This week’s episode of All American, hit viewers with an hour loaded with drama and tension, that saw relationships being tested and friendships on the brink. Spencer found himself under a microscope, not just on the field but in his personal life, too. The spotlight is blaring, and with it, relationships are being tested and redefined at every turn.
Layla and Jordan’s relationship is being tested, as Layla grapples with letting Jordan fully into her life, against the backdrop of wedding planning and running two businesses. Jordan is adamant that Layla should move in with him, but Layla wants to wait until marriage. Complicating matters further, is Layla’s business partner offering unsolicited advice at every turn. His endgame is really unclear at this point. Why would he invest in a lounge with her and grant her full control over the business? Nothing comes for free and it is definitely being suggested that there is more beneath the surface of this partnership.
"Public Service Announcement” – ALL AMERICAN, Pictured: Daniel Ezra as Spencer James and Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker. Photo: Ser Baffo/The CW ©2024 The CW Network, LLX. All Rights Reserved.
Jordan and Spencer’s friendship is also teetering on the brink, thanks to the cruel combination of ambition and jealousy. Spencer finds himself caught up in the whirlwind of the GAU home opener, wrestling with the discomfort of being in the spotlight. The media has branded the team almost singularly as “Spencer James and the Condors,” a label that Spencer tries hard to rid the team of, to no avail. When he attempts to talk Kenny into returning to private practices, he is met with resistance from the Coach, who stressed the importance of the media to the longevity of the program. Amidst this, Spencer’s mother and Olivia offer some advice, urging him to prioritize his dreams and future for once, instead of focusing on everyone else. Yet, despite this, Spencer can’t escape the undercurrent of jealousy amongst his teammates, especially Jordan, whose resentment only intensifies with Coach Mac in his ear, telling him he is the real star of the team.
"Public Service Announcement” – ALL AMERICAN, Pictured: Daniel Ezra as Spencer James. Photo: Ser Baffo/The CW ©2024 The CW Network, LLX. All Rights Reserved.
In the midst of navigating her personal and creative journey, Olivia finds herself feeling anxious over keeping her plan to write a biography of her father from Jordan and her mother. When she finally tells Jordan, he casts light on the invasive spotlight the book could cast on their private lives- which stings Olivia, given her reputation from the Bountygate article. Jordan is further upset when he learns that Olivia has secured a publisher without seeking his consent first and when he finds out that Spencer knew about the book before him, he is fueled to rage, which he takes out on the football field during the GAU home opener.
Simultaneously, the dynamics between Coach Kenny and Coach Mac mirror Spencer and Jordan’s conflict. Coach Kenny’s resistance to Coach Mac’s help, aggravates the team’s struggles, signaling a need for strategic change. Mac’s rogue advice to Jordan during the opener- to defy Kenny’s play all - ignites a turning point. The act propels the team to victory and shifts the media attention from Spencer to Jordan, which causes Spencer to be struck by the green monster. In a bold and impulsive move, Spencer announces that this will be his final year at GAU, as he will be entering the NFL draft. It is a decision met with criticism by Kenny for it’s timing and underlying motivations but also, because of the can of worms the announcement has unleashed. As Spencer’s mother, Olivia and Coop celebrate him finally following his dreams, Spencer and Jordan’s relationship sours further, which is sadly the reality of friends vying for the same dream, especially a dream that is difficult to achieve. Whether or not the boys can navigate these waters is yet to be determined. It is safe to say that the road will be an even rockier one moving forward.
"Public Service Announcement” – ALL AMERICAN, Pictured: Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker and Jamel King as Terence (Mac) McClelland. Photo: Ser Baffo/The CW ©2024 The CW Network, LLX. All Rights Reserved.
Asher and Jaymee are also experiencing a bump in their relationship as they try to figure out parenting on their own. Asher appreciates the help from friends with raising baby AJ, but Jaymee harbors concerns about their over-reliance on others for help. They both realize they need to carve out their own space for their family and with the help of Laura Baker, they move into Billy’s childhood home, marking a new chapter for their little family. In a similar narrative, Patience learns that she needs to take back control of her life and lessen her dependence on others.
All American continues to excel at navigating the struggles that come with relationships in a way that is both relatable and gripping to watch.
Whether it is the highs and lows of parenting, the difficulty of grief, or the cutthroat nature of competitive sports, the show captures the essence of struggle and the impacts it can have on the people you love. This season, more than ever, is about the intersection of dreams and reality and how the two are often at odds with one another. It is a rollercoaster ride and we are all strapped in, eagerly awaiting the next twist and turn. I’d love to hear your thoughts All American fans, what did you think of tonight’s episode? Can Spencer and Jordan’s friendship make it through the challenges of competing for a spot in the NFL? What is happening between Layla and her business partner? Share your thoughts below and interact with me on Twitter at @middleofcanada.
