The BEST episodes of Playmakers
Every episode of Playmakers ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Playmakers!
Highly stylized to generate a level of dramatic energy seldom seen on television, this lightning-paced series about a professional football team looks with unblinking candor beyond Sunday's glory, "good guy" endorsements, and super-jock celebrity. What is left is a world invested more with dark than light, where stars don't shine so much as they fall. Scripted with unsentimental compassion, the series weaves multiple storylines into an intricately patterned saga that changes minute to minute as the playmakers on the field struggle to negotiate the red zone between fame and real life, off the field.
#1 - Halftime
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/23/2003
The Cougars have been ravaged. Coach George and the medical staff must patch up the pieces for the second half. Leon faces a potentially career ending knee injury that worsens a rift with Olczyk, who knows what Leon did to Robin. DH can't make it to the next half without getting high. McConnell needs relief from the pain of a separated shoulder: he's got Chambers scouring the stands for his next night nurse.
#2 - Man in Motion
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/30/2003
Coach George lectures the team; DH's drug abuse comes to a head; domestic abuse rumors involving Leon appear; McConnell arranges a boys night out; Olczyk cannot forget about Beth.
#3 - Week 17
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/11/2003
Leon auditions for a sportscaster job at Samantha's station; Olczyk must handle a surprise pregnancy announcement; Buffalo's weight gain affects his chances of playing.
#4 - Down and Distance
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/14/2003
Olczyk prepares to face his nemesis: a lightning fast quarterback who runs. Leon must resolve his legal issues to continue playing on the team. Coach George learns that he has prostate cancer. McConnell's halftime hookup comes back to haunt him: she's pregnant and it's his.
#5 - Talk Radio
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/7/2003
Leon and Robin's decision to go public leads to legal problems; DH makes a charity appearance; Coach George sees a doctor; McConnell and Wilbanks' daughter make a bet.
#6 - The Piss Man
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/2/2003
The league drug testing official a.k.a. The Piss Man is coming: no one knows which two players are on the list. They better be clean - otherwise it's automatic suspension. Guard Dog tempts Leon with a way to get his mojo back. Olczyk needs to calm his demons. McConnell's got pain management issues.
#7 - The Choice (2)
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/16/2003
Part 2 of 2. When new evidence surfaces, DH is pressured to change his statement; Olczyk receives news about his father; a rift grows between Robin and Leon.
#8 - The Choice (1)
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/9/2003
Part 1 of 2. Leon faces the possibility of a trade; DH must decide where his loyalty lies; McConnell's in a slump.
#9 - Tenth of a Second
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/4/2003
DH's big brother, Big E, learns some disturbing news about Cal's crime; Leon takes steps to prolong his career.
#10 - Game Day
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/26/2003
The Cougars are 2-3 and it's six hours to kick-off. Leon Taylor, back from injured reserve, plans to retake the running back throne from rookie Demetrius ""DH"" Harris, who will not slow down for anyone. Coach George must get hard-hitting middle linebacker Eric Olczyk's head together before the game.
#11 - The Outing
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/28/2003
Guerwitcz asks August to marry him in order to dodge a rumor that a Cougars player is gay; tensions build between Leon and and Olczyk over midseason contract negotiations.