* Sorry for some spoilers *
The characters who struggle and make poor decision to become better tend to stand out the most. The craft of mastering authenticity, individuality and empathy within a character is a brilliant way of storytelling and I love watching characters who grow each season while staying true to themselves. These characters represent personal growth and the person is finding themselves everyday.
Ricky Jerret
Ricky is one of those characters who makes you watch a series over and over. I’m not sure what exactly had me shock from the start of Ballers. Personally, when this series first came out I didn’t watch it nor plan on watching it until I went down the rabbit whole of John David Washington’s discography of work. One thing is for sure, John artistic vibe as Ricky Jerret was simply beautiful.
The character development of Ricky simply left me speechless because if you know anything about Ricky then you know how emotionally unavailable he was compared to the present. Ricky went through several obstacles that may have appeared more drastic as the last one. He went from football team to another until he found a team willing to keep him but ending up getting hit by a car and settling down. Ricky found an unique passion in something new.
Honestly, each season we saw a different side of Ricky that allowed us to connect with him emotionally but also in a mature way. He began the series as a self-center immature boy-man wanting his daddy approve. The second hand embarrassment was very uncomfortable but relatable and carefully written. Anybody with daddy issues can relate to Ricky yet the show takes us on a healing journey with him and shows us forgiveness and maturity.
I love how the series end with Ricky becoming someone who tells stories. Most importantly I adore the reunion between him and Spencer, it made me sad seeing them at odds. Ricky tends to hold people accountable yet hates the same energy from someone who loves him most. Once again, this is one of my favorite roles from John David Washington.
He is one of my favorite characters of all times.
Ricky!!!!