Four years ago, HBO premiered their new football-centered comedy/drama Ballers. Produced by and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, along with Entourage creators Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, and Director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor, The Rundown) attached, the series went on to become the network’s highest rated comedy series in years. Now, the hit series will be wrapping up it’s story with its fifth and final season, and it seems like it looks to go out with a bang.

In this year’s premiere, taking place a year after the events of Season 4, pro sports financial managers Spencer Strasmore (Johnson) and Joe Krutel (Rob Corddry) have gone their separate paths. The latter has developed an alternative sports juggernaut with Lance Klians (Russell Brand)—one that will involve a major real estate deal for the company if only Joe can control his vulgar temper—while the former is sitting back on a beach with his girlfriend Tracey (Arielle Kebbel) enjoying an alleged retirement. Professing to be happy, Strasmore still seems to be itching to be involved in something big. That’s when he receives a call from the owner of the Dallas Cowboys (Christopher McDonald, known to many by the name Shooter McGavin), stating that the league of owners would approve of him purchasing and owning the Kansas City Chiefs—if he were up to it.

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Meanwhile, veteran player Ricky Jarrett (John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman) faces a big obstacle when he discovers his failed drug test, testing positive for PEDs. As Jarrett and his agent Jason Antolotti (Troy Garity, Barbershop) attempt to diffuse this predicament, another one crashes in—creating a physically-altering situation for Jarrett. One that will most likely impact his future as an NFL star.

Additionally, Reggie (London Brown)—who has now found legitimate work as an agent under the Klians/Krutel banner—looks for future prospects. Surprisingly, while attending a video game all star event, Reggie learns that Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) may be considering leaving football and find something new to be a part of, like competitive gaming. To say Reggie is less than excited by the news is an understatement.

With nine episodes to go in this final run, things will reach a boiling point as rivaling parties and former colleagues strive to chase their respective brass rings. In what this writer considers to be Johnson’s best project (surrounded by veteran talent in a dramatic role brings out the best in Johnson’s thespian abilities), it’s saddening to see the series come to an end. With that said, may this final season be a memorable finish for one of HBO’s big successes and one of the industry’s biggest box office stars.

Ballers airs Sunday nights on HBO, and is available for streaming on the HBO Go and HBO Now apps.

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