Playmakers

Whether or not one is a pigskin fan, the short-lived ESPN-aired Playmakers is an engrossing, 11-part series focusing on the human side of pro football players dealing with punishing pressures to perform beyond the body's limits while trying to find personal happiness. At the story's center is the fictional NFL Cougars, led by a tough but fair coach (Anthony John Denison) under treatment for prostate cancer while also coping with treacherous management, gridiron prima donnas, and mid-ranked players that are losing track of the game's fundamentals. Intersecting player narrative arcs include those of a middle linebacker (Jason Matthew Smith) facing personal demons after paralyzing an opposing player, and an aging running back (Russell Hornsby) who finds his reputation in tatters as allegations of domestic violence continue to dog him. Well-researched and well-written, Playmakers was, for one brief shining moment, the Hill Street Blues of ensemble sports dramas. DVD extras include two behind-the-scenes featurettes and pilot episode audio commentary by producer John Eisendrath. Recommended. (T. Keogh)