirrors real conversations among friends, which might be a double-edged sword: “But it does in feel like how I talk with my friends, which is 100%” (07:38).

Margaret H. Willison draws a parallel to critiques of John Green novels, where dialogues are often perceived as unrealistic, despite teens affirming their authenticity. She praises the show's media references and guest stars, noting, “Kate Berlant. A little bit wasted. John Early. Perfectly deployed. Everything about that was flawless” (14:13).

Character Dynamics and Guest Performances

A significant strength of Laid, according to Margaret and Christina, is the dynamic between Stephanie Hsu and Zasha Mamet’s characters. Margaret underscores, “The strongest thing about the show is the dynamic between those two actresses and the dynamic between those two characters” (08:24). Christina echoes this sentiment, describing their interactions as "easy and breezy and breathless" and highly enjoyable to watch.

The panel also commends the guest stars, particularly John Early and Kate Berlant, for their flawless performances that enhance the show's overall quality.

Plot and Tone: Navigating the Absurd and Surreal

Margaret brings attention to a pivotal scene in the first episode where Ruby belts out "Graceland" in the car with her deceased ex-boyfriend’s family. She finds this moment jarring and questioning the character’s humanity: “But this feels like they're letting her sparkle use the show rather than using her sparkle for the show” (10:15). Glen responds by highlighting how this scene signals the show’s shift into a more surreal and absurd territory, making him more engaged as he anticipates what’s to come (13:29).

Glen further compares the tonal balance of Laid to shows like Search Party and Call Me for Accounts, suggesting that Laid fluctuates between different tones without fully committing to one, which can be disorienting for viewers seeking consistency (15:21).

Mystery and Future Prospects: Season Continuity

The conversation turns to the overarching mystery of why Ruby’s exes are dying and how the show handles this plotline differently from its Australian predecessor. Margaret references the original Australian sitcom, noting subtle differences in how the mystery unfolds (16:00).

Christina feels compelled to watch Laid to potentially support the creation of a second season, remarking, “I guess I do have to say you guys need to watch it. So thus I can get a second season” (17:13). However, Glen expresses concern that advising listeners to wait for a second season might hinder the show’s initial viewership, ultimately supporting its continued watching and enjoyment: “I certainly think this is worth watching. I think this is a lot of fun” (17:23).

Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In wrapping up, the panelists offer their final recommendations:

• Christina Tucker advocates for giving the show a chance immediately to support its success and possible continuation.

• Margaret H. Willison encourages viewers to embrace the show’s unique qualities and the potential for future development, despite its challenging moments.

• Glen Weldon reiterates his support, emphasizing the show's humor and media-savvy references as key attractions.

The discussion closes with a mutual appreciation for the performances and the show's distinctive approach to blending comedy with dark, surreal elements, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Laid and its place within the current pop culture landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Glen Weldon on humor over likability:
  “It's not about likability, it's about funny. And this is a comedy. All anybody cares about is funny. And I think this show is funny.” (06:00)

• Margaret H. Willison on characterization:
  “Like, this is not quirky. This is monstrous. Yeah, that was a hard time for me.” (05:53)

• Christina Tucker on dialogue authenticity:
  “But it does in feel like how I talk with my friends, which is 100%.” (07:38)

• Glen Weldon on Stephanie Hsu's performance:
  “I think Ruby is likable because Ruby is played by Stephanie Shue.” (07:06)

• Margaret H. Willison on the pivotal scene:
  “But this feels like they're letting her sparkle use the show rather than using her sparkle for the show.” (10:15)

Final Recommendations

Laid presents a unique blend of dark humor and surreal storytelling, anchored by strong performances from Stephanie Hsu and Zasha Mamet. While the show's fluctuating tones and challenging character portrayals might not appeal to everyone, its clever writing and engaging mysteries make it a worthy watch, especially for those seeking something offbeat and media-savvy for their holiday viewing.

Produced by: Liz Metzger and Lennon Sherburne
Edited by: Mike Katsif
Supervising Producer: Jessica Reedy
Theme Music Provided by: Hello. Come
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