Ball so hard.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
Ballers returns to HBO for a second season of light lifestyle porn that rests almost solely on the effortless likability of its star Dwayne Johnson. And - well - he is likable. There's no denying that. But while the first season banked Johnson's ability to motivate and mentor as Spencer Strasmore sought to get into the financial advising game, this new run of episodes seems to be steering us toward an edgier Spencer, which is a good thing.
Last year, not only was the series low on stakes - or in the very least it offered up problems that were too easily solved - but Spencer was conflict shy, afraid to confront the ghosts of his past or the possible post-concussion of his present. Here, in "Face of the Franchise," Spencer rediscovers his old gridiron mean streak thanks to the appearance of his old money mentor, and eventual ruiner, Andre Allen (Andy Garcia). So right out of the gate the show is giving us the potential for palpable drama wherein Spencer might make some regrettable moves that aren't easily course corrected.
Because that's what'll really help this series rise up. Right now, Ballers goes down a bit too easy. It's a half hour series that feels even shorter than its run time, with only probably a third of the content containing anything bordering on being investable. So if Spencer starts displaying a bit more grit and flashing his fangs during inopportune moments, we might get into some meatier territory. And we'll still root for him too, even when he's in the wrong. Especially if his enemies are as slimy as Garcia's glad-handing instigator.
Perhaps Ballers strength rests within the fact that it is simple when compared to most serialized TV here in this era of great television. I can't imagine how this could be a must-watch show given everything else on the air, but - as mentioned - Johnson is a hugely enjoyable commodity. Here, in the season premiere, Spencer and Joe's efforts to grow their business get momentarily sidetracked (but not too badly because it's Ballers) after Spencer gets into a physical scuffle with Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs on a show hosted by (the returning) Jay Glazer.
After a chat with Jason (Troy Garity), Spence realizes that he's acting all out of sorts because he still carries a ton of resentment toward Andre. So while this episode does quickly wrap up its drama in a tidy fashion, it sets Spencer off on a collision course with Andre. One where Spencer may, hopefully, find himself outmatched on more than one occasion.
Like last season, Johnson's chemistry with co-star Rob Corddry is strong and the two seemingly mismatched actors/characters give the series an extra fun kick. But also, like the first season, I strain to fully care about anything non-Spencer related - like Charles and Ricky's respective shaky futures. Futures which, even if they don't get the full amount of millions that they desire, are still cushier than most everyone else's financial fate.
The Verdict
Ballers too often feels as slick and empty as many of its posturing characters, but Dwayne Johnson's magnetism is still a big draw. And if Johnson's Spencer can get into a bit more trouble this season, temper-wise or other, we might get some stories and stakes that are worth our time.
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