3 out of 5

Created by: Stephen Levinson

covers season 1

A completely low-stakes comedy, Ballers neither veers deep enough into the player drama of sports or the business drama of sports to function as much more than an idea populated with some characters, but thanks to charming performances by the leads – Dwayne Johnson as Spencer, ex-football player turned investment agent; Rob Corddry, obnoxious but energetic as his partner Joe; John David Washington as problem-prone player Ricky Jerret; Omar Miller as bored retired player Charles – the show can stay afloat and watchable.  In theory, Ballers focuses on Spencer, trying to bridge the gap between excesses of his past and a sober step forward into business, but finds himself plagued both by threats that might draw him away from the stable life as well as health reminders of the longterm results of hard living.  In practice, Ballers has Spencer on screen most of the time but only lightly gets into these issues, trying to build the comedy-drama around the foibles of keeping player contracts on the up and up.  Johnson is as enigmatic as ever, and the moments the material gives him to dig into some emotions beyond charm show promise, but, perhaps trying to secure an audience share, the show’s writers choose to tip-toe and play it safe.  You never really doubt anyone’s good fortune, and the season – will assume that it was known it wouldn’t be continuing at that point – even goes so far as wish-fulfillment-happy-endings-for-all for the conclusion.

Ballers adds nothing to the TV landscape except proof that Mr. Johnson would definitely be watchable in another series, ideally one that gives him a meatier backdrop to act against, challenging his charm.  That being said, there are worse ways to spend 30 minutes times ten episodes, so if you like references to Deadspin but aren’t goofy enough for The League, maybe this is for you.