Run Review: F*** (Season 1 Episode 3)
A tour of the city makes some progress on Run Season 1 Episode 3, “F***,” but for Billy and Ruby, it’s honesty that means so much more.
The allure of running may be somewhat diminished as reality continues to rear its head, but giving themselves twenty-four hours to just enjoy each other’s company and see where it leads turns out to be the best thing. Billy may not entirely be on the same page as he deals with Fiona, but his heart is in it, which looks like it’s enough for Ruby at this point.
There’s also the fact that everything that can go wrong, wants to go wrong. The room isn’t ready, it’s difficult to take out large sums of money, and even dresses are impossible to get out of. It’s one of the more fun running jokes on the show, and hopefully it continues to happen, because it’s one of the show’s best weapons.
One aspect of the show that hopefully gets more attention is that of Ruby’s wedding. She sends “RUN” to Billy right before heading out, but he never responds. By episode’s end, we still do not know why he never responded, and Ruby hasn’t asked, but it’s an intriguing disconnect between them, that Billy doesn’t respond to her but she jumps the moment he sends the same thing to her.
They’re definitely equally into each other, so it’s not that. It’s likely because of what Billy says on their tour boat, about how he views their split as the best thing for her and her career. It’s almost like Billy sees himself as a bad influence on Ruby. Her own retort, of saying that she never accomplished the life she set out to have, is that dash of reality that his lofty notions need.
Neither really lived up to their dream potential (Billy more so after the fact with his implosion), but they are there for each other, essentially at their lowest points, and accept each other for who they have always been. It’s an uplifting and romantic place to close the episode on…
Except for Fiona. Archie Panjabi is a wonderful addition to the show, and there’s a fascinating angle to how she considers herself the real brains behind Billy’s operation. And surprisingly, Billy agrees with her when she says so outright. Since she completely controls his life, she may become a resoundingly large thorn in his side if he thinks a wad of cash is enough to placate her concerns of her future as he blows his own up.
The way she knows his every single move (based on his Find My Phone app) and has access to all of his information and money leaves a curious wrinkle if she will become the villain of the season, where she wants what is owed to her.
Recording the audio of Billy and Ruby having sex is certainly a dark move to pull, whether she will send it to Laurence or leak it online to further damage Billy’s reputation. Or she may even hold onto it and dangle it over his head. Withdrawing all of that cash suddenly feels like a bad idea, as it will likely become the extortion money for the recording.
This episode continues the trend of fantastic character traits. Billy turning up his Irish accent to impress the bank advisor in the hopes of swaying him to help him out is both charming and awkward, Domhnall Gleeson playing the scene with such a frantic worry that really helps to sell Billy’s confusion and uncertainty about his life.
There’s also Merritt Wever in general as she nails every single line with perfection. Ruby’s bluntness as she fights for what she wants, her playfulness as she teases Billy and looks for answers, and her genuine rush of joy as she steals the dress with Fiona, all add up to a character that is just high on life despite the consequences.
The piece of Run that continues to prove difficult for Ruby and Billy are their pasts. They hold onto their time together as the most vibrant parts of their lives, where they could be anything and everything and the sky is the limit. This excursion is an attempt to relive that moment of life, but the consequences are probably too much to continue on.
Run Season 1 Episode 3, “F***,” tries to bring back the fun, but reality isn’t done yet. Luckily, despite all of their difficulties, they still manage to find each other at the end of the day and connect on a bed covered with money. The episode is a fantastic stretch of discovering and accepting faults, a complete one-eighty from the slights the previous episode provided.
While they may have slighted those closest to them, both Ruby and Billy have each other, but it’s still a question how long they plan on making this last or if this day is the extent of their forward thinking. Either way, it’s such a fun run so far.
What did you think of this episode of Run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Run airs Sundays at 10:30/9:30c on HBO.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.