The second chapter of "Laid" (2024), entitled "FB to the T," delves deeper into Ruby's (Stephanie Hsu's) intriguing quest to unravel the enigmatic pattern encircling the demises of her former lovers. The narrative kicks off with Ruby and AJ (Zosia Mamet) receiving the shocking news of David's demise due to sepsis, an event that promptly triggers Ruby's recollection of her commitment to adopt Brandon's Saint Bernard, further compounding the tumultuous state of her life.
As Ruby and AJ converse about the impending nuptials of Ruby's ex, Robert, AJ gently prods Ruby, reminding her of a time when she was herself on the brink of tying the knot with him. Ruby brushes off the memory as a relic of the past, but AJ persists, highlighting that while others have moved forward, Ruby remains ensnared in her quest for direction. Their discussion takes an abrupt and humorous twist when Zack Bridgerton (Andre Hyland), clad in a kimono as his wedding attire, strolls in, infusing the grave conversation with a dash of levity.
Later, AJ uncovers a plausible link between the fatalities of Ruby's ex-partners, revealing that Brandon, Jeffrey, and David all hailed from a quaint California hamlet that suffered a toxic spill in the year they were born. Ruby dismisses this revelation as mere coincidence, arguing that many of her other ex-lovers are thriving.
At the bar where AJ toils, the duo delves into another chapter of Ruby's past, reminiscing about Stu Jackward, a former flame whom Ruby fondly cherishes. However, their heartfelt chat is abruptly halted by AJ's sudden engrossment with her phone, as she confesses her recent split from Zack and her desperate attempts to eradicate every vestige of their romance. The night takes a somber turn when Stu is tragically injured by a wild pitch at a baseball game, prompting Ruby to seek a medical evaluation from Dr. Banooni, her mind clouded with the eerie suspicion that she might be somehow implicated in these deaths. Though she receives a reassuring clean bill of health, Ruby remains deeply troubled, her mind grappling with the possibility that she might harbor some malevolent influence.
In a brief interlude of levity, Ruby reconnects with Isaac (Tommy Martinez) to plan his parents' anniversary gala. Despite an initial wave of awkwardness, they strike a chord over their shared affection for Billy Crystal's cinematic oeuvre. However, the joyous reunion takes a sudden turn when Ruby discovers that Isaac is entangled in a relationship with a marine biologist, casting a subtle shadow over their reunion.
As AJ attempts to piece together the puzzle of the fatal occurrences, Ruby stumbles back home from a therapeutic session with her counselor, Debra (Elizabeth Bowen), realizing that AJ is using her personal struggles as a smokescreen to divert attention from her own issues. Ruby gently urges AJ to embrace living their fullest lives, a sentiment they both carry into Robert's wedding festivities.
However, the wedding turns into a nightmare for Ruby as she embarrassingly confronts Robert for neglecting to invite her plus-one. The humiliation deepens as Ruby finds herself at the bar, where she bumps into Zack, who is also enduring a horrid time. Their conversation spirals into a shared departure from the wedding, culminating in smoking and heavy drinking. Zack presents Ruby with a fresh perspective on her entanglement with Robert, and by the wedding's close, a palpable connection between them blossoms, further confirmed when Ruby awakens next to Zack the following morning.
The subsequent day, Ruby and Zack are enveloped in a panic over their unplanned encounter until Ruby remembers her work commitment. She arrives at Isaac's planning session for the smelt tasting, reeking of a hangover, where she encounters Merci (Olivia Holt). Merci shares her bond with Isaac's mother and the charity they both volunteer for. Isaac notices Ruby's subdued demeanor and persuades her to apologize to AJ, which she attempts upon returning home.
Yet, AJ abruptly reveals that she and Zack have buried the hatchet, reconciling despite their recent indiscretions. AJ also drops the bombshell that Robert announced his lymphoma diagnosis during his speech, hinting that the men are dying in the sequence Ruby slept with them. This revelation leaves Ruby and AJ more perplexed than ever, setting the stage for an intense exploration of the enigmatic pattern in the episodes ahead.
"FB to the T" is an exhilarating episode that delves deeper into the multifaceted layers of Ruby's life, her relationships, and the enigmatic pattern that continues to unfold. The harmonious blend of humor, drama, and suspense keeps viewers utterly engrossed, eagerly anticipating Ruby's journey through these challenges and the unveiling of the truth behind her ex-boyfriends' deaths.
