Too Good to Be True? Review: Necessary Roughness – “Gimme Some Lovin’”

Season 3, Episode 2

Air Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

John Stamos as Connor McClane, and David Anders as Tony Cutler

They weren’t kidding when they entitled season three’s premiere “Ch-Ch-Changes.” There were so many changes in the premiere from the previous seasons, my head was spinning. But now that I’ve had a chance to think about things, I’m glad the powers that be are taking Necessary Roughness in a different direction. With Dr. Dani (Callie Thorne) now working at V3, a sports and entertainment management agency headed up by Connor McClane (John Stamos) and his business partner CFO Troy Cutler (David Anders), she will now have access to more than just the New York Hawks’ star receiver Terrence “TK” King (Mehcad Brooks) and his teammates. But why did Nico (Scott Cohen), who is now head of security at V3, get Dani the job in the first place?

I think Paloma is going to become a very valuable asset for Dani.

This week’s episode, “Gimme Some Lovin’,” introduces us to Paloma (Karissa Lee Staples), Dani’s new assistant, and has Dani dealing with Cindy Luck (Johanna Braddy), a former child star who needs to grow up and put her childish antics aside. At first, Paloma annoyed me but as the episode continued, I came to appreciate her for what she is. Who else is going to keep Dani on track, or buy those gorgeous designer clothes for her? Let’s face it; Dani is not used to working for an employer the likes of V3 where she’s going to need an assistant like Paloma. Something tells me Paloma is going to become one of Dani’s confidantes as the season progresses. After all, Dani doesn’t have many friends, and without her kids around (much), who else can she trust? But, is Paloma trustworthy? Only time will tell.

I’m not fond of the Hawks’ new coach, Tom Wizinski (David Andrews), although his coaching methods are probably very true to life for some NFL teams. Generating such a dislike for a character makes me realize what a good actor Andrews is. But I’m not the only one who doesn’t like Wizinski’s methods; the writers cleverly use TK’s dislike for the man as his reason to seek representation by Connor, which, in turn, will allow TK to see Dani for his regular therapy sessions. Who didn’t see that coming? I knew they would come up with a way for this to happen but I didn’t think they’d make it that obvious. However, since I don’t write for the show, who am I to say?

One thing I don’t understand is why Nico agrees with Cutler to get rid of Dani. I get that Nico is still angry over Dani not stopping him from leaving, while watching her kiss Matt (Marc Blucas) last season, but is that really enough to sabotage her career? And what’s up with Cutler? Does he really want to butt heads with his friend and business partner just because Dani isn’t one to be controlled? There is something more than meets the eye with Cutler but I can’t put my finger on it yet. Any ideas?

Additional Thoughts:

I love the new set that has been created to house the corporate giant, V3. It’s über chic and screams money. To me, it says Necessary Roughness plans to be around for a long time. Networks doesn’t spend the kind of money it took to build this set for just one season.

I’m sorry Blucas is out of the picture this season. Of course, that’s due to his new show, ABC’s upcoming series, Killer Women. While I’m sad to see him go, it opens Dani up to new love interests. And now that she and Nico are at odds, who knows where this will go. This could be fun, people! Although the tension between Dani and Nico is so palpable, one has to wonder whether he’ll be the man she’ll pick…eventually.

Can you believe the character growth for TK? Initially, I was concerned that giving up drugs, alcohol, and wild women might change him but now I see what a great effect it has had on him. Not only does he turn down the proposition Marcy, the head of Machismo (Angelina Arolo), lays on him, he becomes the hero of the day by stopping a thief from stealing a woman’s purse. And he does all this with the panache and flair we’ve come to expect. Way to go, TK!

Memorable/funny lines:

Cutler, about Cindy: “She’s trying to make a comeback after being a tabloid train wreck. She makes Lindsey Lohan look responsible.”

TK, about Coach Wizinski, to Dani: “His rules and regulations are ridiculous. He had me playing cornerback the other day in practice. It’s like asking Beethoven to play “Chopsticks” with some chopsticks!”

TK to Connor about his representation: “Here’s what I’m thinking. I am sipping Gatorade, wearing some Nikes, driving a Toyota, nibbling on a Subway sandwich. And this is day one. And then, long time, I’m thinking like I become the first long, tall and dark, handsome James Bond, and then I marry a Kenadashian, and governate myself into retirement.”

Cutler: “I’m telling you, we should cut our losses.”

Connor: “And I’m telling you, we don’t shoot our wounded.”

Dani is a beautiful person, both inside and out.

With Cindy’s problems revolving around abandonment issues, rather than just being a star who considers herself a diva, Dani goes into full Dani mode. She’s sympathetic, empathetic, and pulls no punches in helping Cindy understand and accept what’s going on. Thorne plays her character beautifully. From the tilt of her head, to her soulful eyes, the way Thorne delivers her lines is spot on. Make no mistake about it; Dr. Danielle Santino is the reason I watch Necessary Roughness. Oh wait…there’s Stamos too. He’s charming, cunning, ridiculously handsome, and plays the boss everyone hopes to work for. But with so little known about Connor’s background, it would behoove Dani not to rush to judgment about him. Who knows what lurks behind that smooth, suave, charismatic, possibly too good to be true character? And just who is that smarmy character Nico meets with at the end of the episode, and why is Nico so concerned about Dani’s life? I shudder to think…

Tune in to Necessary Roughness, Wednesdays at 10/9c, only on the USA Network.

Like Necessary Roughness on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NecessaryRoughness.

Follow the series on Twitter @NecRoughness, using the hashtag #NRseason3, and follow the characters: TK @mehcadbrooks and @KingoftheHawks, Nico @scottecohen and @NecessaryNico, Connor @JohnStamos, Cutler @QuestionAnders, Paloma @Karissaleelee, and Dani @callie4premiere.

Stay current with Necessary Roughness on its official webpage at http://www.usanetwork.com/necessaryroughness.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!