Running Point, streaming on Netflix presents a compelling and layered protagonist in Isla Gordon, the newly appointed President of the Los Angeles Waves.
Through her journey, the series explores themes of sexism, leadership, self-worth, and familial dysfunction, all viewed through the lens of Isla’s unique perspective.
As a woman rising to power in a male-dominated sports world, Isla is constantly tested, forced to prove herself against both external prejudice and internal self-doubt.
Overview
Background: Isla’s Journey from Party Girl to President
From the pilot episode, it’s evident that Isla’s troubled past has greatly influenced the woman she is today.
Through flashbacks, we see how her father’s blatant sexism shaped her insecurities.
He never valued her opinion on basketball, considering it a man’s domain.
Unlike her brothers, she was never groomed for leadership, leading her to a rebellious phase—wild partying, reckless decisions, and a struggle to find purpose.
Her older brother Cam eventually pulls her out of her downward spiral, offering her a job within the organization.
His words, “As dad says, never get rid of a distressed asset, realize its value,” signify both his pragmatic approach and his faith in Isla.
This moment sets the foundation for her eventual rise, but also establishes a recurring theme—her fight to be seen as more than just an afterthought.
Breaking Barriers: Isla as the President of the Waves
Isla’s presidency begins with immense scepticism.
Cam’s accident and drug-related issues force her into leadership, but the press and the team’s board question her capacity, their misogyny thinly veiled behind corporate jargon.
This is immediately reinforced in the locker room, where players, especially Travis, sexualize her rather than respect her authority.
However, Isla refuses to be intimidated.
A defining moment occurs when she puts both Travis and Marcus in their place, signaling to both the audience and the Waves organization that she is no pushover.
Coach Jay Brown, who initially remains neutral, is the first to acknowledge her resilience, setting the stage for their evolving dynamic.
Navigating Family Dysfunction and Betrayal
Isla’s appointment was never meant to be permanent—at least, that’s what her brothers, Sandy and Ness, believe.
Sandy even openly plots to remove her, suggesting that she was only put in place to deflect attention from Cam’s scandal.
The underlying misogyny isn’t just external; it’s embedded within her own family, forcing Isla to fight battles on multiple fronts.
However, she outmanoeuvres them by securing an unconventional sponsorship deal with Sephora.
This move is brilliant on multiple levels—it proves her business acumen, challenges gender norms in sports marketing, and ultimately saves her position.
Yet, the victory is bittersweet, as she continues to feel the weight of having to work twice as hard for the respect her brothers take for granted.
Redefining Leadership: Femininity and Innovation in Decision-Making
Isla Gordon redefines leadership by incorporating her femininity and creativity in making effective leadership decisions.
She proves that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold largely created by men, but rather about efficiently navigating challenges through individual acumen.
One of the most striking examples of this is her negotiation of the Sephora deal.
The Sephora sponsorship was unconventional in nature—it was a bold and strategic move that directly challenged the traditional male-centric branding of sports.
By securing a beauty brand as a major sponsor for a men’s basketball team, Isla not only brought in significant revenue but also redefined how corporate partnerships in sports could be approached.
This decision reflected her ability to think beyond conventional norms and merge her understanding of market trends with innovative leadership.
This move also served as a direct rebuttal to her critics, particularly her brothers, who doubted her strategic capabilities.
It showcased her forward-thinking leadership and willingness to take risks that others in the organization wouldn’t have considered.
In doing so, she demonstrated that leadership isn’t about adhering to outdated structures, but about evolving them to fit modern perspectives and opportunities.
Isla’s Romantic Arc: Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery
Lev Leverson: The Supportive but Overlooked Fiancé
Lev, Isla’s fiancé, is introduced in Episode 2 and quickly establishes himself as a grounding force in her chaotic world.
Unlike others, he doesn’t doubt her capabilities.
Instead, he offers quiet encouragement, reminding her that her compassion is what makes her an effective leader.
However, Isla’s increasing workload causes friction between them, a tension that builds throughout the season.
A major turning point occurs in Episode 5, Beshert, when Isla considers converting to Judaism for Lev.
Despite knowing she would lose her Waves holdings, she remains willing to take the step.
This demonstrates her commitment to love over career, a stark contrast to the ambitious persona she projects.
However, in a poignant moment, Lev reassures her that he doesn’t want to dictate her life, proving his depth as a character.
Coach Jay Brown: A Subtle, Growing Connection
Jay and Isla’s relationship is marked by quiet moments of understanding rather than overt romance.
Their connection begins in Episode 1 when Jay becomes the first person to recognize Isla’s determination.
Over time, their interactions are laced with an unspoken bond—moments of support, shared frustration, and mutual respect.
In Episode 8, The Streak, Jay’s impending move to Boston creates an professional rift.
His kids are relocating, and Isla understands his conflict.
The tension between them culminates in the season finale, where, after the Waves’ devastating loss, they finally kiss in the empty arena.
Yet, the moment remains unresolved, leaving viewers questioning the future of their relationship.
Isla Gordon as a Modern Feminist Protagonist
Isla Gordon is a deeply layered protagonist who defies easy categorization.
She is ambitious but compassionate, flawed but determined, and constantly forced to fight battles both external and internal.
Through her journey, Running Point critiques sexism in sports, the burden of expectations, and the price of leadership.
As season 1 closes, Isla is left with unresolved conflicts, but her growth is undeniable.
She is no longer just the “distressed asset” her father dismissed—she is the beating heart of the Waves, and the story is only just beginning.
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