Why Does This Show Have 96% on RT? It's a Hideous Mix of 'Ocean's Eight' & 'Emily in Paris'

All episodes of Ride or Die, an action comedy miniseries starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, are now available on Amazon Prime Video.

Although rumors circulated that the show was billed as a spiritual successor to Killing Eve, the reality turned out to be quite different. It's more like a mix of Emily in Paris and Ocean's Eight – a combination that won't appeal to everyone.

What Is 'Ride or Die' About?

Debbie and Judith are best friends who have known each other forever. Debbie is a Yale graduate, the wife of a member of Parliament, and a mother of two. Judith is a lone assassin who keeps her job a secret from her friend.

Everything changes when Debbie's husband becomes involved in criminal dealings with Albanian crime bosses and Judith is tasked with eliminating them.

Due to Debbie's intervention, however, the operation goes awry, and the two friends embark on a spy mission across Europe. However, it soon becomes clear that this mission is a setup by someone from Judith's past.

'Ride or Die' Is a Confusing Mishmash of Genres That Lacks Originality

Ride or Die begins as a typical spy thriller but quickly devolves into a litany of genre cliches: there's an assassination agency made up of orphans, a personal coordinator à la Bond films' Q, and a weapons arsenal disguised as a shoe repair shop.

While following the tropes of Ocean's Eight, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and The Spy Who Dumped Me, the series completely eliminates the mind games that made Killing Eve so beloved.

Instead, viewers are treated to luxurious outfits that have no impact on the plot. Ride or Die plays like a parody of a spy thriller, where gag comedy outweighs all other elements.

The Lead Duo, Performed by Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, Doesn't Work

Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham are talented actresses, but their performance in Ride or Die doesn't work. The comedic moments feel forced, and the serious dialogue comes off as childishly awkward.

The show superficially addresses age, ageism, and women's place in the world, rendering these topics insignificant. Rather than depicting a genuine friendship that could have formed the heart of the story, viewers are shown only caricatures of the characters.

The first few episodes are watchable, thanks to funny adventures and acting. However, by the middle of the season, Ride or Die's inadequacy is fully revealed.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Ride or Die'?

• Ride or Die has 96% from critics and 82% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.6/10.

Where to Watch 'Ride or Die'?

Ride or Die is available to stream on Prime Video.