Laid Season 1 Finale Explained: The Mystery Behind Ruby’s Exes’ Deaths

The gripping cliffhanger of Peacock’s Laid delves into crucial issues, particularly the mysterious deaths of Ruby’s ex-boyfriends, paving the way for an exhilarating second season. In this captivating dark comedy, Ruby Yao, played by Stephanie Hsu, is thrust into chaos following the tragic death of Brandon, her college ex-boyfriend. Attending his funeral, she unwittingly leaves with Jeffrey, another ex and Brandon’s best friend, only for him to meet a devastating fate right after their argument when he steps out of an Uber and is struck by a car.

Initially appearing as mere coincidence, Ruby and her true crime-ready best friend AJ work together to uncover the disturbing pattern: all of Ruby’s previous sexual partners are dying in the order that she was intimate with them. Determined to understand the cause, they embark on a quest to warn Ruby’s exes and halt the relentless deaths. Meanwhile, Ruby grapples with her feelings caught in a love triangle, torn between the surviving Jeffrey and her charming client. This journey leads to a surprising conclusion that sends a profound message about trauma, setting the stage for the forthcoming season of Laid.

What’s Causing Ruby’s Exes to Die in Laid Season 1

The Deaths of Ruby’s Exes: Not Linked to a Hex

Zosia Mamet's AJ standing in front of the sex timeline in Laid

Throughout season 1 of Laid, the intrigue revolves around the unsettling mystery of why Ruby’s ex-boyfriends are dying. Ruby, AJ, and their friend Richie go through multiple theories, ranging from potential stalkers to bizarre illnesses. However, none of their hypotheses hold water; a stalker could not cause cancer, nor could a sexually transmitted disease lead to a freak accident. Just when they think they’ve unraveled the enigma, AJ uncovers a video of Brad claiming to have placed a hex on Ruby due to her rejection.

With some persuasion, Brad locates the witch responsible for the hex, and she instructs them on transferring it. Though they humorously try to assign it to a bothersome upstairs neighbor, Peacock’s Laid ultimately departs from its Australian predecessor, treating the hex as a misdirection. Co-showrunner Nahnatchka Khan disclosed to Variety that the deaths tie back to “intergenerational trauma.”

A surprising twist occurs when Ruby’s estranged father appears, revealing he endured a similar fate in the past. While he wishes to assist Ruby, the details of why her lovers are perishing remain vague, pending an exploration in season 2—a season that, as of January 1, 2025, has not yet been confirmed. However, Peacock has a track record of maintaining shows beyond the first season, raising anticipation for Ruby’s journey to continue.

Who Will Ruby Choose: Isaac or Richie?

Ruby’s Idealization of Isaac Throughout Season 1

Although Ruby begins the series single, she quickly finds herself torn between two significant figures: her cynical ex-boyfriend Richie and her affable party-planning client, Isaac. Despite her feelings for Isaac, Ruby becomes acutely aware that pursuing a sexual relationship with him might lead to tragedy. Their connection feels discordant, as Ruby recognizes her own flaws whereas she views him as too perfect. Conversely, Richie embodies the “sex loophole,” allowing Ruby to explore that side of herself without the fear of loss.

Ultimately, Ruby’s decision is less about compatibility and more about choosing reality over fantasy. Throughout much of the show, she yearns for the idealized version of Isaac, overlooking that he too carries imperfections. By contrast, Richie embraces her flaws, promising a connection grounded in acceptance. In a pivotal moment, Ruby opts to pursue a romantic relationship with Isaac, navigating the complicated feelings lingering with Richie.

Did Ruby’s Dad Cause Her Mother’s Death?

Ruby’s Mother’s Death Tied to the Same Cause as Her Exes’ Demises?

Stephanie Hsu lying on a brown, leather couch as a depressed Ruby in Peacock's Laid (2024)

An underlying theme in Laid is Ruby’s struggle with her mother’s death and her father’s subsequent abandonment. She seldom confronts these issues, skirting around them in therapy or conversations with friends. However, the jarring finale of season 1 compels her to confront these painful truths. After revealing to Ruby that he has experienced similar trauma, her father’s admission could exacerbate their already strained relationship.

There’s a strong possibility that the genetic factor leading to her ex-boyfriends’ deaths could be behind her mother’s demise as well. Should this hold true, it raises questions about the guilt that drove Ruby’s father to leave, mirroring Ruby’s complex feelings throughout the series. Yet, Ruby’s egocentric viewpoint may breed resentment rather than understanding toward her father. Fans will have to wait for season 2 for clarity on this tragic backstory.

How Ruby Rebuilds Her Friendship with AJ

Ruby Orchestrates a Surprise Dinner for AJ

At its core, while romance is a prominent thread in Laid, the platonic bond between Ruby and AJ resonates as the series’ most significant relationship. Early on, Ruby stumbles in this vital friendship by sleeping with AJ’s ex right after their breakup. She fails to come forward about her indiscretion, amplifying the betrayal’s intensity when AJ finds out. Ruby conceives justifications for her actions, clinging to the idea that the pair was temporarily split.

As Ruby realizes the weight of her betrayal, she devises a grand gesture aimed at repairing their fractured friendship. An unexpected reflection from Aubrey, Ruby’s former love interest, underscores AJ’s role in her life. This realization, combined with AJ’s insight about Ruby’s selfish motives to fix the existing hex, catalyzes Ruby’s awakening.

Ultimately, she surprises AJ with a dinner featuring Amanda Knox, orchestrated to seem like Zack’s doing. This selfless act signifies her acknowledgment of wrongdoing, yet AJ discerns Ruby’s hand in the setup. The moment culminates in a heartfelt reunion, symbolizing the restoration of their friendship.

The Sex Loophole in Laid Season 1 Explained

Unlike Ruby’s Other Exes, Richie Survives

AJ, Richie and Ruby express disbelief as they manage an event in Laid (2024)

Despite Ruby’s forecasts of doom, Richie curiously escapes the same fate as her former partners, earning the title of her “sex loophole.” Though the series does not explicate how or why his life is spared, Richie’s role becomes paramount for Ruby, who struggles with deep-seated fears of abandonment. With her tumultuous history of loss, Ruby distances herself from partners to avert further heartbreak.

Richie’s standing as the “sex loophole” represents Ruby’s one connection free from the specter of loss. Their path intertwines, providing a sanctuary for both as they face the uncertainties of life. Richie’s presence is crucial for Ruby’s personal growth; without his steady influence, she may not achieve the introspection necessary to navigate her past romances. Each loss magnifies Ruby’s insecurities, potentially leading her further down a path of destructive patterns.

The True Meaning of Laid Season 1’s Ending & Its Setup for Season 2

Exploring Long-Term Trauma in Laid Season 1

Ruby and AJ visit a gravesite in Laid (2024)

While the conclusion of season 1 of Laid may astonish viewers, it aligns perfectly with the narrative’s exploration of trauma and its lingering effects. The darkly comedic series underscores Ruby’s struggles as she faces the tangible consequences of her past relationships, marking not merely emotional losses but physical disappearances of those she had intimate connections with, including some she cherished dearly.

This narrative approach compels Ruby—and the audience—to confront their unresolved issues; Laid emphasizes that true healing cannot occur without addressing these traumas. Each relationship Ruby builds is intricately woven with emotional baggage from her family history, making it clear that a reckoning is imperative for forward progress. Fortunately, there is hope for season 2, suggesting that the series may continue to follow Ruby as she constructs a foundation of emotional vulnerability, aiming to break free from cycles of intergenerational trauma and unexpected loss.

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