HBO's Ballers, being a comedy-drama, found it hard to keep up the quality of episodes every single week, not only because of the lack of progress in the storyline but also because of the lack of complexity in the characters.
After a decent first season, with both good and bad episodes, the HBO Original decided to take it up a notch by giving the fans a much better season two. Spencer Strasmore and Joe Krutel (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) face a couple of new problems, while Charles and Ricky have to deal with new beginnings.
"Enter The Temple" (7.9)
The second episode of season 2 sees a lot of characters consider their options. For one, Ricky is now looking for new teams, while Charles gets news from his coaches that he needs to adapt to a new role if he is to play for Dolphins next season. Spencer is going after Andre and with the help of Joe, they are able to tie down Terrell Suggs, who's Andre's client, as one of their own. Andre wouldn't like this news very much, to be honest.
"Face Of The Franchise" (8.0)
In the first episode of season 2, Spencer, the face of the franchise, and Joe are seemingly enjoying life, at the moment with one of their clients Ndamukong Suh opening a new restaurant and hosting a party. During the event, though, Spencer meets a face from his past, Andre, who was his old manager. And they are far from friends. Ricky wants to see out his career at Dolphins, while Charles' comeback might not last as far as he would have thought.
"World Of Hurt" (8.0)
In the fourth episode of season 2, Andre and Spencer's rivalry continues, with the former able to land Suh, one of ASM's premium clients. Knowing this, Spencer and Joe need to make sure he turns because if he doesn't, Mr. Anderson wouldn't be happy, to say the least.
Jason gets some more screen time in this episode as he tries to land a young talent, who he believes will go for quite some money in the upcoming draft.
"Most Guys" (8.0)
In the fifth episode of season 2, Spencer's character starts becoming more obvious. He goes in total denial mode after his hip's bad shape is revealed by the doctor. He has to replace it, but Spencer doesn't want that; he just wants more pain killers. This is, by far, the most important plot of this season, something which many NFL players suffer from. Also, Spencer decides to mentor Travis, Jason's new client.
"Saturdaze" (8.1)
In the sixth episode of season 2, Charles finds himself in a difficult situation. He is one of the most likeable human beings one could ever hope to find and now, he has to inform a player that he is being let go of, just because he suggested someone. Meanwhile, Spencer and Jason are getting drunk and taking jabs at each other before moving on to more pressing matters, like Travis and him not being high on anyone's draft lists.
"Elidee" (8.2)
In the third episode of season 2, Joe and Spencer officially get to know that going against Andre was a bad idea. The big-time manager didn't take their poaching really well and has decided to go after all of ASM's clients. Mr. Anderson, meanwhile, wants to see more business and it seems Spencer is being circled from all corners. Vernon gets badly injured while playing paintball, which is both hilarious and shocking. Charlie and Ricky need to make important decisions.
"Million Bucks In A Bag" (8.2)
In the penultimate episode of season 2, Spencer has a lot on his plate, starting from thinking about buying Anderson Sports Management from Mr. Andersen but that'll only happen if he and Joe can get enough money. And that's where Ricky comes in, who himself has a lot to deal with because he just cannot figure out who he should join. Also, Charles is loving life in his new job but his marriage is bearing the brunt of it.
"Everybody Knows" (8.3)
In the seventh episode of season 2, things get very crazy after Andre manages to pit Joe against Spencer. The former, in this episode, tries to find dirt on his partner, all the while thinking about the job opportunity offered to him by Andre.
Travis, in order to boost his chances at the draft, goes for an interview, while Spencer continues to feel the pain of his damaged hip. But he's still not ready to accept treatment for it.
"Laying In The Weeds" (8.4)
In the eighth episode of season 2, Ricky is in a huge dilemma after he was offered a chance to stay in Miami from Charles. Rams have decided to offer him loads of money and so, Ricky is thinking about turning down the Dolphins and going for the money. In terms of Spencer's personal life, he and Tracy finally decide to call it an end, after the latter decides to take up the job opportunity at ESPN. Good to see Spencer having a personal life, isn't it?
"Game Day" (8.7)
In the season 2 finale, the show takes things to another level because Spencer's professional life is getting trickier by the day. Not only has Mr. Anderson offered him to buy a share in the company, but he also has to get a permit in order to manage player finances. Also, his bad hip is giving him more problems because he is refusing surgery and just wants more pain killers. Also, Charles doesn't know what to do when he is offered a promotion.