In the third installment of "Laid" (2024), entitled "Sex Cluster," Ruby Yao (Stephanie Hsu) and her inseparable best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) embark on an exhilarating yet perplexing journey to unravel the eerie pattern of fatalities encircling Ruby's former romantic partners. The episode kicks off with AJ bursting into Ruby's abode, animatedly presenting a meticulously crafted timeline charting Ruby's sexual escapades. Despite AJ's diligence, Ruby swiftly identifies numerous discrepancies, underscoring the intricacy of their endeavor.
As their minds swirl with various conjectures, Ruby playfully hypothesizes that she might have her very own personal serial killer shadowing her steps. AJ, a fervent aficionado of true crime, finds the notion fascinating and tongue-in-cheek remarks that Ruby would have garnered a commemorative trophy after tallying five fatalities. This whimsical exchange is abruptly halted by a delivery for Ruby, which she promptly whisks away to the police station, presenting it to a local detective (David Denman). Ruby spends a considerable chunk of time elucidating her predicament, even forwarding the police a duplicate of her sexual timeline. The detective, with a flourish of anticipation, opens the box Ruby believes holds a human head, only to uncover a collection of snow globes, much to Ruby's chagrin.
Subsequently, Ruby arrives two and a half hours prematurely for her appointed meeting with Isaac (Tommy Martinez). Despite the peculiar timing, Isaac warmly welcomes her in and, quite unintentionally, divulges his fondness for musicals. Their chat is cut short when Ruby spots a bat and a bloodstain, which Isaac chalks up to Merci's (Olivia Holt) penchant for keeping windows ajar despite her allergy to the mesh, adding an eerie twist to the setting.
Returning home, Ruby eagerly shares her findings with AJ, but AJ counters with Robert's obituary, reminding her that stalkers aren't equipped to induce cancer. Ruby then learns that her own "sex cluster" — a turbulent period marked by intense sexual activity following her initial heartbreak — looms on the timeline. AJ speculates that the supposed curse might necessitate full sexual penetration, offering a slim ray of hope that perhaps some members of the cluster might escape unscathed, leaving the narrative ripe with suspense and anticipation.
Determined to issue grave warnings to her former lovers, Ruby and AJ embark on a mission that propels them into a chain of cringe-worthy confrontations. Ruby's earnest attempts to alert her exes are met with a cacophony of disbelief, bewilderment, and even steadfast denial. Some men dismiss her as a joker, others suspect a prank, and one inexplicably claims to have never known her at all. Despite these obstacles, Ruby catches a glimmer of hope when she crosses paths with Lug, who attributes his transformation—from a morbidly obese individual to a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer dedicated to helping others—solely to her.
As Ruby and AJ recount their evening's escapades, AJ is interrupted by a call from Zack, who expresses his frustration over losing subscribers. Ruby seized the moment to slip away, allowing AJ to soothe Zack's troubled mind, while she ponders over the events of the day. The episode concludes on a cliffhanger as Ruby, after departing from AJ's apartment, finds herself abducted, setting the stage for further twists and challenges in subsequent installments.
"Sex Cluster" is an absorbing episode that skillfully blends humor, suspense, and a hint of the macabre. It delves into Ruby's emotional odyssey as she confronts her past and wrestles with the enigmatic pattern of deaths surrounding her. Moreover, the episode underscores the intricate dynamics of Ruby and AJ's friendship, as they steer through the labyrinthine complexities of their shared quest. Viewers are left on tenterhooks, eager to witness how Ruby will continue to unravel the mystery and what formidable challenges await her in her relentless pursuit of answers.
