Run Review: Tell (Season 1 Episode 6)

While the cold, harsh reality may set in at first, Run Season 1 Episode 6, “Tell,” quickly transforms itself into one of the more endearing, playful episodes of the season so far.

One partial couple starts to rekindle what the events have taken away from them while another just starts to blossom, both relationships becoming the focus of the episode, and both are just as interesting, even if one is brand new to us.

There’s this sense of closeness that runs throughout the episode that provides a warmth that started to dissipate over the crash of reality on Run Season 1 Episode 5, “Jump.” While the episode is patching up the damage between our two leads, it’s also creating a smaller stakes romance between two supporting characters that is just as compelling to watch.

It all comes down to the brilliant writing by Vicky Jones and the performances for Laurel (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and Deputy Cloud (Tamara Podemski). Laurel’s directness and Deputy Cloud’s enthusiastic interest in Laurel is the kind of upbeat quirkiness that really helps alleviate the darkness that’s been creeping in with Fiona’s death.

Their back and forth both at Laurel’s home and at the Thirsty Cactus makes them immediately likeable as they dance around probing questions that leans towards flirting. They’re side characters with only a few minutes given to get to know them, but they’re instantly shining through with their fascinating personalities.

We have the added information of the previous episode setting up Laurel, but she comes out of her shell more here. She’s a strong, silent type, rather forward not only with her invitation to the bar and her playful responses, but also through how she manages to rip off Deputy Cloud’s protective vest. It creates this befuddling juxtaposition, especially with how charmingly silent her singing is at karaoke.

The curious nature of Deputy Cloud and her partner Ryan is how they feel like they are dropped in without any prior knowledge of police work. This isn’t because of poor writing, though; it’s because they’re still green to this sort of thing. They are more upset at missing their reality show than at a potential murder in their hometown, and talk about the crime scene as though they’re trying to figure out the best move forward rather than following procedure.

Deputy Cloud suffers from a lack of experience, down to that particular scene and also how there’s still plastic around her notebook, never used. Smaller towns don’t see this type of thing often, and it’s intriguing that Daniel, the owner of the house, is their initial suspect rather than just a potential witness. It’s his house, to be sure, but they appear rather convinced he’s involved, especially since he’s run off.

There’s also the fact that Laurel mentions Ruby and Billy as hikers, and it’s barely acknowledged because of the possible attraction between Cloud and herself. The hilarious notes that are just answers and not what questions they are tied to leaves the impression that Ruby and Billy may not have too much to worry about, even if Laurel has found her coat at the bar.

So while Laurel may become an issue over the last two episodes of the season, it’s not quite clear how yet. The episode feels like it’s building Laurel and Cloud up rather than just giving us a fun window into these two people meeting, where Cloud is a little naive while Laurel may be someone to watch out for. She has this air of unpredictability that could end up being a problem.

The main focus is still on Billy and Ruby, however, and this episode looks to repair the distance growing between them since Fiona’s fall. Shock and grief leads to a lot of honesty on both their parts, and we get a lot more information than even flashbacks show.

The revelation that they disagreed on having a child and Ruby made the decision without him is a big moment, as it not only creates a deeper history for them, but shows how they have not been on the same page even all the way back then. It’s an important moment that they both profess wanting kids together, as it really helps to cement that despite all of the chaos this trip has left them in, there’s still a deep connection.

It’s what makes those moments of levity impact so much more. Severe stress may take the comedy out of their situation, but you can’t take the comedy out of them. Their quick wit lands with perfect precision, like Ruby’s teasing about red-headed kids or Billy’s comments about Ruby rustling when leaves are needed for a quick remedy. It’s the little things that help build up their characters and make them that much more believable in this wild scenario.

Their frustrations also come out in similar ways, outbursts that hold a lot of truth in them where before the truth can be near-impenetrable. While Billy is still withholding the run plan (and it may still come up if they don’t make it to the station in time), the honesty flying around really helps solidify the unhappiness they feel in their normal lives they have left behind.

Ruby makes an excellent point during her blow-up on the forest floor about how being perfect and imperfect take a toll in their own way, even if it looks ideal from the outside. Everyone struggles, and Ruby is no different. But what is surprising is that while the previous episode sets up that Ruby may be okay with abandoning Billy, this episode reverses that course.

Ruby talks about her life as though it’s effectively over, and that final scene in the bar, wanting to do one last run, feels like a confirmation that she’s all in with Billy, no matter the consequences.

The final scene, where Ruby convinces Billy to run yet again, is such a perfect encapsulation of the show. Billy has psyched himself up to turn himself in and take whatever consequences are coming, but the moment Ruby offers to run and continue on, he doesn’t put up much of a fight. Neither wants this to be over yet, despite the pain that it’s caused already.

But what Run Season 1 Episode 6, “Tell,” also does is create this level of doubt and uncertainty with Fiona’s fall. Billy is hurt by Ruby’s questions about the incident, but later on, he admits he does let go of her, effectively letting her fall. It’s a massive grey area that works wonders for the show, as it’s not his fault but could be in a certain point of view.

It’s letting our own judgment fill in those blanks, and it’s the sign of fantastic writing. Run is growing stronger as it combines strong characters with our own sense of morality. Bad things happening don’t make them bad people, but the show is going for something more complex, where bad things happen all of the time and what we do during those times is what shows our true nature.

 

What did you think of this episode of Run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Run airs Sundays at 10:30/9:30c on HBO.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

25 Binge-Worthy TV Dramas on Hulu