‘Step Up’ Recap: ‘Player’s Ball’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular phrase that comes up often in life, is the definition of insanity. You know, where we are reminded of the fact that doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result is nothing short of madness, and it makes sense as to why this pops up often. Because we are creatures of habit, who hate to let go of certain emotions and embrace change, and that motivates us to do the same old thing over and over again and pay dearly when nothing changes. Which is why it is imperative to have a good support network around us, so that we can be reminded of that need to change and well… this lesson is top of mind of today, simply because it was front and center during this week’s episode of Step Up on STARZ.

For ‘Player’s Ball’ saw… the definition of insanity play out. Because despite the fact that Rigo was now the headliner, things didn’t feel all that different at High Water. For Sage was doing everything to micromanage and direct Rigo’s burgeoning career. To the point where conflict was taking place with the delicate dances being assembled for the return to the tour and Sage was convinced that he was going to soon see all of this blow over and he would only have to deal with Rigo as the top name for a short while. In fact, Sage thought the public was so forgiving and that this matter was so unimportant, that he’d soon be appearing at the BMT Excellence Awards as was originally planned. But that simply wasn’t going to happen.

Because everyone involved there had concerns about the optics of Sage being on stage and to complicate matters further, trying to hold to the belief that the status quo would soon resume put so much in jeopardy. Because Rigo wasn’t filling stadiums and if something didn’t pop from a ticket sales perspective quick, it was all over. Which prompted Collette to demand that Rigo perform at an upcoming mixer for the awards to prove that he would be the right guy to perform in Sage’s stead. A move that brought forth… more of the same. Since Rigo didn’t want to do a thing for Sage because of the charges levied against him and of course, Sage paid Rigo no respect. But when really faced with the end of everything he worked for, Sage stepped up and finally changed course and well, going a different route paid off. Since Rigo landed the job and Sage made peace with him at last… or so it seemed.

After all, there was mention of how it is important to have the right people around us to inspire change and sadly… Rigo didn’t have that. Because bad advice poured into his ears about the upcoming performance and well… he took that advice and stuck with the bad blood and the hate, and straight up dissed Sage in front of a live audience. A move that hurt his career since there are so many that respect Sage in the industry and it hurt him physically. Since Sage came down to the award show, regardless of what laws he was breaking… to teach Rigo a lesson in respect with his fists and well, by sticking to the definition of insanity, Rigo has put everything at risk. Because just like that, the future of the tour is once again up in the air, as is the future of so many and High Water. 

Which makes this… a stunning tale in the end, one that featured more big moments outside of those. Since Odalie is starting to find agency in life and finding new struggles and surprises to deal with. Such as ones involving substance abuse since she is doing some shady things to handle her bruises and pain, and of course... she now has questions about her sexuality, since Angel kissed her deeply in this tale and that has prompted her to explore what all that could mean for her… provided of course… she can figure out who Angel really wants. Since she went home with Marquise instead on that fateful night. But while all of that will undoubtedly be addressed down the line, what matters in this moment, is the fallout between Rigo and Sage. Because that is going to bring about disaster, and a painful wait for next week’s episode, since we simply must know what comes next for the singers and dancers of High Water. Until next time.   

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