TK returns to the team to find he has some competition for his spot on this week’s Necessary Roughness – in the form of Gaius Charles. Uh oh TK, Smash is coming for you! Just kidding, because even though Charles is well known for playing a football player on Friday Night Lights, his football player on this show is completely different.
His character, Damon Razor, is a smart, gifted, seemingly modest player who seems to be throwing his chances of being drafted by the team during the scouting combine. Matt and Dani are smart enough to recognize that, and to figure out, with Nico’s help the big secret about his stolen identity that is behind it all. When TK returns at the end, still hurting but game to try to improve, we see how well Razor does against him. Since he will come cheap, which makes Pittman happy, the rest of the season may see TK fighting to keep his starting spot.
Speaking of TK, his time away from the team is short-lived. He spends some time in the old neighborhood hitting on his friend Zetti and buying the local Winky Dog, but everyone can see that he needs to stop being Terry King and go back to being TK. By the end of the episode, the old TK is back, but I think his trying out different identities this season (KT, his old self) may lead to a change in him.
He’s realized he can’t go backwards in life, but he probably still needs to move forwards. I don’t blame him for his confusion, though; after all, being TK is what got him shot. Anyway, his new commitment to the team seems genuine, but he still seems pretty hurt. I love the moment when he gives Razor advice before their race, though. TK is starting to grow up!
Marshall Pittman, on the other hand, seems locked into his childish bid to ruin the team in order to screw his wife over in their divorce. He trades the team’s top picks, but then wants his people to find first round talent in third round. Matt lucks out by seeing through Razor’s ploy, and Dani has a real moment of insight in figuring out that he is hiding something. But in general, this is no way to run a team. I am glad Nico is tapping Pittman’s phone now. Maybe he and the gang can team up with Gabrielle to oust him. In the meantime, he is still fun to have around: buying horses with picks, redesigning the logo, and just generally making an ass of himself.
In other news, Dani may be breaking up because Matt wants kids and she is done having them. Maybe a Deus ex Baby will show up and save the day, like on Cougar Town! I’d really rather they stay together or the show avoid Dani’s love life for a bit, unless they pair her up with Pittman or something. Now THAT would be fun!