The inaugural episode of "Laid" (2024) Season 1, titled "Brandon From College," introduces viewers to Ruby (Stephanie Hsu), a woman navigating the complexities of modern dating while grappling with a series of unsettling coincidences. Set in the bustling city of Los Angeles, the episode unfolds with Ruby's attempt to warn Caleb (Amro Majzoub) at a bank about his impending doom, stemming from a past sexual encounter with her. The scene is chaotic, with Caleb's confusion and the guard Hal's intervention adding to the tension.
Three months prior, Ruby is seen on her third date with Jason (Finneas O’Connell), where she vents about the pitfalls of dating apps. Their attempt at intimacy proves to be a mismatched endeavor, akin to trying to merge two incompatible operating systems. Jason's hurt is palpable when Ruby declines a second chance, and AJ (Zosia Mamet), Ruby's best friend, shares in his disappointment the next morning.
As Ruby reflects on her dating misadventures, Zack Bridgerton (Andre Hyland) chimes in, suggesting that Ruby herself might be the reason for her continued singlehood. Though initially taken aback, Ruby acknowledges that there are areas in her life that could use improvement. This introspection leads her to a session with her therapist, Debra (Elizabeth Bowen), who advises Ruby to confront her past issues to avoid repeating the same mistakes in her romantic pursuits.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Ruby meets Isaac (Tommy Martinez) while planning his parents' 40th anniversary party. Their mutual disdain for digital communication and Ruby's undeniable attraction to him create a spark. However, this moment is interrupted by a text from AJ, informing Ruby of the passing of Brandon from college, someone she initially fails to recall.
Later, at the bar where AJ works, Ruby's memory is jogged, and she remembers Brandon Rafferty, a past love interest. Intrigued by the unknown circumstances of his death, she accepts his friend request on social media and learns about the upcoming funeral. At the funeral, Ruby is met with a surreal sight: a barren tree adorned with photos of her and Brandon. The encounter with Brandon's parents and his girlfriend, Danielle (Melanie Chan), who bears a striking resemblance to Ruby, adds layers of awkwardness and confusion.
The wake further escalates the tension between Ruby and Danielle, who confronts Ruby about her past treatment of Brandon. Danielle reveals that Brandon was a virgin when they slept together, and Ruby's subsequent ridicule deeply hurt him. Meanwhile, Ruby and AJ grapple with their own feelings of rejection and invisibility, as AJ's ex, Hannah, fails to recognize her.
Jeffrey's reappearance at the wake brings a mix of nostalgia and embarrassment, especially when he brings up AJ's past involvement in a Pell Grant scandal. As Jeffrey and Ruby share an Uber, their conversation takes a dark turn when Jeffrey accuses Ruby of ruining his friendship with Brandon. The situation escalates, leading to Jeffrey's tragic death in a car accident.
Overwhelmed with guilt and the realization that two of her ex-boyfriends have died, Ruby and AJ turn to alcohol for solace. As they drink, Ruby recalls her first sexual experience with David and, on impulse, calls his landline, only to discover that he too has passed away.
"Brandon From College" sets the stage for a series that delves into the intricacies of relationships, the consequences of past actions, and the mysterious patterns that emerge in Ruby's life. The episode is a compelling mix of comedy, drama, and suspense, leaving viewers eager to uncover the secrets that lie ahead.