In the second quarter or episode of “Ballers” the clock is ticking for Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson), the richest looking poor man ever, to get a lucrative client and friend to sign on the dotted line.
The retired football player turned financial advisor to pro athletes worked hard this episode to secure Dallas’ Vernon Littelfield (Donovan W. Carter). Aside from a potential client, Vernon is a friend and the classic case of a star player who wants to take care of everyone and their mom once they get a little cash in green in their pocket. The end result, as we’ve seen in the past, is not pretty. Spencer, who is already $300,000 in the hold from a loan, is banking on Vernon’s future and his own.
Reggie continues to be the little fly buzzing in Vernon’s and swaying him away from Spencer, most likely in fear of losing his proverbial meal ticket. I was waiting the entire show for The Rock to give Reggie the old “Rock Bottom.”
Alas it didn’t happen. Spencer calls in his boss Joe Krutel, played by the outstanding Rob Corddry, for back-up at lunch meeting with Vernon and his entire family at a hotel. Joe’s subtle and not-so-subtle humor shines in this episode with an evolving chemistry with Spencer, especially during a scene in the office filled with sexual innuendo.
Spencer found out another rule of closing a deal in business, and life in general, is to always have a pen. Luckily a member of hotel staff came by, clearly in awe of the “Great One,” with one. Vernon signed the contract, but only with Reggie being able to have a role in decision-making. You know there is a clash brewing.
Elsewhere, Vernon’s agent Jason Antolotti (Troy Garity) is on a bumpy flight to Dallas to lock him into an extension playing there. Negotiations with the coach didn’t go so well. So now Spencer has a client whose prospects are uncertain in a year.
Ricky Jerret (John David Washington) gets sentimental during his first day with the Dolphins. He wants the number 18 on his jersey, like bad. So much in fact he offers the person who has it $40,000 and $20,000 chain his girl gave him. No deal. I think if he threw a bologna sandwich it would sweetened the pot.
The happiest looking car salesman Charles Greane (Omar Benson Miller) continues to adjust to life off the field. I respect anyone who wants to make a respectable income, but you can see the twinkle in his eye that he misses the game. It also doesn’t help when Larry Seifert (Dule Hill), a team GM, comes by every day reminding him that he could have played for at least two more years. At least Larry buys something, even though it’s probably to show Charles that he can because he’s loaded. The sale is good news though for Charles, who could tell his better half when he gets home. There comes the old saying happy wife, happy life.
- Watch “Ballers” 10/9 CT on HBO.
- Follow me on Twitter @smFISHMAN.
Photos: Jeff Daly/courtesy of HBO
Be the first to comment