Ep 8. Gaslighting

Spencer Strasmore, played by actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is in crisis mode as he tries to convince Vernon Littlefield to put his trust in him. Vernon is dealing with his own problems - his future with the Dallas Cowboys is up in the air after a recent injury. Spencer knows that he needs to convince Vernon to keep faith that he'll recover, and that Spencer is the right person to guide him.

Meanwhile, Ricky Jarret, played by actor John David Washington, is dealing with fallout from the news that he's not the father of his ex-girlfriend Annabella's child. Annabella had cheated on him in the past, and the news has left Ricky with some unresolved anger. Nonetheless, he knows that he needs to control his emotions and stay focused on his next game.

The bulk of Episode 8, "Gaslighting," revolves around Spencer's attempts to win back Vernon's trust. Luckily, Spencer has a surprise ally in his corner - Vernon's friend Reggie. Reggie is someone whom Spencer had previously criticized for being a bad influence on Vernon, but he's now working with Spencer to help Vernon get back to peak performance. Together, they work to encourage Vernon and keep him motivated, even setting up a private workout session with famous athlete Earl Campbell to help boost his confidence.

The episode also delves deeper into the relationship between Spencer and his boss Joe Krutel, played by actor Rob Corddry. Spencer's loyalty to Joe is tested when Spencer receives a job offer from a rival company. Spencer is tempted by the offer, but ultimately turns it down, reaffirming his commitment to Joe. Their relationship is further complicated when Joe discovers that Spencer has been seeing his estranged wife, Tracy. The discovery sends Joe into a rage, leading to a tense altercation between the two.

Throughout the episode, there are also several other subplots unfolding. One storyline involves NFL player Charles Greane, played by actor Omar Benson Miller. Charles is struggling with his own career path and decides to meet with a financial advisor to help him make a big decision about his future. Another storyline involves Ricky, who finds out that Annabella is pregnant with another man's child. Ricky can't help but feel like he's dodged a bullet by not being in a relationship with her anymore, but he still harbors some conflicted feelings.

Overall, "Gaslighting" is a packed episode that moves the plot forward in several key ways. Viewers see Spencer face tough challenges, including repairing relationships with both his client Vernon and his boss Joe. The tension between Spencer and Joe comes to a head in this episode, as does the drama surrounding Ricky's past relationship with Annabella. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving fans wanting more.