The Waves’ finances reach a literal breaking point as tensions rise between Isla and Cam in Running Point Season 2, Episode 7, “We Are Broke.” This episode, written by David Phillips and directed by Michael Weaver, transforms the season-long money struggles into a new court for the team. It’s also another point of comparison between Isla and Cam, testing who is a better fit.
As for the team, “We Are Broke” puts a strange, sole pressure on Tommy as the linchpin in the Waves’ current winning streak. However, that emphasis just underlines how little this season engages with the basketball team as a whole or the players individually. If Tommy is playing so much, what does that mean for Travis’s security? The effects of Dyson’s new contract hardly compare to the focus on Cam’s $2 million check. Understandably, Isla will always be the priority, and rightfully so. Still, surely the business side of the organization should have more consistent and direct impacts on the sports team in a sports comedy.
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Romance May Not Be in the Air
The rose-colored glasses of the new relationship with Tommy are quickly ripped off by Sandy. The fact that they don’t know each other all that well works with and against the show’s pacing. Their brief interactions confirm how Sandy can know that he and Tommy are “built different.” Then again, they haven’t really had any time to communicate to try to see if they have any potential to last. Instead, “We Are Broke” supports Sandy’s assertion that Tommy is boring with scenes that present him as such.
Then again, that perception of Tommy may also pull on Sandy’s insecurities, like when he calls Charlie’s career choice “embarrassing.” It’s difficult to know because Tommy is still a bit of a mystery. Running Point does have fun with that with the reveal that he’s hooked up with an Avenger, and they signed Tommy’s NDA. But all of this also supports how quickly characters pop in and out on this show. It’s hard to invest in any of the relationships because they develop and then end so quickly.
For example, Sofia has already left for her internship. Before she left, it would have been nice to have a scene where she discusses whether that’s a career change she really wants to do. Again, in the aftermath of fighting for the dancers to have better, it’s just strange that she’s immediately gone. Therefore, it’s already frustrating to imagine what this distance means for her relationship with Jackie. Their relationship, too, is so rarely on-screen, and now those chances are basically nonexistent.
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Cam and Isla Are Keeping Score
Jackie and Sofia’s relationship having more prominence than it does would make its absence mean more now. Then again, it’s in that absence that Cm moves in to manipulate Jackie, which feels very honest to the oldest Gordon sibling. With this dynamic, it works in Running Point’s favor that these two characters have no pre-existing relationship.
They’ve barely shared a word, let alone a one-on-one scene. Unlike Isla (and Ness and Sandy), Jackie doesn’t have a history with Cam, so it makes sense that he’d want to believe and see the best in Cam. Even when it goes to a bizarre place of toxic masculinity – fostered by their father – about needing to know how to cook a steak and never ask a question, Jackie sees it all as a way to connect with his brother.
Nevertheless, Cam is in a very privileged position to cause that problem and then create its solution with Al. Before that, though, Isla’s side quest with guest star Nichole Richie, Burpocin, and Kevin from The Office (Brian Baumgartner) is outrageous. She really tries to find a resolution that doesn’t involve Cam. Still, there is some genuine emotional payoff in the unveiling of the Jack Godron Memorial Court. The sentimental moments always work with the family as much as the comedy does.
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