This week’s episode of "All American" was a tense hour of revelations, putting relationships to the test and testing the resolve of members of the vortex. Throughout the season so far, the characters have been presenting a facade to their partners, hiding their true selves out of fear of harming their relationships. They fail to see that this lack of honesty is actually making the situation worse.
The episode hit the ground running as Spencer faced a series of confrontations and disappointments. On the football field, his determination to succeed clashed with Coach Mac’s playbook, resulting in a heated exchange with Jordan that was broadcast on national TV and a dirty play that had him evicted from the field. The fallout was immediate, with Coach Mac chastising Spencer for his selfishness, a criticism echoed by Jordan. This theme of balancing personal ambition with teamwork recurred throughout the episode, emphasizing Spencer’s ongoing struggle to find his place both on and off the field.
Spencer channeled his pent up frustrations by spending time with Deion, his mentee at Crenshaw, who was facing his own battles. In a touching scene, Spencer helped Deion through a panic attack, showcasing his natural ability to empathize and support others, reaffirming his interest in psychology. Spencer was able to read Deion, and helped him confront the fact that he doesn't actually enjoy football; he's simply succumbing to his family's pressure. This conversation underscored for Spencer the importance of finishing his Psychology degree.This subplot not only highlighted Spencer’s depth but also foreshadowed his potential future beyond football.
"Trust Issues” – ALL AMERICAN. Pictured: Daniel Ezra as Spencer James. Photo: Troy Harvey/The CW ©2024 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
On the social front, Olivia’s storyline introduced tension and intrigue with the arrival of Ashley, her friend from England. The surprise wasn’t just his unexpected visit, but also the fact that he’s male, which stirred up jealousy and miscommunication between Olivia and Spencer. She had neglected to tell Spencer and her friends that Ashley was a male, allowing them to believe that Ashley was female. When confronted by Spencer about this, Olivia was unable to ease his fears and had difficulty putting into words why she chose to mislead him. Ashley’s presence served as a catalyst for Olivia to confront her fears about emotional vulnerability, particularly regarding her book project. She opened up to Ashley effortlessly, yet when Spencer inquired about her book, she kept her thoughts to herself. The episode concluded on a tense note for the couple, and it is clear that there are more troubles ahead. Unless they begin to openly communicate with one another, their relationship doesn’t stand a chance.
Coop’s journey through law school brought its own set of challenges when Laura Baker was a guest lecturer for one of her classes. Coop became uncomfortable when Laura chose Patience's case against Miko for the class case study. Laura advised Coop to have faith in her teaching methods and to maintain respect. Disagreements arose between Coop and her classmates over the case, culminating in Laura asking Coop to leave the lecture. Spencer encouraged Coop to discuss the incident with Laura. Upon apologizing, Coop learned from Laura that the purpose of the assignment was to direct her passion for Patience into innovative problem-solving, preparing her for the challenging trial ahead.
"Trust Issues” – ALL AMERICAN. Pictured: Monet Mazur as Laura Baker and Bre-Z as Tamia “Coop” Cooper. Photo: Troy Harvey/The CW ©2024 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The episode also didn’t shy away from the economic struggles facing the community, as budget cuts threatened the after-school program at Crenshaw. The subplot involving Preach and Grace’s efforts to secure funding, added a layer of urgency to the narrative, linking back to the legacy of Billy Baker and the communal responsibility to support the next generation.
On a more lighthearted note, Jordan was on the hunt for a new roommate. With Asher gone, he and Spencer are struggling to make ends meet and need to find someone to share the costs. Jordan and Layla met with several questionable candidates before settling on a seemingly grounded, academically inclined couple. However, after witnessing the couple argue, they begin to doubt their choice. It also appeared that Spencer was not informed about the new couple moving in. It should be interesting to see how this further complicates the dynamic between Spencer and Jordan, a dynamic that is already close to the breaking point.
This season has been heavy with tension so far, with no end in sight. While it definitely adds to the character growth, it makes for a tough watch. Your turn, All American fans! What did you think of tonight’s episode? Will Spencer and Olivia be able to be honest with one another about their challenges and work through them? Do you think Spencer’s revelations, through supporting Deion, will help him change his attitude on the football field? Share your thoughts below and engage with me on X at @middleofcanada.
