Running Point Season 1, Episode 10, “Game Seven,” brings the heat to the Los Angeles Waves, pressing the show to handle the pressure. This episode, written by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, & David Stassen and directed by Stassen, includes touching, character-driven beats amid confusing and predictable plot-driven turns. This season finale makes much-needed changes – it features the most basketball of the entire season. Still, Running Point continues to come up against its biggest antagonist, and it’s not who the Waves play in the tournament. Unfortunately, “Game Seven” continues the season’s issues with timing. This season finale has plenty of elements that work in the show’s favor, but the ones that don’t threaten its quality and longevity.
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Jackie Deserves Better
For instance, “Game Seven” starts with a one-month time jump. A device like that is all but expected with the Waves in a tournament. Regardless of the episode order, it’s unrealistic for the show to feature every game of the playoffs, particularly when Running Point doesn’t favor time on the court beforehand. Still, that relatively small step forward diffuses the tension between Jackie and Sandy introduced at the end of “The Playoffs.”
Instead of building on that, Running Point has to create new drama with Isla and quickly repair Jackie and Sofia’s dynamic. The former believably finds its foundation, but the latter feels shoehorned into “Game Seven.” Running Point pushes Jackie and Sofia’s conversation off-screen, missing any opportunity to rebuild their relationship better than it started. Therefore, it is less than earned when Sofia confronts Isla, Ness, and Sandy about how they treat Jackie.
So, the best scene from this storyline is between the siblings at Maya’s Grill. The performances are sincere, the connections between the characters feel more authentic than they have most of the season, and it’s one of the only times “Game Seven” slows down. It’s a testament to what Running Point needs more of – the characters communicating with each other on-screen.
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An Uneven Love (?) Triangle
Elsewhere, “Game Seven” definitively establishes a triangle between Lev, Isla, and Jay. Until this season finale, Running Point shows Isla aware of Jay’s flirtations, but she never comes across as all that romantically interested in him. They build a trusting, working relationship over the season. Through it all, it always feels like the comedy series will get to this point – this kiss between Isla and Jay. Refreshingly, the script makes it happen while Isla and Lev are on a break, and it occurs at a moment that makes emotional sense for Jay and Isla.
It’s a relief that Jay’s move forces Running Point to slow down with this side of the triangle. Likewise, Lev pauses any developments with the triangle’s other side. “Game Seven” doesn’t find a more welcomed change of pace than when Lev doesn’t immediately agree to reconcile his and Isla’s relationship. Running Point has a knack for introducing and resolving conflict within an episode, so it’s fantastic that – even in its season finale – it’s telling its characters to wait.
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What’s Next for The Waves?
Hopefully, Running Point will run with that mindset in its (hopeful) second season. It’ll only benefit the ensemble, from the central family to the Waves players and staff. “Game Seven” reiterates how necessary that approach is for the team. This season finale hinges on Isla being back at the stadium in enough time to deliver a pre-game speech. Running Point builds anticipation around it, but the moment falls short because Isla’s sentimental naming of players doesn’t land. Marcus, Travis, and (sometimes) Dyson are the only players with any real depth. Pointing out Trevor and Badrag alongside the trio only underscores how little time this season spends with the team.
“Game Seven” also underscores that missed opportunity in its extensive focus on the Waves playing basketball. Isla cites the team’s dedication to playing the best on the court as a defining factor in her perseverance as their leader. Unfortunately, that sentiment loses much of its resonance; Running Point relegates most of the team’s playing time to seconds of screen time or off-screen developments. So it’s exciting to finally see the Waves play for an extended period and all the payoffs that come with that (Dyson scoring!). The best bit, though, is Isla yelling, “Defense,” and no one hearing her. That symbolism combines with Cam’s (expected) return to signify that Isla does a lot for the Waves, but plenty of work remains if Running Point returns for Season 2.
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What did you think of Running Point Season 1, Episode 10, “Game Seven?” Let us know in the comments below!
Running Point Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now.
