The Game Season 5 Ep. 20 The ReCap: "Move Trick, Get Out the Way"

In Episode 20, "Move Trick, Get Out the Way", the episode right before the season finale, it's Press Time!  Derwin, Malik and other Sabers are entertaining the Press right before the big Championship Game.  Jason is also present as the "Pitts Stop" representative but this time instead of being interviewed, he's on the other side of the microphone. Jason is displaying his usual sarcasm; he needles Derwin about his outfit and the fact that Derwin uses 3-ply opposed to one or two.  After Derwin gets enough of his charm and wit, Jason moves on to Malik who is fielding questions from a reporter Jason names Kojak. The problem is that "Kojak" is asking Malik everything about anything other than the game of football like who is the Vice President.  Malik can't answer the question and Jason shoves Kojak along but not before he confirms Malik's ignorance.

Melanie & Derwin, is this the end?

Meanwhile on the other side of the stadium, Derwin is doing just fine with the questions hurled at him.  However he can't help but notice the affection and support a teammate receives from his wife while answering questions from a local reporter.  It is clear Derwin longs for Melanie to stand by his side but where is she?  She's rushing in on the opposite side of the stadium, trying to make it through the velvet ropes and crowd to get to Derwin.  She makes it through, brushes up her make-up, finds Derwin and interlocks arms.  Only Mel, again, is a dollar late and a day short.  Although Press day continues on, Derwin's interviews are over.  This sounds familiar.  Remember Rookie season when Derwin stayed in San Diego and Melanie jetted off to spend her holidays with her family in Connecticut.  When the Sabers made the play-offs--even by default--everyone had someone to celebrate with, all except Derwin.

Tasha stands off to the side with Pookie by her side.  She is keeping an eye on Malik but Tasha isn't feeling well.

After the interviews Mel and Derwin make it home.  Derwin is studying while Mel is making First Class flight arrangements to jet out of town to Johns Hopkins immediately following the Championship Game.  "I have to leave right after the game on Sunday but I'll be there...." Mel gleefully exclaims.  Clearly Derwin is still steaming from her lack of appearance earlier and devotion to traveling back and forth opposed to remaining home with him.  "...I have a chance to make my mark on history with you by my side as my wife....what if we lose, you don't think I'll need you there for that?"  He reasons.  After a brief but searing discussion, Derwin concludes that if Mel can't be there for him completely, she's better off avoiding the Championship altogether.

Apparently Jason has called Kelly.  She returns his call; he's been thinking about relationships and seeks Kelly's off-screen counsel.  After a conversation with Kelly, Jason breaks up with Chardonnay.  She doesn't listen until he implores her.  He re-iterates his stance and makes it clear that he can't do "this" with her any more.  He's not ready and he makes himself extremely clear when he serves Chardonnay with signed annulment papers. 

It's Game Day and just hours before kick-off, Chardonnay still reeling from her break-up gets fired and swipes drinks from the bar onto patrons, Tasha is sick in bed, glued to her I-pad, Jason is reporting from the game, still reliving his old championship days and Malik is missing.

Malik is picking up Jenna from rehab.  They're stuck in the back woods somewhere arguing about the women Malik has smashed while she was in rehab.  The argument heats up and Jenna grabs Malik's phone and throws it to sheep poop.  Still unsatisfied, Jenna pulls the keys from the ignition, she throws them too. They find the keys and a struggle ensues between the athlete and the supermodel.  Officers arrive only to see, Malik handling Jenna.  The cops grab Malik and cuff him.  "Officers this is a misunderstanding...he is an ass but this is a misunderstanding..."  Jenna pleads.  Her pleas yield no alternate action.  Looks like star, starter Quarterback Malik El Debarge Wright is going to jail, two hours before the game starts.

Melanie having unsuccessfully convinced anyone to her side--namely Tasha--forgoes the Game for the airport.  She's planted in front of the television alright but attempting to write an email to her husband about why she had to leave.  A stranger gives her unsolicited advice and when she firmly tells the stranger to mind his own business, an old familiar face appears.  "Why aren't you at The Game?"  A distinguished Rick Fox asks.  They exchange a glance and a smile.  Maybe Rick can talk some sense into Melanie after all.  Next week, the finale....

Will Derwin and Melanie make it or is this the end for real?  Will the Sabers win the championship?  Will Rick Fox convince Mel to go to the game? Will Malik make it back or is his career over for good this time?  Can't wait to see, the Finale June 5, 2012 on BET.