Created by Tessa Coates, Prime Video’s new buddy dramedy “Ride or Die” pays homage to the beloved genre that dominated in the 1980s while giving it a 21st-century sensibility. The series follows Judith (Hannah Waddingham) and Debbie (Octavia Spencer), best friends who share a passion for travel, music and antiquing. However, there is a major crack in their friendship. Debbie believes that Judith is a forensic accountant, but she’s actually a deadly assassin who gets paid millions by The Agency to eliminate targets. Though Judith has kept this part of her life a secret from Debbie for decades, when she is forced to reveal the truth to keep Debbie safe, it tests the core of their bond. Action-packed and full of shocking revelations, “Ride or Die” has some promising components, but the show isn’t as thrilling as it could be.
“Ride or Die” opens in Austria at a ski resort. Judith’s handler, Sam (Calam Lynch), directs her to take her target out quietly. Instead, Judith completes the task on her own terms, terrorizing Sam and innocent skiers in her wake. The audience quickly learns this is par for the course for Judith. Known by her code name Whiptail, she is one of The Agency’s top assassins, but her chaotic choices and risk-taking have deeply upset The Director (Bill Nighy), who is pushing for her retirement or complete elimination.
