At the dawn of episode 5, Coach Boon is absent, tangled in the threads of a family crisis, necessitating Coach Mac to leap into the breach. Mac wields his own strategic manual, which revolves around Jordan like a planet around a sun, a tactic that has the team thriving but leaves Spencer feeling marginalized and discontent. On the court, Spencer appeals to Jordan for the ball, yet Jordan turns a blind eye to his pleas. When Spencer voices his grievance to Mac, the coach merely advises him to stay laser-focused on the game, sparking an inevitable escalation of tensions between Jordan and Spencer on the playing field.
In the confines of the locker room, Mac accuses Spencer of being selfish, implying he plays solely for personal glory, not the collective triumph of the team. Elsewhere, Olivia receives an unexpected visit from her cherished friend from London, Ashley, who has journeyed to LA to lend a hand with Olivia's writer's block, prompted by a desperate voicemail from Olivia. The twist? Spencer remains oblivious to the fact that Ashley is, in reality, a male, not the female he presumed.
Elsewhere in the narrative, Jordan is in search of a new roommate, as their landlord has hiked the rent at their beachside abode. After screening a series of hopeful candidates, they settle on a couple who initially seem like the epitome of perfection. However, it becomes apparent that the couple's disputes far outweigh their moments of harmony.
At school, Deion faces criticism from his sister, who scorns his dwindling game skills. Spencer eavesdrops on the heated exchange, and Tasha, exasperated, enlists his help to bring Deion to his senses. Tasha's harsh demeanor towards her brother is nothing new, but this public rebuke marks the beginning of an escalating tension, as Preech observes. Spencer notices Deion's waning concentration on the field and sits down for a heart-to-heart. However, the conversation triggers a severe panic attack in Deion. Fortunately, Spencer is there to guide him through the storm, ushering him to a serene spot where he retreats to ponder when overwhelmed.
It is in this tranquil refuge that Spencer comes to a realization and inquiries about Deion's true feelings towards football. Deion attempts to dismiss the topic, but Spencer urges him to abandon the pretense and seek his genuine passion. Later that evening, Deion sends Spencer a text, requesting an introduction to his therapist.
Spencer pays Olivia a visit and is taken aback to discover that Ashley, whom Olivia used to frequent with in London, is indeed a male. This revelation stirs a hint of disappointment in Spencer, especially when he learns that Olivia had confided in Ashley about the deadline extension but had omitted to inform him. Confronting Olivia about this, she defends herself by saying she never implied Ashley was female, but Spencer counterarguments by pointing out she never bothered to rectify his misunderstanding either.
After everyone has departed, Ashley inquiries about Olivia's fears, prompting her to confess her apprehension about interviewing her mother, Carol. This admission stems from the recent botched interview with Spencer's mother. In response, Ashley urges her to proceed regardless, suggesting that this very vulnerability is precisely what gives her book its edge.
