The Game Season 5 Episode 10: A Punch In The Gut

Chardonnay (Brandy) Save Her Heart and Cinderella 

Last night's episode of The Game opens with Melanie and Derwin in the doctor's office sharing a playful moment.  Unfortunately, the doctor returns with some bad news.  Melanie is diagnosed with endometriosis. Thanks to that medical degree she's not using, she understands what this means before the doctor explains that she has less than a ten percent chance of carrying a child to term.

Derwin wants to continue with in vitro fertilization, but Melanie protests.  She's been through enough and the emotional roller coaster is taking it's toll on her.  It doesn't take long before adoption comes up. Next thing you know Melanie and Derwin are propositioning an unwed mother in a bar.  They just keep adding skeletons to their closet.

Meanwhile, Jason is trying to get cozy with his wife.  Remember Chardonnay?  Well it turns out that in all this time, Chardonnay has refused to consummate her relationship with Jason.   Even though he's eager to sample the Chardonnay, she refuses to "go all the way" until she knows Jason really wants to stay married.  She must not have gotten the memo on Jason or the marriage certificate for that matter, because he makes it real clear that he's tired of her high school waiting game.  Chardonnay counters with asking what time to meet him at a work event for his sports talk show only to find out, she's not invited.  

While Jason is networking with TV execs and his blonde co-host, Summer, Malik shows up and doesn't hesitate to compliment Jason on returning to the lighter hue of the dating scale.  Now for a second, Jason seems to be offended.  But after a few of Malik's "age" jokes and taunts, Jason's ego takes over and he cozies up to his co-host.  It doesn't take long before a peck on the hand, becomes a full lip lock.

Chardonnay's intuition starts kicking in, and she worries that her plan to get to know her husband before sharing her goodies, has gone awry. So she seeks counsel from someone who knows relationships and how athletes, especially Jason, think and operate: Tasha Mack!  After Tasha brings her up to speed on athletes, the women who get them, and honey badgers on YouTube, Chardonnay decides to take a different approach. She might have known some of this if she'd gone to a Sunbeam meeting.

Surprisingly, after his long kiss good night, Jason returns home to be greeted by Chardonnay in lingerie.  Oblivious to the candles and romantic setting, he tells her he is tired of her attitude and neck rolling and wants to cut his losses.  Undeterred, Chardonnay shows her vulnerable side and confesses that she's acted tough to protect her heart. Jason is shocked! Which confirms for me that his character has taken one too many hits to the helmet. Nevertheless, her Cinderella finally gets to meet his Prince Charming or honey badger if you like Tasha's analogy better.  

Back at the ranch, Melanie and Derwin return home seemingly relieved at not having to worry about getting pregnant and counting all of the ways that their lives are still full and happy. When Derwin goes to run bathwater for Melanie, he breaks down in tears.  Downstairs, Melanie begins to sob also at the thought of not being able to have a child with the love of her life.  I wanted to cry too. 

Next week, Melanie gets an unwelcome distraction from her troubles! Something about a party, unwanted guests, and family heirlooms.  Tune in!