Episode 3 of "Running Point" kicks off with the Gordon Family gracing the small screen, eager to set the record straight regarding Jackie. Isla, Sandy, and Ness radiate excitement at the prospect of welcoming a baby brother into their fold. Addressing the rumors that paint Jackie as a mere concessions vendor, Isla proudly announces that he will serve as her executive assistant.
While Isla grapples with managing one public relations quagmire, Travis Bugg stirs up another tempest in the locker rooms. Undeterred by his past misconduct, Travis posts a derogatory video online, dishonoring Sephora, the Waves' newest and most prominent sponsor. Isla, seething with rage, storms into the practice room, intent on scolding Travis, stripping him of his dignity, embarrassing him in front of his peers, and compelling him to issue a public apology. However, recognizing this confrontational tactic as all too familiar from her father's playbook, Jay suggests an alternative approach. Isla takes a deep breath, calms her nerves, and extends an invitation to Travis for dinner.
Jackie's inaugural day on the job proves to be a rocky start. Lacking a mentor, he stumbles through his tasks, making a few blunders along the way. Unaware of the impending drama, he books a dinner reservation at a romantic venue for Isla and Travis. The dinner proceeds smoothly, with Isla successfully persuading Travis to make amends through a public apology. However, the evening takes a sudden and unexpected turn when Travis attempts to kiss Isla, a moment captured by an onlooker's camera.
Incensed by the choice of restaurant, Isla reprimands Jackie, leading him to contemplate quitting the next morning. Ali steps in, offering to mentor Jackie and school him on the nuances of interacting with the affluent. During a heartfelt conversation with Isla, we gain insights into Ali's personal life; she's a married mother of twelve years.
The situation escalates when Sandy and Ness burst into Isla's office, inquiring about their rumored hook-up with Travis. The gossip has already taken the social media sphere by storm, overshadowing Travis's apology. The media's interest shifts from his contrition to the alleged romantic entanglement. Travis, stumbling over his words, inadvertently validates the rumor. Fortunately, the Gordons intervene, whisking him away before he could exacerbate the situation.
Travis, now fiery with anger, blames Isla for orchestrating the romantic setting and initiating physical advances during dinner. Consequently, he refuses to refute the rumors. Isla, furious, suspends Travis for a week. As Isla succumbs to a meltdown in her office, Ali continues to coach Jackie.
LA Waves' losing streak persisted into their next game, prompting the media to swiftly blame Travis's absence—a consequence of being caught in a passionate clinch with Isla. These rumors began to cast a shadow over Lev's professional life, prompting her to reach out to Ness, urging him to set the record straight through his decoy X account. Ness attempted to comply, but his well-intentioned intervention backfired spectacularly. In a moment of carelessness, he posted from his genuine account, revealing a cousin’s connection to the restaurant amidst the fray. Despite swiftly deleting it and reposting via his fake account, the astute netizens had already seized upon the slip-up, fueling the flames further.
The following morning, Marcus stormed into Isla's office, venting his frustration about the suspension. Forced to play the entire match due to Travis's absence, Marcus was understandably worn out. Isla confronted him on his apparent disinterest, asserting that as team captain, he should assume a more proactive leadership role. If he did, she reasoned, the players might refrain from such misbehaviors. Marcus, while insisting that his sole focus was the game and that everything else was beyond his purview, eventually relented and sought out Travis. Despite making the conversation largely about himself, Marcus somehow managed to pierce through to Travis. Travis confided in his insecurities, believing himself inadequate and devoid of a promising basketball future.
Marcus reassured Travis of his keen court instincts, emphasizing how his teammates thrived when he played. He pointed out how Travis's exceptional passes made the game simpler, particularly for Marcus. He saw a bright career ahead for Travis and stressed that victories would only enhance his brand.
The next day, Travis issued a heartfelt apology to Sephora, effectively dispelling the rumors. Meanwhile, Jackie finally found his footing as an executive assistant. He not only assisted Lev in securing a reservation at a posh restaurant but also eliminated the "drug shelf," a persistent thorn in Isla's side throughout the episode.
