The LA Waves are on the brink of being champions, but multiple variables work against them until that final buzzer in Running Point Season 2, Episode 10, “Chicago-Style.” Ultimately, this season finale, written by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen and directed by Stassen, gives Isla the ring she’s always wanted. Some developments, like Jackie deciding that he wants to spend the summer in DC with Sofia, come out of left field. Likewise, any tension between Ali’s potential move to Texas falls flat because it never feels like she will choose anything other than the recruitment trip. The opposite may be true if Running Point Season 2 spent time with Ali and her husband discussing what’s next for their family.
Meanwhile, the season tracks other progressions – Sandy nervously anticipating that Cam will break the story about the fraud – steadily throughout. As always, Running Point finds its greatest success with Isla, her relationships, and her role at the organization until this point. Ideally, there will be even more of the rest of the ensemble in a hopeful third season. In a dream world, that season would have even more episodes. Unfortunately, that seems less and less likely for streaming – or network, really – shows these days. Running Point’s second season emphasizes that this sports comedy has fantastic characters, a sharp sense of humor, and great references. So, Netflix, please renew this show!
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Can the Waves Do It?
The reveal that Marcus has been playing on a partial tear in his meniscus is a devastating yet expected blow. Toby Sandeman’s performance is excellent when the weight of that injury sits on Marcus’s body. The desperation in his voice when he says, “Isla, I need to be out there. Please,” cuts right through to the heart of the character. It also, once again, proves the point of why it’s so unfortunate to miss such significant time with the players. Imagine how much more this moment would hit if Running Point more consistently covered this season as Marcus’s final professional season. That would’ve opened up conversations with the team about leadership and camaraderie.
It would’ve lent itself to that final emotional huddle during the championship game. During which Ray Romano’s performance should not be overlooked. It would’ve added another layer to the lens of this specific game. Norm’s speech is more about Norm than it is the players, which I like. But it also could’ve been about the players, like Travis tries to steer it, if this season got to know them better. Regardless, it is such a triumphant moment when Marcus walks into that arena – after getting off a plane from having an operation in China.
It’s a truly heroic beat. Then, Running Point juxtaposes the excitement (“For the win!”) with disappointment (Marcus reaching for his other leg). The tears in Isla’s eyes as “Chicago-Style” captures that moment when the Waves win it all is incredible. It just has a bittersweet taste with the confirmation that Marcus tore the Achilles in his other leg – an injury that ends his career. So much is said in just the way Isla and Marcus hold hands in that final moment
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Things Just Got More Complicated
Starting “Chicago-Style” with the power shift in the voiceover – and cutting back to the start when Isla takes over, again – showcases how effectively Running Point uses that device. Before that, though, Justin Theroux brings a weight to what Cam experienced with his father. He dials into that very real part of the character. He also never misses an opportunity to point out how painfully immature he is. That quality shines in how he performs Cam’s final words before walking out on his family’s intervention of sorts.
It’s so good to see the Gordon siblings as a united front – Ness standing between Cam and Jackie & Sandy. I also like the detail of Jackie remembering that Isla nervously chews gum, only for him to remove it from his desk once her tooth falls out. It’s a good thing that Isla loses that tooth, though, because it brings Luke back into her orbit. It’s been a few episodes, and their chemistry is just as good – if not better. Their (albeit brief) conversation highlights the appeal of their dynamic again: Luke appreciates basketball and Los Angeles, and he’s not in direct competition with Isla, like Jay is in this episode.
Naturally, the playoffs complicate things between Isla and Jay. Their supposed rivalry doesn’t compare to that between the Gordons and the McShays. As for the rest of the Gordons, Jackie and Sofia’s break-up over the scouting trip doesn’t resonate. Alternatively, Isla using Lauren Conrad and Paris to convince Jackie to go on the trip is such a delight. A lot rides on that trip, like Ness betting on Ali. I may be reading into things, but I would love to see more of those two together. One thing is certain: it’s impossible to imagine a future for Isla and Jay now that he’s in business with Cam.
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