Running Point
By Sioph W. Leal
From Mindy Kaling comes Running Point, a comedy about a family-run basketball team. After a drug-filled road accident that forces Cam Gordon (Justin Theroux) to resign, he appoints his sister Isla (Kate Hudson) as president of the Los Angeles Waves- one of the most storied professional basketball franchises and the Gordon family business. Their deceased father used to overlook Isla because of who she was even though her love and acumen for basketball has been a huge part of her life but now she has to prove herself to the board, the players and her two brothers, Sandy (Drew Taylor) and Ness (Scott Gordon). Thankfully, the series does not use Isla’s gender or femininity to criticize her abilities but rather her rambunctious past and lack of any higher education. Straight away she sets to work to turn the team around and get them winning again but it starts with proving her capability for the job. Thankfully, she has assistant Jackie (Fabrizio Guido) and her friend Ali Lee (Brenda Song) who uniquely aid her but carry their own style of comedy that compliments the rest of the cast.
It will come as no surprise that Kate Hudson is excellent in every possible way with her excellent comedic acting, but she is well matched with the other Gordon siblings who all create a very real dynamic that adds extra layers to the comedy and makes a great watch. There is an array of characters, all distinctive and none fall to the background or are easily forgotten. It helps that the family, despite one unsuccessful coop, are supportive of Isla as it allows the series to feel more fun and you can easily get lost in the funny moments throughout the series. Each character has their own comedic style which helps them not get lost in the chaos and you are able to get to know them and remember them. However, there are times when Isla’s fiancé Lev (Max Greenfield) does not contribute anything to the series other than to attempt some conflict in the final two episodes but is otherwise forgettable and serves little to no point in the series which is surprising given Greenfield’s past work. Even Justin Theroux whose screentime is limited to pop-ins makes more of an impact and, in fact, if there is a second season it would be great to see his character more involved.
Something similar can be said for the weakest part of the series, Tavis (Chet Hanks). He is everything negative you would expect from the world of sports and there is little about the character for anyone to care for to the point when redemption almost comes it has no effect.
The series is easy to follow, fun and highly entertaining. No episode gives the urge to skip and the short run time of about half an hour an episode makes for a well paced series which the writing utilises to get every entertaining morsel out of it and it comes across so effortless due to a combination of the writing, no surprise with Kailing involved, and the casts comedic skill and easy rapport with each other.
Running Point does everything right, a great cast, writing team and a plot that combines for an enjoyable watch. The sibling relationships and banter is a great part of the series with each of them having their own chaos and unique comedy stylings. It is fun and an easy watch but highly entertaining.