Laid

'Laid' is an Australian television comedy series that premiered in 2011, crafted ingeniously to trace the absurdly comedic predicaments of its key character, Roo McVie, played by local actress Alison Bell.

Alison Bell, whom audiences might know from her performances in 'The Librarians' and 'Worst Year of My Life Again', brings a recognizable Aussie-tinted charm and authenticity to her role as Roo. Her acting skills, combined with a well-constructed script, allows audiences to connect with Roo in a way that feels both genuine and heartfelt, despite the show’s sometimes surrealistic plotline.

The show opens with Roo McVie, a professional woman in her thirties, grappling with the everyday life complexities: a stagnating career, troubled personal relationships, and an uncertain romantic life. While these uncertainties are familiar to many, Roo’s life takes a bizarre twist that takes the TV show from being a simple life-drama to an intriguing blend of black comedy and mystery.

Roo is hit with the startling revelation that her past lovers are perishing one by one. It's a sudden and unexpected mystery, and it's something that Roo struggles to adequately comprehend or cope with. This peculiar series of deaths — all men with whom she's been intimate — sets Roo on a strange journey to figure out why this is happening.

The fascinating aspect of 'Laid' lies in how it blends everyday life situations and characters with an element of the extraordinary. The show skillfully weaves the complexities of dating, friendship, and professional life into a singular premise. What seems like an ordinary story of a single woman navigating through her life in Sydney turns into an uncanny investigation filled with suspense, humor, and unpredictable moments.

Alison Bell's character, Roo, is portrayed as a relatable, grounded individual despite the strange circumstances she finds herself in. Although her situation is anything but typical, her reactions reveal an underlying vulnerability, authenticity, and dry humor that audiences might find engaging. Her best friend, EJ, played by Celia Pacquola, provides an excellent foil to Alison's character. Their friendship is depicted with tenderness and wit, and the dynamics between the two add to the show's charm.

The show is set primarily in the picturesque city of Sydney. The well-explored urban spectrum of the harbour city adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. With the stunning backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbor, the show beautifully showcases the everyday life of the city while also highlighting its lesser-known facets.

'Laid' is an interesting detour from traditional sitcoms and rom-coms. It toys with elements from mystery genres and wraps them in a comedic structure without feeling forced. The show contains strong undertones of social realism, despite the supernatural theme running through the plot. It explores themes of loneliness, death, grieving, relationships and self-discovery while keeping its tone light and humorous.

The professional writing team behind 'Laid' is deserving of accolades for crafting a script that is snappy, funny, and smart. The dialogues crackle with undertones of sarcasm, wit and Aussie humor, which contribute to the show's appeal beyond the outlandishly intriguing storyline. Roo McVie's journey is permeated with comedic observations and self-deprecating reflections that make her character feel like a real person.

The show consists of two seasons, each season growing in depth and wit. It dives deeper into each character as the show progresses, effectively building on the initial premise and keeping viewers engaged and invested in the narrative.

Watch 'Laid' for the dollops of eccentric wit, low-key charm, and an engrossingly unusual plot. Alison Bell’s impressive performance and the off-beat storyline cater to those looking for something different from the conventional TV performance. Amidst the laughter and mystery, 'Laid' also delivers an impressively thoughtful take on mortality, relationships, and the innate human desire to understand the unknown.