Running Point Season 1, Episode 2, “Joe Pesci,” improves its game by spending more time off the court. This episode, written by Mindy Kaling and directed by James Ponsoldt, dials back the pilot’s speed to get to know the Gordon family without all the exposition. By becoming less sprawling and more focused, Running Point exudes more confidence. This episode uses that momentum to fill out (some) characters’ dimensions. Where the first episode focuses on the stakes for the team, “Joe Pesci” hinges on what those stakes mean for the family and – equally significant, in Running Point – for Isla.
MORE: Check out other sports entertainment premiering in February here.
Sandy (and Ness) Stages a Coup
As much as Running Point is a sports comedy, it’s also a family comedy. The connections between the siblings start to come together as their chemistry strengthens throughout “Joe Pesci.” The scenes between Cam, Sandy, and Ness play with a revealing social structure and power dynamic that immediately clues viewers into their lives at and away from the LA Waves. These factors help boost the siblings’ dynamics and believability without relying on a voiceover.
While Justin Theroux continues to run away with every scene (The bit with Cam’s ludicrously giant scarf is so good), “Joe Pesci” sees Drew Tarver’s Sandy sneak into the spotlight. By doing so, the show deconstructs Sandy’s place in the family. (Ness appears to be along for whatever ride his siblings will have him on.) Running Point could have used Sandy’s coup as a mustache-twirling ploy to undermine his sister. Instead, the show uses digs from Cam about Sandy’s capability and (more organic) exposition about how their father treated him to explain Sandy’s desire to prove himself. The “Pilot” takes a more business-oriented approach to that push – “Joe Pesci” makes it personal.
MORE: A docuseries about tennis icon Rafael Nadal is coming to Netflix.
Isla Finds The Waves a New Sponsor
Therefore, Running Point is better off dialing back the voiceover to explore personal details, like introducing Sandy’s boyfriend of a year, Charlie. “Joe Pesci” even sets up a layered juxtaposition because Sandy admits to wanting to protect their relationship, so he keeps Charlie away from his family. Meanwhile, Isla entirely forgets to mention her fiancee of three years, played by none other than Max Greenfield. Running Point can’t just introduce a character Greenfield portrays and not give Lev Levinson more screen time in the future.
Ali gives Isla the Casino homework, but Lev is the one who calls Isla “the smartest Gordon.” Both are relevant to Isla finding the Waves a new sponsor. It is a bit odd that Running Point takes a “girl boss,” Yog-Flirt, 2010s-inspired detour to get there. Nevertheless, “Joe Pesci” unites the Waves and Sephora in a sponsorship deal fueled by capitalism and women who watch basketball. Rightfully so, Isla boasts that Sephora wants to partner “with the first pro basketball team with a woman in charge.” The men in her family never consider appealing to women – Isla brings that necessary change in perspective. Hopefully, Running Point will further unpack Isla’s impact in that role.
MORE: The Boston Celtics are getting a docuseries, Celtics City, at Apple TV+.
Jackie Is a Part of the Family
Ultimately, “Joe Pesci” bodes a lot better for the series on multiple accounts. Admittedly, this episode puts any literal team-building aside, but it makes significant progress with the Gordon family as a dysfunctional team. Running Point pulls that unit together with an unexpected yet familiar thread – another half-brother. The series could let that revelation linger between Jackie and his half-siblings longer. However, knowing that this season has only 10 episodes, it’s probably best that “Joe Pesci” introduces the family.
Running Point’s slower pacing suggests that it will take its time moving through whatever comes next. If anything, Jackie’s presence encourages as much. The gravity of his whirlwind situation implores Running Point to take a beat. Moreover, Jackie’s scenes bring an untapped emotional resonance to the series – Fabrizio Guido’s delivery of “And he never wanted to meet me?” is complex and heartbreaking. Like with the “Pilot,” Guido’s Jackie cuts through to the heart of it all, which explains Isla’s (and Ness’s) reaction. If the culture changes at the Los Angeles Waves and in the Gordon family, it will start with Isla.
MORE: Have you watched Starting 5 on Netflix? Check out all the details here.
—
What did you think of Running Point Season 1, Episode 2, “Joe Pesci?” Let us know in the comments below!
Running Point Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now!
