‘Run’ Episode 1: Ruby and Billy try to relive their teenage years but adulthood soon catches up with them

When everything falls apart in reality, an escape is all the soul craves. HBO’s latest dark comedy thriller ‘Run’ follows two adults, who try to venture into an idealistic world, trying to evade the reality of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.

The first episode of ‘Run’ which premiered today sees mother-of-two Ruby Richardson (Merrit Wever) receive a text from her former college sweetheart Billy Johnson (Domhall Gleeson), which just reads “RUN”. After going back and forth a couple of times, she boards a plane to New York, in the pursuit of something that could bring peace to her parched life. 

Meanwhile, Billy is already waiting on the train, as per the plan they made 15 years ago. There are instant sparks as the two see each other and a couple of flirty conversations lead to them masturbating in the train washroom, unable to keep their dirty desires at bay.

While the first few minutes of the first episode are used in setting the premise, teasing the misadventures of two lost adults misled by fantasies, the narrative loses its pace as the focus shifts from teenage dreams to the bitter reality of adulthood. 

Soon, it starts to feel like Billy and Ruby are their own best audience as they hysterically laugh at each other’s pranks and customary jokes. 

Although Billy and Ruby’s brewing relationship sees a lot of trouble, it is the chaos that makes the plotline interesting, as there is nothing else to define their association. 

Ruby reconsidering her ultimate decision is indicative of the fact that she is capable of relapsing into boredom even in her new spicey relationship. Meanwhile, Billy admits that he only messaged her because he was smacked at a local bar under the influence of alcohol. 

The first episode of ‘Run’ only introduces us to the lead characters giving a glimpse of their respective lives. However, as it progresses, the series may take deep dives into their individual personalities, thus offering more to their backstory and discovering the unprecedented as they navigate adulthood together, although as two teenagers at heart.

‘Run’ airs on Sundays on HBO.