Run Review: Abbott Bank Robber Series – Does It Deliver?

A title like “Run” promises propulsion, a breathless sprint into the heart of a compelling story. And while the new six-part series about bank robber Brenden Abbott certainly *has* a story, it takes a frustratingly circuitous route to telling it, a structural choice that ultimately undermines its own suspense. It’s a shame, because the core material – Abbott’s 1989 escape from Fremantle prison and subsequent string of robberies – is inherently cinematic.

The series’ initial reluctance to fully commit to the action, opting instead for a non-linear structure, feels less like artistic innovation and more like a stalling tactic. The well-staged prison escape, a genuinely suspenseful set-piece, arrives almost as an afterthought, following quieter scenes and fragmented flashbacks. This isn’t to say non-linear storytelling is inherently flawed, but here it feels too clever for its own good, disrupting the momentum rather than enhancing it.

The casting, however, is a clear strength. George Mason delivers a flinty charisma as Abbott, portraying him as a man driven by constant movement, lacking any real emotional or locational anchor. He’s not presented as a sympathetic figure, but Mason imbues him with enough depth to make him compelling. And the presence of Robyn Malcolm, fresh off strong performances in Mystery Road: Origin season two and After the Party, immediately elevates the emotional stakes. She consistently brings a raw, authentic energy to her roles, and her presence here is no exception.

The show’s marketing – particularly the key art featuring a split image of Mason and Keiynan Lonsdale – suggests a more balanced narrative between Abbott and the detective pursuing him. However, the series firmly remains Abbott’s story, with Lonsdale’s character, Gary Porter, relegated to the periphery. This feels like a missed opportunity to create a more compelling dynamic and raise the stakes. The police pursuit, while potentially dramatic, lacks a sense of urgency, hampered by thinly drawn supporting characters.

Ultimately, “Run” feels like a series struggling to find its footing. The lurching rhythm and erratic pacing, while perhaps intended to reflect the protagonist’s chaotic life, often result in a frustrating viewing experience. It’s a decent effort, but one that could have benefited from a more streamlined approach and a stronger focus on the central conflict. The show’s success will likely hinge on whether audiences are willing to persevere through the structural issues to connect with Mason’s performance and the inherent intrigue of Abbott’s story.