The Waves experience a leadership crisis just in time for the playoffs in Running Point Season 2, Episode 9, “Et tu, Cam?” This penultimate episode, written by David Phillips & Talia Adaiah Caldwell and directed by David Stassen, puts the pressure on Isla to, once again, prove she’s the right person for the job. The show weighs out that intensity with a relatable running bit of Sandy learning that everyone in his life likes The Traitors but hasn’t told him.
It’s also fun that Running Point practically confirms that it will be a tradition for Macauley Culkin to make a cameo as the biggest LA Waves fan. To that point, Isla and Ali spend most of their time wondering who can buy shares to beat out Cam. Maybe they should at least try to ask Culkin’s character instead of nearly involving a war criminal or striking a new deal with Al. I’m also such a fan of “Et tu, Cam?” re-establishing Running Point’s timeline with a reminder that the summer Olympics in Los Angeles are practically around the corner. Also, as a massive Dancing with the Stars fan, I appreciate that shoutout – with the inclusion of dancer Stephani Sousa, who was a troupe dancer. The more immediate competition on Running Point’s plate is that against time itself.
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The Waves Aren’t Ready for Playoffs
It is a bit shocking that “Et tu, Cam?” starts with Dyson and Zoé on another date at the same place. They haven’t been mentioned even in passing, really, since the third episode. So, Running Point has missed their entire relationship that was only starting then. The personal lives or the professional development of the players is severely lacking this season. Marcus icing his knee is a prime example of the smaller things Running Point can do to continue those stories in the peripheral. Then again, that detail – and Travis checking in with him – also makes me wish there had been more of Marcus before now.
Needless to say, it has little to no impact when Marcus is upset that Zoé breaks up with him. The break-up itself follows a curious pattern for Running Point, where significant others who have barely any screen time (Charlie! Sofia!) leave for a job opportunity. It’s vaguely exciting for them, but it does so little for the people they’re leaving behind because there’s been no time for investment.
Therefore, it’s strange that the break-up has such an impact on Dyson’s gameplay. It’s even more bizarre when Dyson insinuates that he’s in love with Zoé. Where did that come from? (Meanwhile, it tracks that Travis and Brielle’s deeply unserious relationship is also incredibly serious.) Alternatively, it works that Dyson wants to win the season for Isla – that dynamic has a believable foundation for such a gesture.
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May the Better Gordon Win
That Isla and Dyson scene feels full-circle while representing how much Isla and the players value each other. That confirmation is necessary when Cam doubts her from the second he offers her the job. I freaking love that Isla doesn’t cave; she knows she’s good at her job and tells him that. As for the work, the fast-approaching benchmark of a season finale is making it all the more obvious that too many characters mainly appear in relation to their profession or Isla.
For instance, Ali’s personal life had a bit more prominence last season, but mainly exists in phone calls and quips this season. Jackie finds himself stuck between Isla and Cam, but he hasn’t had much of an independent storyline, like last season. So, a promotion (albeit in a concerning context with Cam offering it) is exciting because it could presumably open Jackie up to more opportunities in a potential third season.
On the other hand, “Et tu, Cam?” finds a really exciting debate between Ness and Sandy about what they should do about Isla and Cam. The former knows that Isla is the right pick, while the latter’s internal conflict is complicated by a multi-million dollar fraud. Meanwhile, Isla has the chance to make a choice – to be like her father and her brother. She doesn’t; she won’t sell out and lose them, even if it means she would keep the job she adores. If Isla Gordon is still wondering if she’s a good person, this episode reflects that she is a far better one than she thinks her family gives her credit for. That’s what makes the cliffhanger of her brothers coming in with a plan so rewarding. It’s also another cliffhanger that makes me wish Running Point had a weekly release.
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