All American Season 2 | Episode 3 “Never No More” Review

It’s always fun for long plotlines to get wrapped up only for bigger ones to start cracking open. Episode three of if All American uses this episode to conclude some lingering season 1 storylines and to crack open the real plotlines for season 2. Spencer finally decides where to play in the fall. Jordan and Billy are on their way to reconciliation. Coop’s getting getting back to herself. Asher’s redeeming his epic betrayal. Olivia’s figuring out who she is on her own, while Layla’s slipping further into the darkness. It looks like season 2 is heading into some pretty serious topics, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

“You just got Coop’d”

Coop’s circle has been dwindling since everyone thinks she’s a snitch, and she’s been feeling a little down in the dumps about it. When she sees a fellow classmate getting bullied in the hall by someone with “whack beats”, she can’t help but step in and do the right thing. She serves the bully with her own sick skills and the whole hallway erupts. Patience tells the bully that he “just got Coop’d”, causing a new saying that helps Coop go viral on YouTube. It’s exactly the confidence boost Coop needs to sign up for a rap battle where, to her surprise, Preach has a security gig. She’s on a high from winning every round. Nothing breaks her confidence. At least not until the final round. She goes against the host of the evening, and he goes straight for the jugular by calling out her most sensitive issues. He ends his rap by calling her “the grim reaper of the hood.” Ouch.

Even the crowd boo’s him while Spencer, Olivia and Patience try to encourage her by saying none of it’s true. Unfortunately, his words hit too hard and she chokes on her turn. Preach catches her outside and doesn’t help her feel any better. He tries to convince her that maybe the rap game isn’t for her and she should find something else to focus on. She may be down right now, but she’s not out, and she tells him that she’s not giving up on her dream. The next day, she finds him and asks if he’d help get her music out independently because she doesn’t know anyone who pushes product like him. He agrees to give her music a listen and if he likes it, he’ll help her out. Hmm… this should be an interesting arc to watch unfold.

The Ultimatum

Spencer’s really been struggling with this whole Darnell and Corey situation. I mean, can you imagine your dad coming back after eight years of silence only to have him bring in another kid – that’s not even his – that he raised while he wasn’t raising you? It’s bound to make Spencer feel betrayed and… almost vengeful. So, after hearing that Chris is on the mend and ready for his QB spot on the team, Spencer gives Corey an ultimatum. If he wants Spencer to come play for him at Crenshaw, then he has to send Darnell back to where he came from. It’s a punch in the gut for Corey. Afterall, he knows Darnell’s situation back home and Spencer hasn’t even bothered to ask. Even Coop calls him out for knowing he’s only doing it to get back at his dad. Just like the Bakers are family to Spencer, Darnell is family to Corey.

Darnell willingly packs up his bags. Corey tried to convince him not to, but it was never Darnell’s intention to come between Spencer and his father. After some advice from Jordan, Spencer goes to Corey’s to talk, but Darnell’s already left. Spencer asks if he’d be going back to live with his mom, but Corey informs him that Darnell’s mother enjoys serving the country more than being a mom. So, he’d be going back to an empty house. This puts things into perspective for Spencer. He finds Darnell at the Crenshaw football field, checking it out one last time. It’s there that he tells Darnell to stay, understanding that Corey is his home.

The whole situation gets Spencer to finally come to a decision about where he’ll play next fall as well. He later tells Corey that he chooses him… to be his father, not his coach. Their relationship is the most important thing to him right now, and he doesn’t want anything to come between that like he’s witnessed with Jordan and Billy. Awww! Spencer’s always getting me in my feels.

Distraction

Speaking of Billy and Jordan, we’ve seen how their relationship is on the edge lately. Billy may be back to coaching Beverly and fighting for his family, but he’s doing so by letting Jordan prey on his guilt. He’s letting him slack off at practice, not calling him out on his mistakes and even letting him call the shots about ending practice early. Olivia and Spencer don’t hesitate to call Jordan out on what he’s doing, Spencer even agreeing with Asher that he’s being a distraction to the team. Spencer also calls Billy out for letting Jordan get away with it. He reminds Billy that Jordan is basically testing Billy, wanting the tough coach back on the field rather than the coddling father. By the end of the episode, they both seem to take the advice to heart. Billy makes Asher and Spencer co-captains, and Jordan understands that he hasn’t exactly been the best leader lately. Jordan plans on earning his spot back, of course, but right now Spencer and Asher are the team’s best players. At least he no longer seems to on that downward spiral.

Big Spender

Speaking of downward spirals, Layla is basically at the bottom of hers. I’m not saying this to poke fun or in a non-serious tone because her spiral is way worse than Jordan’s. Layla has clearly been showing all the signs that her mental health is dwindling quickly, and it’s sad because no one is really noticing just how serious it is. Spencer has noticed some things, but he’s been too wrapped up in his own family issues to be able to notice how far she’s gone. This week, Layla’s tells are her spending habits and her mood swings. From expensive shopping sprees and a big contribution to the rap battle to trying to hook up with Spencer in an empty classroom and yelling at him to get out of her car instead of talking to him… anything to numb the pain. I mean… anything. As she starts to drive away from Spencer, he notices scars on her wrist that she’s been covering with long sleeves and a new expensive bracelet. Unfortunately, he’s stunned silent and she speeds off before he can stop her. ☹

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health issues, please know there is help out there and you are not alone. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255; Crisis Text Line: TWLOHA to 741741

Notable Mentions

• “No one can question my dedication.” – Asher Adams serving the truth
• This lead booster being an annoying and challenging Billy’s coaching abilities. – eye roll!
• Olivia going to a fancy thing and realizing she doesn’t know how to define herself – girl, none of us do! – but her mom being supportive in whatever Olivia decides to become. Love me some family sweetness!
• Spencer telling his mom to put herself first for a change and get back with Micah – again more family sweetness!

All American airs Mondays at 8/7 on The CW!

Featured Image: IMDb