Extremely dull. The crime thriller is a genre that has been around since the dawn of television. Through this particular genre, the viewer has a chance to see the world from a different perspective and live a more exciting life vicariously through the protagonist. It was basically Grand Theft Auto before we had video games. However, digital series The Runner doesn’t come close to giving you the visceral thrills of GTA or even the Untouchables.
“…follows the adventures of Nate, an English drug courier working for a Polish crime boss in Toronto…”
The Runner follows the adventures of Nate, an English drug courier working for a Polish crime boss in Toronto because…Canada. Nate has had one million dollars (Canadian) in drugs stolen from him and goes to talk to his boss Roman. Roman, being the nicest mobster ever, doesn’t put a bullet in his face but instead gives him a hug and a new job. Nate has to go to Montreal to retrieve a runaway courier who also happens to be his ex, Zoe.
What the Runner lacks in thrills it more than makes up for in tedium. Now it might be argued that the producers, writers, and directors are trying to make a more realistic crime epic. That by focusing on the minutia of Nate picking up a new car, getting luggage, and other random drudgery, they’re showing you the “real” criminal life. But it’s boring as watching dust. The first half of episode two is just that. Nate shopping, then Nate driving. All this excitement shot in a cinematic style that could best be described as adequate.
"…to retrieve a runaway courier who also happens to be his ex, Zoe…"
