Ep 5. Poker Face

A description for the show Necessary Roughness season 1 episode 5 for episode named Poker Face:

The episode begins with Dr. Dani Santino (Callie Thorne) playing poker with some friends. She quickly realizes that she's being hustled by a fellow player, and decides to confront him about it. It turns out that the man, Tom, is a professional poker player who's in town for a tournament. Dani is intrigued by his lifestyle and asks him if he'd be willing to be a client.

Meanwhile, the New York Hawks are preparing for a big game against a rival team. Coach Purnell (Gregory Alan Williams) is feeling the pressure to win, and he takes it out on his players. He's especially hard on star receiver, Terrence "T.K." King (Mehcad Brooks), who's been struggling with drops lately. T.K. is frustrated with the coach and feels like he's not getting the support he needs.

Dani starts working with Tom, helping him deal with his anxiety and improve his game. They develop a connection, and Dani feels like she's finally found a client she can relate to. But things take a turn when Tom reveals that he's been using steroids to enhance his performance. Dani confronts him about it, and Tom admits that he's been trying to get an edge over his competition. Dani tells him that the risks aren't worth it, and encourages him to come clean.

On the day of the game, T.K. is still feeling angry and resentful towards Coach Purnell. Dani tries to talk to him about it, but T.K. shuts her out. During the game, T.K. drops a crucial pass that would have won the game. He's devastated and feels like he's let the whole team down.

After the game, Dani meets with T.K. and tells him that she knows what he's going through. She shares her own experience of feeling unsupported by her coach, and encourages him to talk to Coach Purnell. T.K. takes her advice and has a heart-to-heart conversation with the coach. They both acknowledge their mistakes and agree to work together moving forward.

Meanwhile, Tom decides to come clean about his steroid use. He withdraws from the poker tournament and turns himself in to the authorities. Dani is proud of him for doing the right thing, and they part on good terms.

The episode ends with a montage of the characters moving forward. T.K. catches the winning touchdown pass in the next game, and Coach Purnell seems to be in a better place. Dani gets a call from a potential new client, setting the stage for future episodes.