The premiered episode of Season 1 of "Laid" (2024), titled "Brandon From College," ushers viewers into the life of Ruby (Stephanie Hsu), a woman navigating the labyrinthine landscapes of modern dating while grappling with a string of eerie coincidences. The narrative unfolds in the frenetic cityscape of Los Angeles, kickstarting with Ruby's desperate attempt to warn Caleb (Amro Majzoub), amidst the bank's bustling ambiance, about an impending fate tied to a past sexual encounter they shared. The scene teems with chaos, heightened by Caleb's bewilderment and the bank guard Hal's intervention, adding layers of tension to the unfolding drama.
Flashing back three months, we witness Ruby on her third date with Jason (Finneas O’Connell), where she unloads her frustrations about the pitfalls of dating apps. Their attempts at intimacy feel like an awkward fusion of two incompatible computer programs, each struggling to sync. Jason's hurt is evident as Ruby declines a second chance, and the next morning, AJ (Zosia Mamet), Ruby's closest confidant, shares in his disappointment.
As Ruby reflects on her dating escapades gone awry, Zack Bridgerton (Andre Hyland) interjects, suggesting that perhaps Ruby herself might be the culprit behind her perpetual singledom. Though initially startled, Ruby concedes that there are facets of her life ripe for improvement. This introspection leads her to a session with her therapist, Debra (Elizabeth Bowen), who counsels Ruby to confront her past demons to avoid replaying the same mistakes in her romantic endeavors.
The plot takes a sudden twist when Ruby crosses paths with Isaac (Tommy Martinez) while organizing his parents' 40th anniversary celebration. Their mutual disdain for digital communication and Ruby's undeniable pull towards him ignite a spark. However, this nascent connection is abruptly disrupted by a text from AJ, informing Ruby of the passing of Brandon, a college acquaintance whose name initially eludes her recall.
Later, at the bar where AJ is employed, Ruby's memory is jogged, and she's reminded of Brandon Rafferty, a former lover from her past. Curiosity piqued by the enigmatic circumstances surrounding his demise, she accepts his friend request on social media and learns about the impending funeral.
At the funeral, Ruby encounters a surreal spectacle: a barren tree adorned with photographs of her and Brandon. The encounter with Brandon's parents and his girlfriend, Danielle (Melanie Chan), who bears a striking resemblance to Ruby, adds layers of awkwardness and confusion to the atmosphere.
The wake further heightens the tension between Ruby and Danielle, who confronts Ruby about her past treatment of Brandon. Danielle reveals that Brandon was a virgin when they slept together, and Ruby's subsequent ridicule deeply scarred him. Meanwhile, Ruby and AJ grapple with their own feelings of rejection and invisibility, compounded by AJ's ex, Hannah, failing to recognize her.
Jeffrey's reappearance at the wake brings a mix of nostalgia and embarrassment, especially when he brings up AJ's past involvement in a Pell Grant scandal. During their shared Uber ride, Jeffrey and Ruby's conversation takes a dark turn when Jeffrey accuses Ruby of ruining his friendship with Brandon. The situation escalates, ultimately culminating in Jeffrey's tragic death in a car accident.
Overwhelmed by guilt and the realization that two of her ex-boyfriends have passed away, Ruby and AJ turn to alcohol for solace. As they drink, Ruby's mind wanders back to her first sexual experience with David, and on an impulse, she dials his landline, only to receive the devastating news that he has also passed on.
"Brandon From College" sets the stage for a series that delves into the intricacies of relationships, the repercussions of past actions, and the mysterious patterns that seem to emerge in Ruby's life. The episode is a compelling blend of comedy, drama, and suspense, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the secrets that lie ahead.
