Los Angeles, CA – The retired assassin trope gets a fresh, female-driven twist in the new Prime Video series Ride or Die, which pairs Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer with Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham. The eight-episode series, created by Tessa Coates, is a breezy, globe-trotting buddy comedy that thrives on the charming chemistry between its leads, even as it delivers sturdy action sequences and a plot filled with twists, mob money, and high-stakes chases.
The series opens with Judith (Waddingham), a professional assassin who is unceremoniously retired by her handler Sam (Calam Lynch) for being a “WOACA” (Woman of a certain age). Desperate for another chance, she takes on a mission that goes spectacularly wrong, crossing paths with her best friend, Debbie (Spencer), the American wife of a British MP. Debbie, who is blissfully unaware of Judith’s secret profession (believing her to be a forensic accountant), finds her life upended when a gala turns into a bloodbath. The two friends are forced to go on the run together, hurtling from Britain to Calais, Barcelona, Monaco, and beyond, pursued by a vengeful colleague, a blood-thirsty Albanian mob, and the ever-present Interpol.
What ensues is a whirlwind adventure across glittering European locales, filled with wild schemes, ballistic shootouts, and the gradual unveiling of long-held secrets. The show’s quick pace is anchored by the “lived-in feel” of the friendship between Spencer and Waddingham. Spencer’s Debbie, despite lacking elite training, uses common sense and decency to navigate their predicaments, while Waddingham’s Judith brings world-weary assassin skills and dry wit. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Bill Nighy delivering a silky-sinister performance as Judith’s all-powerful employer, Ed Skrein relishing the role of a charming bad boy, and Sylvia Hoeks bringing a tightly coiled, manic energy to her antagonistic role.
Ride or Die also distinguishes itself with its playful literary references, bookending its story with allusions to The Book of Judith and The Song of Deborah from the Old Testament. From a Lord of the Rings password to a Treasure Island reference, the show weaves in clever details. While the plot occasionally strains credibility, the series remains a thoroughly entertaining comfort watch, offering glamorous visuals, energetic chases, and a heartfelt core about friendship. For those seeking a fun, action-packed series with stellar performances at its center, Ride or Die, now streaming on Prime Video, delivers.
