‘Ride or Die’: Finally, Women Over 50 Get to Be the Action Heroes

Who says action heroes have to be young, fearless men with nothing to lose? What about two women over 50, a twenty-year friendship, a dangerous secret and a rather unexpected talent for getting into trouble?

This time, Karli Newman, our resident book critic, life coach and founder of The Flipside Of Midlife is stepping away from the pages to review something on screen. Her pick? Ride or Die, a Prime Video action-comedy starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, with two midlife women firmly in the driving seat.

After binge-watching all eight episodes, Karli has plenty to say about the humour, the action and, most importantly, why seeing women over 50 take centre stage feels so refreshing. Because we want more of this on our screens. Much more!

 

What Is Ride or Die About? Meet Judith and Debbie

Want to know what happens when two midlife women who have been friends for twenty years uncover a secret? Well, if the unexpectedly revealed secret is that one of them is an assassin, rather than a forensic accountant, things get messy.

In Ride or Die, Judith and Debbie have little choice but to work through the rift in their friendship. Their lives depend on it.

British creator Tessa Coates has written an action-adventure-comedy strarring two women over 50 played by Hannah Waddingham (Judith) and Octavia Spencer (Debbie). I’m a fan of both actors, so it was an easy add to my watch list. I’m not ashamed to say that I binged the eight episodes of this Prime Original series in a single weekend!

Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer Make a Brilliant Action Duo

You and I know that the representation of women over 50 on screen still leaves plenty to be desired. How rare is it to see them lead action-heavy projects? It’s inspiring to watch these actors embody their characters and take on the physical challenges of their roles. From the opening scene, you know this isn’t a typical action series. This one is bound to surprise you.

An Action Comedy That Doesn’t Take Midlife Too Seriously

One surprise is the satisfying mix of humor that runs through Ride or Die, and Spencer and Waddingham deliver it flawlessly. Coates’ writing successfully pokes fun at some stereotypes about women in midlife while allowing others to be obliterated through action and dialogue. Whether it’s parking, turning 50, a book club gathering, or a helpless partner, you’ll find yourself laughing, relating, and celebrating throughout.

I have a secret; one that would tear my life apart. My name is Debbie Claybourne. It’s Book Club tomorrow, and I haven’t read the book.

Female Friendship After 50: The Real Heart of Ride or Die

Look underneath the layers, and you’ll see this: two midlife women, each capable in her own right, leaning on one another. Their friendship is tested, yet they trust that together they can face what lies ahead. These are the real-life parallels that made Ride or Die resonate with me so deeply. It also brought to mind the many shapes female friendship can take, a theme explored in ‘Our Deadly Summer‘, the book I recently recommended to CrunchyTales readers. Both remind me that friendships between women are rarely straightforward, but they’re often among the most meaningful relationships we have.

As you watch, the double meaning of the show’s title becomes apparent. Judith and Debbie protect and trust one another, even as Debbie deals with the hurt of being lied to for twenty years. Figuratively, this is a ride-or-die friendship. Literally, Debbie realises her best chances of staying alive are in a car or on the back of a motorcycle with Judith.

Ride or Die vs Thelma & Louise: More Than a Road Trip

Because we don’t often see women in roles like those in Ride or Die, comparisons are bound to happen. Several reviews mention the 1991 film, Thelma and Louise. Yes, both storylines center on two girlfriends on a road trip who stand up for themselves and each other, but the comparisons diverge from there. Judith and Debbie are in a different world and season of life, with more lived experience and wisdom to pull from when things go awry. They’re confident in who they are and what they contribute to the world. Along the way, Judith and Debbie discover things about themselves and their friendship, while choosing very differently at the end of the series.

Is Ride or Die Worth Watching? Karli’s Verdict

As an American who loves watching BBC mysteries and spy dramas, Ride or Die satisfies my taste for intrigue and reignites my dream of a road trip through Europe. Its wit, suspenseful action and badass female characters over 50 have me wanting more from Tessa Coates. I look forward to seeing what she creates next.

Not only is this series entertaining, it feels meaningful to see women over 50 breaking stereotypes, laughing at midlife’s absurdities, taking on villains and repairing a friendship.

Do yourself a favour and watch Ride or Die on Prime Video. When you do, come back here to share your thoughts about it. Did you enjoy seeing two women over 50 taking on the action-hero roles? Did Judith and Debbie’s friendship win you over? And, most importantly, would you like to see more TV series featuring women our age at the centre of the action?

Perhaps you have another favourite show or film that gives midlife women the roles they deserve. We’d love to hear your recommendations, too. Let’s keep the conversation going! I can’t wait to meet you in the comments.

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