4th and Loud
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| 4th and Loud | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Production company | ThinkFactory Media |
| Original release | |
| Network | AMC |
| Release | August 12, 2014 – present |
4th and Loud is an American reality television series that debuted August 12, 2014, on the AMC cable network. The series chronicles Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (of the rock band Kiss) as they establish their new Arena Football League team – the Los Angeles Kiss[1] – and try to bring their vision to the sport.
Unknown Future in 2015
After the success of season one, on October 9, 2014 AMC announced it will drop all of their unscripted programming including 4th and Loud, except for Talking Dead and Comic Book Men as the network will shift towards more movies and drama scripted programming. However taping has already begun for season two as confirmed by Brett Bouchy during a interview on the Monsters in the Morning radio show. It is currently unknown if Thinkfactory will find a new home for 4th and Loud to air season two or if the show will be cancelled. Many reports show that Thinkfactory Media will find a new network to air 4th and Loud for season two which should be set to air in 2015.
Cast
- Gene Simmons – Co-Owner
- Paul Stanley – Co-Owner
- Doc McGhee – Kiss Manager
- Brett Bouchy – Co-Owner
- Schuyler Hoversten – Team President
- Bob McMillen – Head Coach
- Bruno Silva – Head Athletic Trainer
- Colt Brennan – Quarterback
- Scott Bailey – Director of Player Personnel
- J. J. Raterink – Quarterback
- Beau Bell – Linebacker
- B. J. Bell – Defensive Linemen
- Walt Housman – Defensive Coordinator[2][3]
Episodes
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | August 12, 2014 | October 17, 2014 | |
| No. in season |
Title | Original air date | U.S. viewers (million) |
|---|
1"A New Arena"August 12, 2014N/A
Rock stars Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, best known for fronting the rock group KISS, travel with their manager Doc McGhee to the offices of the LA KISS, an Arena Football League (AFL) team they co-own. Stanley and Simmons explain that KISS was asked to perform at the Arena Bowl -- the AFL's version of the Super Bowl -- and it led the pair to become interested in launching their own, Los Angeles–based expansion AFL team.
Soon after arriving at the LA KISS offices, the three co-owners find themselves in a meeting with co-owner and managing partner Brett Bouchy and co-owner and president Schuyler Hoversten. Bouchy tells Stanley and Simmons that "It's important...that you guys are proud of everything we do." Bouchy has been in the league 16 years and was most recently the managing partner of the Orlando Predators, while Hoversten was the head of business development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At an AFL league meeting, the LA KISS co-owners will present their new team to the other AFL board members -- including the commissioner. Bouchy introduces Stanley and Simmons to a round of applause -- and a few skeptical glances. Stanley proceeds to tell the owners that the AFL is "misunderstood, and in some places, practically unknown," much to the chagrin of Bouchy, who thinks the meeting is headed downhill from there. Simmons adds: "We are not doing this as a hobby; we are here to stay." Despite Bouchy's assumption about the meeting's direction, AFL commissioner Jerry B. Kurz tells the LA KISS partners that "you've continued to show us that the faith that we exhibited was well deserved," followed by another round of applause.
That night, Stanley hosts a pizza party at his house, just three days before the start of the LA KISS training camp. Head coach Bob McMillen attends the event. McMillen is a 13-year AFL veteran player and coach, who has never had a losing season as a coach. Stanley tells McMillen at the dinner table: "What we've brought to rock and roll is what we want [you] to bring to [the] sport."
On the day before the LA KISS's first day of camp, coach McMillen introduces his right-hand men: assistant head coach Walt "Hous" Housman, who liberally uses the F-bomb in speeches; and Scott Bailey, director of player personnel, who is a stats whiz and has been put in charge of tracking down talent for the team.
The LA KISS have not only held a traditional mini-camp for potential free agent signees; but have organized a public open tryout, featuring 500 participants. The goal is to find 35 players and pare them down to 28.
Some potential LA KISS recruits include:
Linebacker Beau Bell, a three-year AFL veteran. "Everybody knows who KISS is; and hopefully, I can smack somebody so hard they know who Beau Bell is, too," he says. Defensive end BJ Bell, Beau's brother; he's left his job in pipeline construction to follow his dream of playing professional football in the AFL. Defensive back Jorrick Calvin, the lone player that coach McMillen brought over from his former team. Calvin played in the NFL, but was cut for missing a bus to a preseason game. He's currently battling an ankle injury. Linebacker Joe Mortensen, who tells the story of how his mother met a man at a KISS concert in 1986, and how he was conceived later that night. "Gene and Paul: You're kinda like my illegitimate father... so [give me] child support... let's go!", he jokes. Quarterback JJ Raterink, an AFL veteran, says he'll be working part-time during the season to help pay the bills (the average AFL player earns just $830 per week.) Quarterback Colt Brennan, who was left with a minor TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury after a major car accident in 2010. "I woke up, and I've been a different person," says Brennan. At an LA KISS player dinner the night before training camp, coaches McMillen and Bailey learn from Bouchy that potential starting quarterback Brennan has not passed his entire battery of physicals. Doctors won't pass him without the QB first being cleared by a neurologist.
During the first day of camp, the coaches allow Brennan to participate in a non-contact practice, despite him not having been cleared by team doctors, but Calvin cannot participate because of his ankle injury -- which may be more serious than previously thought.
Back at the LA KISS offices, Bouchy calls an emergency meeting with the coaching staff after he finds out Brennan, who hadn't yet passed his physical, practiced. "Don't do the doctor's job," says Bouchy to the coaches.
Stanley and Simmons attend the second day of camp, where linebacker Mortensen jokes, "Without no pads, [practice is] like dry-humping. It's fun, but it's not the real thing." Meanwhile, McMillen has to be the bearer of bad news to Stanley and Simmons about Brennan's potential ineligibility. He's also forced to tell Calvin that his contract has been voided because of his lingering ankle injury and that he's being sent home.
The following day, rain forces the cancellation of the day's scrimmage. Despite the cancellation, head coach McMillen tells the players that he's going to start making cuts.
Back at the team's hotel, Bouchy and the coaches talk to Brennan about his neurological test results. Brennan, visibly upset, says he's "so confused" and asks for a second opinion. But coach McMillen is blunt with the young quarterback, telling him that the doctors have said that he's "got to give up on football."
An emotional Brennan says he needs to figure out a way of bouncing back, and then quotes famed Green Bay Packers NFL football coach, Vince Lombardi: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up."2"Under Pressure"August 19, 2014N/A
At a press conference introducing the LA KISS to the media, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons talk up the team. "We're committed to making this a kind of in-your-face football you’ve never seen before," says Simmons. Of head coach Bob McMillen, Stanley quips, "We're thrilled to have him on board, and if anything goes wrong, it's his fault."
Later, assistant head coach Walt Housman, and director of player personnel Scott Bailey meet to discuss finalizing their roster. Since losing quarterback Colt Brennan to injury, JJ Raterink has been named the de facto starter. The team has also traded with the New Orleans VooDoo for talented wide receiver Donovan Morgan. While kicker Kenny Spencer and linebacker Beau Bell have all but made the team, the coaches are still on the fence about Beau’s brother, defensive end BJ, among others.
The following morning, the coaches meet with Joe Mortensen, and coach McMillen tells him, "You are not going to make this team as a linebacker." Instead, McMillen wants to groom Mortensen to be a fullback -- on offense -- and he’ll have to compete for the starting position with three-year AFL veteran Jeff Tow-Arnett.
The next day, the LA KISS travel by bus to play an exhibition against the San Jose Sabercats. Surprisingly, in his first game action at fullback, Mortensen outperforms Tow-Arnett, who McMillen -- a former fullback himself -- becomes increasingly exasperated with.
Back at the LA KISS offices, Schuyler Hoversten introduces entertainment producer Harlan Hendrickson. Hendrickson plans to present extreme sports during breaks in game action and an electric guitarist in place of an organist. Stanley and Simmons approve, while Brett Bouchy is skeptical. When Hendrickson quotes a price of $50,000 per game, Bouchy notes that "other teams have failed spending a lot less."
On the morning of the final cuts, coach McMillen informs Tow-Arnett that he hasn’t made the team. Shortly thereafter, the coaches tell Mortensen that he'll be the starting fullback. He flashes a huge grin. "Your job is to protect JJ as much as possible," instructs McMillen. To BJ Bell's surprise, the coaches tell him he's made the roster. "I haven't felt this good in a long time," he tearfully tells Beau.
With two days until the season opener, Simmons throws a party at his house for the LA KISS players and coaches. The players marvel at the waterslide and KISS memorabilia. Simmons tells the players that playing in the L.A. market "is the express train to get that big money, honey."
Before the first game of the season versus the San Antonio Talons, head coach McMillen tells his players that they've worked "too [expletive] hard to lose a football game." The game’s score tilts back and forth several times, but the LA KISS find themselves down by three with 40 seconds left on the clock. The kicker, Spencer, nails a field goal to tie up the game; and then, after the LA KISS get the ball back with just 5 seconds remaining, wins the game with another dramatic field goal as time expires. Stanley proudly notes, "To come in as winners is a terrific feeling. It’s certainly set the scene for the first home game." But McMillen tells his players, "We have to get better next week," before passing the game ball to Brett Bouchy.3"History Begins"August 26, 2014N/A
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are rehearsing with their band KISS in advance of a rare unplugged performance they've just found out they're playing. Managing partner Brett Bouchy scheduled the show as part of a promotional deal. Team president Schuyler Hoversten assures the rock stars that it'll be a great way to kick off the season. Privately, Simmons reacts by saying, "We would've liked to have had a conversation about [the show] before the fact." But Stanley tells Bouchy and Hoversten, directly, that the band is happy to do the show for the team.
With only a few days before the team's second game, the coaches meet at the LA KISS offices. Head coach Bob McMillen is unhappy with the team's performance in the first game, despite a last-minute victory. Director of player personnel Scott Bailey says that defensive end/linebacker Steve Octavien "needs to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback." All agree that kicker Kenny Spencer is doing a great job, having kicked the game-tying and winning field goals in the first game.
In Orlando, before a game against the Predators, McMillen gives a rousing pre-game speech about how the team is like a family and needs to protect itself like brothers. After running up a fairly substantial lead, a Predators player shoves linebacker BJ Bell to the ground, causing Octavien to retaliate. Penalty flags fly, and Octavien is called for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty doesn't sit well with McMillen, and in a heated argument with Octavien on the field, McMillen pushes him. Octavien explodes, angrily exiting the field for the tunnel.
Shortly after, the momentum of the game shifts dramatically in favor of the Predators. While McMillen has a heated back-and-forth with Octavien in the tunnel, the Predators gain ground and eventually send the game into overtime. On the first possession in OT, LA quarterback JJ Raterink throws an interception, which is run back for a touchdown. The KISS lose.
Following their first loss, McMillen is frustrated by the team's uninspired practice. Raterink, in particular, is having a hard time focusing. McMillen meets with him alone after practice. "I am 100 percent behind you as our quarterback," he says, but emphasizes that if he doesn’t see a marked change in his performance, "we're going to send you home."
The day of the team's first home game versus the Portland Thunder, the field is swarmed with performers, LA KISS players, and upper-management. Hoversten assures Stanley and Simmons that "by the time we open up the doors, it will be great."
Minutes before gametime, Stanley and Simmons visit with the LA KISS players. Simmons unveils a sign that has KISS' "battle cry" on it -- "You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best" -- positioned above the door leading out of the locker room. Stanley tells players to tap it as they're leaving, and "if you put your fist through it, God bless you."
During the first home game, the coaches are frustrated by the long entertainment breaks between plays. McMillen complains that "There are a lot of distractions." Though McMillen seems upset with his team's defensive coverage, Raterink makes up for the disappointment of the second game by delivering a dramatic, late-game touchdown pass. The LA KISS win their first home game.4"The Fall Guy"September 2, 2014N/A
At the LA KISS offices, team president Schuyler Hoversten and managing partner Brett Bouchy meet with wide receiver Donovan Morgan, in the presence of head coach Bob McMillen, to discuss negative comments he made to the media after the team's first home game. While Bouchy explains to Morgan that co-owners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons need to be assured that there's team unity, Morgan hits back that he's only "here to put up numbers and win championships."
In the LA KISS' second home game against the Cleveland Gladiators, kicker Kenny Spencer and quarterback JJ Raterink struggle mightily. Also, newly christened fullback Joe Mortensen is injured and has to be removed from the game. In the LA KISS' final attempt at a win, Raterink gets stuffed at the goal line on a botched QB sneak. The KISS lose.
After the game, the LA KISS players and coaches go to a local pub to unwind after the loss. It is revealed that Spencer -- whose girlfriend and young daughter have recently come to live with him in Los Angeles -- is carrying on a romantic relationship with one of the LA KISS Girls, Vanessa Jamison.
Looking to bounce back, the team travels to Iowa for their next game, which is doubly important for two members of the team. That weekend, head coach McMillen will be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, and the game marks a "homecoming" for quarterback JJ Raterink, who played two seasons with the Iowa Barnstormers. His parents have traveled from Colorado to watch him play.
Despite the game's importance, the KISS are completely outmatched by the Barnstormers. The deficit at halftime stands at 28-6 in favor of Iowa. Coach McMillen calls an emergency, closed-door meeting with his staff and tells them that they shouldn't be surprised if he gets fired on Monday. After Raterink throws a costly interception to kick off the second half, coach McMillen replaces him with rookie quarterback, Tyler Hansen. Hansen, who has no AFL experience, gets picked off twice, and things go from bad to worse, with the KISS losing 31-12.
The following day, McMillen is summoned to the LA KISS offices by Hoversten and Bouchy to answer for his team's poor performance in Iowa. Hoversten first presents McMillen with a bottle of whiskey, honoring him for his Hall of Fame induction. But the conversation quickly turns to the previous night's debacle. "That was literally the worst Arena League Football game I've ever seen," says Bouchy. He then attacks the team's personnel director, Scott Bailey (not present at the meeting), whom he partially blames for the lack of talent on the team. McMillen, visibly upset, tells Hoversten and Bouchy that he's not sure whether they still believe in him.
The following weekend, the KISS play their third home game against the San Jose Sabercats, and much to the chagrin of Bouchy and management, the KISS' on-field woes continue. Particularly hard to swallow is Spencer’s uncharacteristically bad kicking. After missing three consecutive extra points after touchdowns, coach McMillen benches him as the team's record drops to 2-4.
At practice following the latest loss, managing partner Bouchy unexpectedly visits to check up on the team's progress. McMillen sees Bouchy's appearance as an attempt to undermine his control of the team -- something he was promised from the beginning. Bouchy tells McMillen that "We can't afford to lose," also echoing Stanley’s earlier comments that changes need to be made.5"Changing of the Guard"September 9, 2014N/A
The LA KISS look to regroup against one of the toughest teams in the league, the Spokane Shock. In a pre-game pep talk, head coach Bob McMillen tells his team, "We can have a million practices; if we don't go out there and execute it tonight, it's all for naught." However, it quickly becomes clear that execution is a major issue, with quarterback JJ Raterink suffering from a litany of accuracy issues. Although linebacker Beau Bell knocks the Shock's quarterback out of the game on a hard sack, the opposition is unflappable; they replace him with a defensive back, who immediately throws a 45-yard TD. At the half, the KISS are down 42-14.
In the locker room at the half, team morale couldn't be lower. Coach McMillen shouts at Raterink that he's playing "scared" and threatens the entire team, bellowing that "If we lose this game, I'll get rid of f*cking half of you."
During the second half, Brett Bouchy calls retired AFL quarterback Aaron Garcia, asking him if he'd be interested in replacing Raterink. Co-owners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons look on in hororr as McMillen benches Raterink and the KISS lose 70-21. Simmons says, "If we're not going to win the championship, we better at least look respectable. What do we look like now? Disgraceful." Later, Bouchy puts Garcia on the phone with Paul and Gene, who use their star power to convince Garcia to come out of retirement.
At practice following the loss, the LA KISS coaches set up a kicking competition, calling in eight free agents to compete for Kenny Spencer's job. The kicker has missed a series of crucial kicks in recent games, and his job is now on the line. Ultimately, Spencer just edges out the competition to keep his job.
While the owners want to replace Raternick with Garcia, an AFL legend, they must first trade Raterink to free up a roster spot. Unfortunately, coaches McMillen and Bailey can’t finalize a deal before a game against the undefeated Cleveland Gladiators, so Raterink must start. Despite a four-TD performance from Raterink, the LA KISS are unable to capitalize. Coach McMillen also makes a costly late-game decision to go for it on 4th down instead of kicking a game-tying field goal, and when Raterink is unable to convert, the Gladiators themselves kick a field goal, handing the LA KISS a 45-42 loss.
The next day, coaches McMillen and Scott Bailey are summoned to the LA KISS offices to answer for their team's poor performance. Bouchy gets right to the point: "I want to play a larger role in personnel." A heated confrontation quickly ensues between him and McMillen, who says, "If you don't like the way I coach, then you can send me home."
In the ensuing days, a deal finally goes through, sending JJ Raterink to the Iowa Barnstormers and bringing in Garcia. Coach Bailey breaks the news to Raterink, telling him, "You can either go to Iowa or retire." Raterink, fighting back tears, accepts the offer.
During the LA KISS' first practice with Garcia, Bouchy and Hoversten show up to check on their new acquisition. Bouchy steers clear of McMillen. Says Bouchy: "I think [Garcia's] going to impact us more from an offensive play-calling standpoint than he will from a quarterback standpoint." And in their very next game against the Pittsburgh Power, Bouchy's prediction comes true: In the KISS' first series, Garcia fumbles near the end zone, and the Power recover for a touchdown. The KISS end up losing 50-26. Although Bouchy is still confident in Garcia, he says, "We're going to struggle until we get better at all phases of football."6"Paranoid Activity"September 16, 2014N/A
LA KISS co-owners Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Schuyler Hoversten and Brett Bouchy meet at the KISS offices to discuss the team’s dreadful play of late. Stanley says he remembers, at the beginning of the season, players saying they "wanted to be taken seriously." "If you want to be taken seriously, win some f*cking games," exclaims Stanley.
In their following game, the LA KISS will be facing the AFL's defending champions, the Arizona Rattlers. Bouchy tells Stanley and Simmons he's worried that the Rattlers' hard-hitting defense might get new quarterback Aaron Garcia hurt. Stanley notes that he can't root for a team that doesn't have its "sh*t together."
The matchup with Arizona begins promisingly when kick returner AJ Cruz provides the team with favorable field position. But things quickly go south. To add to their problems, nose guard BJ Bell misses a key fumble-recovery opportunity and is promptly benched by head coach Bob McMillen. Things go from bad to worse when Garcia once again gets battered and is forced to leave the game with a rib injury. Garcia's replacement, rookie QB Tyler Hansen, comes in and immediately throws a pick. "Absolute embarrassment!" Bouchy screams from the sidelines as his team loses 70-25.
At Simmons' house, Bouchy and Hoversten meet with co-owners Stanley and Simmons. Bouchy says, "I feel like I'm failing you guys." Testily, Simmons bites back at Bouchy, rhetorically asking, "Can you win, please?" As a potential solution, Bouchy suggests doing away with the entire coaching staff and starting anew. But Stanley thinks it doesn't make sense to "change horses" at this stage in the season.
Meanwhile, the KISS play the San Jose Sabercats. Garcia comes out of the gate strongly, throwing a pair of touchdowns to wide receiver Donovan "Captain" Morgan. But the momentum suddenly shifts when nose guard Nigel Nicholas suffers a torn ACL and is carted off the field. With their minds clearly on their fallen comrade, the KISS end up losing again, 63-35.
In the days after the game, Stanley and Simmons, along with coach McMillen, go to visit Nicholas, who is immobile and being treated by LA KISS team trainer, Bruno Silva. According to Silva, Nicholas is likely out for the rest of the season. Stanley and Simmons joke with Nicholas, and Stanley gives Nicholas a vote of confidence, telling the player: "With KISS, we're nothing without the fans, and the LA KISS is nothing without the players, so we're with you from the time you went down [and] we're with you until you’re back on the field." At the next team practice, Silva mentions to coach McMillen that he's heard rumors that quarterback Garcia has not only been meeting with Bouchy and Hoversten behind McMillen’s back, but is also being groomed to replace him as head coach. Clearly upset, McMillen calls a meeting at the LA KISS offices with Hoversten and Bouchy. "I'm not going to keep busting my ass … if I'm going to be the scapegoat," he tells them. While the two executives ensure him that his job is safe, McMillen leaves, unsure of the truth, looking to confront Garcia on the matter.7"Marked Man"September 23, 2014
LA KISS head coach Bob McMillen confronts quarterback Aaron Garcia about rumors he's been hearing that Garcia has been offered his job. "I don't want people undercutting me," says McMillen. While Garcia tells his coach that LA KISS co-owner Brett Bouchy has, indeed, mentioned a future coaching opportunity to him, he says it's not his priority. "I don’t want to coach; I want to play," Garcia emphasizes.
Meanwhile at the LA KISS offices, team president Schuyler Hoversten unveils an upcoming home-game promotion to Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons: a set of KISS-themed bobbleheads. Both Stanley and Simmons immediately take exception with the bobbleheads' packaging. Stanley reminds Hoversten that he and Simmons are bringing an expertise to the AFL and the team, which should not be squandered. Driving home his point, Stanley tells Hoversten that he and Gene should be involved in future team and KISS-related promotions.
Shouldering an eight-game losing streak, the LA KISS' next home game against the Portland Thunder is a crucial one. Even given their losing record, the KISS still have a chance at the playoffs. The game will feature the season debut for the newest member of the LA KISS, fullback Sam Campbell, who was signed after a recent open tryout. Also on the comeback trail is BJ Bell, who the coaches benched after his recent poor play. Right before the game begins, Stanley and Simmons meet with their team in the locker room. It turns out that this will be the last home game they'll be able to attend, because the stars are going on tour. Stanley is bullish on the team’s chances, though, predicting a win. "Go get 'em!" he says.
Stanley is right on the money. Garcia hooks up with wide receiver Donovan Morgan for a touchdown and during the next possession, BJ Bell forces a fumble, which the KISS recover for a TD. During a break in the action, Stanley goes out onto the field and addresses the crowd: "Things are only gonna get better," he shouts.
For the first time in nine games, the KISS take a lead into halftime. In the second half, the team continues its brilliant play. Morgan reels in a pair of TDs, one of which is a tremendous one-handed grab. After the KISS’ big win, Simmons tells the team in the locker room, "You guys were f*cking amazing!"
In the days following the victory, the LA KISS sign a new backup quarterback, Kenny Guiton. The fact that Guiton has been signed, though, means that the team will have to free up space on its roster.
The KISS play their next away game against the undefeated Arizona Rattlers. Coach McMillen starts kick returner AJ Cruz at defensive back to see if he's capable of excelling elsewhere on the field, but Cruz struggles mightily, missing a tackle and blowing some key defensive coverage. The KISS also lose star linebacker Beau Bell to injury. In a relatively short period of time, the KISS’ hopes evaporate, and they lose again, 83-47.
In the days following the loss, Cruz is released by the team. Reflecting on the roster move in private, Simmons says that "This is a marathon; anyone and everyone is replaceable here."8"Prodigal Son Returns"September 30, 2014
LA KISS head coach Bob McMillen meets with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who are in town for a quick break from their KISS tour. McMillen has come to air his grievances; he's been angered by rumors that Brett Bouchy offered quarterback Aaron Garcia his head coaching job. Simmons tells him, "[My] hand to G-d, nobody was talking about Aaron becoming the coach."
In advance of a game against the Spokane Shock, the KISS’ normal practice facility has been double-booked, so the team has to practice at the Honda Center. The practice starts off on the wrong foot, when fullback Joe Mortensen re-aggravates the ankle injury that has sidelined him for five games. Shortly thereafter, the team loses wide receiver Raymond Radway to an ACL injury.
Despite the key personnel losses -- as well as their losing record -- the KISS are still in playoff contention. That night, the KISS’ protection issues rear their ugly head against the Shock, and Garcia pays the price, getting hit hard. However, he bounces back, throwing a touchdown pass to Donovan Morgan. But after the KISS fail to defend Garcia again, he sustains a second, more brutal hit. He lies motionless on the field, holding his shoulder. Team trainer Bruno Silva asks Garcia what hurts, and the QB says his "right arm is numb." Although Garcia walks off the field on his own power, he’s unable to return to the game.
Down by 22 at the half, Garcia tells his teammates that they need to "stand the f*ck up" and "play football." Although they gain some ground on the Shock, it’s too little, too late: Spokane wins 64-46.
Shortly after the game, Bouchy fields a call from Paul Stanley. "It's really tough to watch," Stanley laments, in reference to the game. Bouchy reassures Stanley, saying that if the team wins two of its last four games, they'll be playoff-bound.
After the loss, Bouchy and Schuyler Hoversten meet with the coaches to discuss their quarterback situation. McMillen notes that former LA KISS starting quarterback, JJ Raterink, has become available. Everybody in the room agrees to bring Raterink back, this time, as a backup QB.
Following in coach McMillen's footsteps, Bouchy has a face-to-face lunch meeting with Stanley and Simmons. Stanley asks Bouchy if there's any truth to the rumors McMillen's been hearing about his job security. Bouchy re-echoes an earlier claim that McMillen is "paranoid." But there's good news, too: the team has acquired 8,000 season-ticket holders, best in the league.
Guiton gets the start at QB for the KISS's next game. Although he throws an early touchdown pass, in his next possession, he's intercepted for a touchdown. Shortly before halftime, after another Guiton INT, McMillen pulls him in favor of the recently re-signed Raterink. The crowd goes crazy. Although Raterink throws a late first-quarter TD and another long one in the second half, the KISS lose.
Meanwhile, Bouchy hosts a conference call with Stanley and Simmons to discuss rumors he's been hearing that the co-owners have lost faith in the LA KISS. While Stanley tells him, "We [won't] let the ship go down," Simmons brings up an earlier, more controversial point: "[Should] we go back to firing everybody and starting all over again?"9"Boiling Over"October 8, 2014
Going into a crucial game versus Portland, LA KISS managing partner Brett Bouchy meets with the coaches to discuss strategy and personnel issues. Coach Bob McMillen tells Bouchy that "There's a chance [Joe Mortensen] might have to go on [Injured Reserve] for the rest of the year." The coaches then drop two other bombs on Bouchy: linebacker Beau Bell is out for the rest of the season, and quarterback Aaron Garcia's status is questionable going into the Portland game. Bouchy sarcastically remarks, "Good luck. I will say my prayers all week."
LA KISS co-owners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, currently on tour with KISS, are back in Los Angeles to play at the Forum, and they've invited the players and coaches to the show. Prior to the concert, Stanley and Simmons, along with co-owner Doc McGhee, team president Schuyler Hoversten, and Bouchy meet to discuss the team. Simmons, has Bouchy try on his codpiece. Hoversten quips, "It's about time you got some size down there." But the lightness of the moment quickly fades as Bouchy breaks the news about Bell. "Beau is the cornerstone of the team," remarks Stanley. Later, Stanley comments, "If we can't push forward and show our strengths, we'll show our weaknesses."
The morning after KISS' Forum show, the team is back at practice. Two important notes come out of it: Mortensen will be healthy enough to play against Portland, and the KISS have re-signed AJ Cruz.
The team flies to Portland, Oregon, for their divisional showdown. The game gets off to a shaky start, as Garcia throws a pair of interceptions. But he is able to connect with wide receiver Raymond Radway for a touchdown, keeping the KISS in the game. Then, a series of misfortunes occur: Cruz leaves the game with a concussion; and two defensive players are forced from the game. Miraculously, the KISS are able to stay in the game, going into halftime down by just two.
However, three possessions into the second half, the KISS are hit with more bad luck: Donovan Morgan gets hit in the end zone, injures his back, and is sidelined for the rest of the game. Short on players, McMillen plays backup quarterback JJ Raterink as a wide receiver. Although Raterink performs surprisingly well, the KISS cannot overcome the key injuries and lose 44-31.
The following day, in an attempt to build team morale, Hoversten invites the LA KISS players and coaches to a bar to kick back and relax. With the loss still fresh on their minds, the coaches don't want to be there. And things quickly gets worse, when Bouchy's wife, Brandy, rubs McMillen the wrong way by publicly calling out his leadership skills and the team's work ethic.
In preparation for their final home game against San Antonio, the team practices at the Honda Center. The players are in good spirits, and it incenses coach McMillen. "There's nothing funny about our situation right now," he growls at them. Morgan has a different perspective, giving his own speech on the team being a "family" and needing camaraderie.
The day before the game, Bouchy calls coach McMillen into his office and sends a clear message: If the team loses to San Antonio, "The repercussions...will be bad for you and the rest of the coaching staff."10"Day of Reckoning"October 14, 2014
