Running Wilde

Running Wilde is a surprisingly heartwarming romantic comedy series that first debuted on Fox in the fall of 2010. This laugh-out-loud sitcom was created by Mitchell Hurwitz and Jim Vallely, two of the brainchildren behind the cult-favorite TV show Arrested Development, and includes an ensemble cast headed by seasoned actors Will Arnett and Keri Russell. With a comedic twist on the age-old trope of wealthy-man-meets-less-wealthy-woman, the story explores the misconceptions of love, the environmental crisis, and the frictional yet entertaining class differences – all with rich humor and cleverly written characters.

The title character, Steven Wilde, is played by none other than Will Arnett. Wilde is a profoundly wealthy oil tycoon who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He lives in a lavish mansion in California, enjoys time on his private jet, and holds extravagant parties attended by the who's who of the high society. However, Steven Wilde is totally devoid of fulfillment, meaning, and true happiness. His life is a collection of hollow moments and shallow endeavors. He is narcissistic, boastful, and blissfully ignorant of life’s harshest realities. Yet, beneath these layers of wealth and arrogance, audiences can spot glimmers of vulnerability in this man-child who somewhere yearns for genuine love and acceptance.

Keri Russell plays Emmy Kadubic, an environmentalist who dedicated her life to preserving the rainforest along with her 12-year-old daughter, Puddle, charmingly portrayed by Stefania LaVie Owen. Emmy is the polar opposite of Steve – she’s principled, grounded, and shuns superficial charms. Yet, Emmy and Steven have a past connection. They were teenage lovers, a romance, however, that capitulated due to their extreme class differences and incompatible lifestyles.

Running Wilde pivots on the premise of how Emmy and Puddle end up on Steven's doorstep out of the rainforest. The series pits Emmy's altruistic, earthy worldview against Steven’s opulent, frivolous lifestyle, creating comedy out of the tensions, misunderstandings, and unexpected nuances that arise from this clash of worlds. The banter-filled dialogue, ingenious visual gags, and slapstick humor offer plenty of laughs, but the heart of the series lies in the evolving relationship between these two vastly different characters.

Will Arnett does a fantastic job in blending his iconic comedic instincts into the characterization of Steve, making the character delightful despite his many faults. Keri Russell brings depth to Emmy, balancing both her strengths and weaknesses and making her a relatable addition to the series. Stefania LaVie Owen also shines as the enlightened Puddle, offering amusing, deadpan observations about her eccentric elders. The ensemble is rounded off by a loveable bunch of supporting characters, including Steve’s loyal servant Mr. Lunt (Robert Michael Morris) and Emmy's environmental conservation partner, Fa'ad Shaoulian (Peter Serafinowicz), who add their own quirks to the mix.

Running Wilde explores the age-old allure of the ‘opposites attract’ appeal, with both Steven and Emmy navigating their feelings for each other amidst their conflicting worldviews and personal growth. The series beautifully highlights how Emmy’s altruistic leanings influence Steven, while Emmy herself learns to be less judgmental, discovering that behind his materialistic persona, Steven has his redeeming qualities. The show also skillfully intertwines comedic situations with moments of genuine growth and realization.

The series unfolds through Puddle's narration and uses flashbacks and non-linear storytelling to further color the onscreen events. Apart from the romantic storyline, the show also packs a satirical punch, using its ludicrously rich characters to critique society's obsession with wealth, class, and status.

The sitcom was produced by Tantamount Studios, Five Hole Pictures, Principato-Young Entertainment, and Lionsgate Television. It had a total of 13 episodes, all packed with entertaining plots, engaging dialogues, and captivating chemistry among the actors. Although the series was short-lived, it left a mark on its viewers with its unconventional plot, vibrant characters, and unique humor.

In summary, Running Wilde may have been a lesser-known gem, but its charming characters, snappy dialogue, robust humor and the chemistry of its lead actors make it worthwhile for those looking for an under-the-radar comedic treat. It also provides a fresh perspective on classic themes of love, wealth, class difference, and individual growth, making it more than just an average sitcom.