Episode 4 of "The Runarounds" kicks off with a leap forward of a month in the narrative tapestry. The band, now armed with a repertoire of six original compositions and eleven cover tunes, has traversed a myriad of gigs, including an eclectic engagement at a gender reveal party. Yet, as summer's waning days draw near, they still find themselves sans a coveted record deal. Charlie harbors hopes that they've impressed Danny, oblivious to the fact that Bez is the real prize catch for Danny's attentions. Bez, however, is holding out on sharing an invitation to play at the prestigious Lost Teen drumming gig, choosing instead to lead the band to Mr. Dobbins, a friend of his father's. Although Mr. Dobbins' schedule is packed for the ensuing two months, he extends a lifeline by offering them the chance to record a demo.
Topher's journey home after this pivotal meeting takes a detour when he discovers his father awaiting him. The weight of his terminated internship, kept a closely guarded secret from his parents, has finally come to light. Consequently, he's grounded, stripped of his allowance, and forbidden from "squandering his future."
Meanwhile, Bez grapples with his own future, torn between the allure of joining the Lost Teen and his burgeoning bond with The Runarounds. His father, Theo, steps in to offer guidance, emphasizing the cutthroat nature of the music industry and urging Bez to seize the gig without hesitation, regardless of his camaraderie with the band.
Amidst this personal turmoil, Sophia faces another emotional challenge as the anniversary of her mother's passing looms. She yearns for her father's company during this solemn occasion, but he's grappling with his own demons. Having missed the previous anniversary, her father reluctantly agrees to consider attending this year.
There's a palpable friction brewing between Finn and Charlie, as Finn's concerns escalate that Charlie seems to be resonating more with Catesby than with him. Undoubtedly, Catesby's keen musical ear only fans the flames of this burgeoning issue. Struggling to pen his lyrics, Catesby suggests that Charlie seek Sophia's wisdom, as she excels in writing. However, Sophia is preoccupied with more pressing matters concerning her mother's well-being.
When Charlie visits Sophia, he reminisces fondly about her mother from their school days, later messaging Sophia about collaborating on a song once more. George's mood sours upon witnessing this message on her phone. Sophia, in an attempt to smooth over any tension, agrees to become George's girlfriend when he asks her.
Elsewhere, Neil and Phoebe hit it off splendidly that night, while Bez arrives in Atlanta ready to jam with the Lost Teen band, or at least, to practice with them. The cavernous arena hints at the grandeur of the upcoming show. Bez's practice session leaves the band members impressed, but joining them permanently would mean bidding farewell to The Runarounds.
In the meantime, Topher pulls another rabbit out of his hat by securing another gig for the band. They're set to perform at Uncle Carlos's 4th of July beach bash—Amanda's affluent uncle who's willing to shell out a generous $3,000 for their talents.
In Bez's absence, Wyatt's mother calls, prompting the band to rush over to his place. They find her in a dire state, her blood sugar plummeting due to her forgetfulness about eating. She's fainting and desperately needs a sugar fix to stabilize her condition.
However, the bathroom also suffers from a pesky leak, prompting the entire group to rally around and lend Bez a helping hand. Alas, in the midst of their efforts, Charlie inadvertently plummets through the weakened floorboards, further underscoring the unwavering bond Bez shares with her loyal circle of friends—a bond that makes her impending decision all the more agonizing.
Hannah arrives at Catesby's, affirming to her husband that he remains oblivious to the fact that Charlie is their flesh and blood. She reassures Finn that their secret will remain intact, though only time will tell how long this charade can last.
At the bustling 4th of July gig, George confronts Charlie with a stern warning, insisting he steer clear of his girlfriend. Charlie is momentarily taken aback by the revelation of Sophia's new relationship but persists in his pursuit. As he performs with the band, his eyes are glued to Sophia, dedicating his lyrics to her. She catches his gaze and returns a mischievous smile, much to George's chagrin.
Post-performance, George confronts Charlie once more, slapping him across the face. Sophia, disgusted by the altercation, storms off. She later unloads her frustrations to Bender, arriving late and lamenting that she feels like a mere specter, drifting aimlessly through life. Med school, once her passion, now fails to ignite her spark, and she yearns to collaborate on songs with the band. The immortalization of her words through music resonates deeply within her.
That evening, Sophia embarks on writing lyrics, determined to fulfill Charlie's wish by listening to the instrumental he had sent earlier. Meanwhile, the group gathers for the demo session, diligently recording their tracks. They laboriously strive for perfection, yet their efforts seem to lack the necessary cohesion.
Elsewhere, Sophia ventures out with her father to honor their late mother. He admits that her graduation speech has inspired him to be a better parent, allowing Sophia to carve her own path rather than forcing her into her mother's footsteps.
Sophia then makes a surprise appearance at the recording studio, bringing fresh lyrics to the table. She has fully embraced this facet of her identity, igniting a spark within the band and inspiring them to exceed their own expectations.
Later that afternoon, Bez confronts Danny, firmly declining his offer to join the Lost Teen as their drummer. Her anger is palpable as she vows to make him pay for his presumption.
