All American Season 2 | Episode 15 “Stakes is High” Review

It’s jamboree time on All American, and what’s a jamboree without a pre-pajama party? Seriously though, are parties before jamborees a legit thing or just an All American Beverly Hills thing? Just Curious. Anyways, besides the football jamboree, a lot happens in episode 2×15. The overall theme being to put ourselves first sometimes, but to also do right by others. Will Jordan put what Simone really needs above what he wants with her? Is it too late for Asher to come clean and save Billy’s career? Is it too soon for Spencer to play again? Where do Asher and Olivia stand? Will Coop and Patience let music tear them apart again? How’s Darnell doing with South Crenshaw? With the season 2 finale coming next week, where will these decisions take the characters as they head into season 3?

Who She Needs

Jordan’s shown a lot of growth this season. At the beginning, he was a little up in the air, but his behavior was semi-understandable because he’s just a teenager whose family was falling apart. He’s really pulled through, though, and shown his potential. However, he has his slip ups. Like I said, he’s still just a teenager, and it shows in this episode. He genuinely likes Simone. That’s been clear for a while now. The problem is that he wants to be the person she needs most right now, and he isn’t. So, when he follows Simone, learns the truth about her living situation and she tells him that she doesn’t want him to get tangled in her mess of a life, it puts him on edge and into “defend her honor” mode. He stands up to her ex, who just so happens to be on one of the opposing teams during the jamboree, and it goes downhill from there as they cause both teams to fight on the field. Thankfully, Jordan finally listens to Olivia’s advice when she says that Simone doesn’t need him, she needs her parents. He meets with Simone’s mom and forces her to listen as he talks about how strong Simone is and how much she needs her parents right now. I’m so proud. 😊

Coming Clean

I think it’s safe to say that Asher has some pretty deep personal and self-esteem issues, stemming from his parents, that he needs to work on as a person, not just a football player. Don’t get me wrong, he has his great moments, but man, do the bad ones seem to outweigh the great ones. It’s like his character growth always takes one step forward and two steps back every few weeks, and it’s getting repetitive and boring… no matter how well Cody Christian plays the role. That being said, I think Asher needs to accomplish this growth while being single, and I think that’s how Olivia sees it as well, which is why she suggests they take a break – so they can both work on themselves individually. This is seemingly the push he needs in the right direction. First, it pushes him to admit his steroid use to his dad when he dogs Coach Baker. Then, he watches his team fall apart at the seams as soon as Coach Baker informs them of his suspension, and he feels the guilt of being team captain and letting his team down. So much so that he comes clean to the principal and his teammates, allowing Billy to coach the rest of the jamboree. He’s finally realized how his choices affect others and is willing to put them above himself by admitting his wrongdoings. Unfortunately, the damage may already be done. Billy’s reinstatement is only temporary and there’s going to be a whole investigation into the football program. In the principal’s words, “it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

Gotta Worry About Me

If there’s one general theme this season, it’s the pressure that teens feel to be the best and to be perfect. It’s sent Layla to a mental health center. It’s pushed Asher into dangerous spirals. It’s strained Jordan’s relationship with his father. Olivia constantly feels like she has to be the strong one. And since his injury and his father’s death, Spencer’s wanted to push himself to the limit so he can make it onto UCLA’s team. He believes he’s ready to play. He’s done the rehab. He knows his body. But Billy’s still concerned it’s too soon. He asks Spencer to trust him, but since Billy won’t tell anyone why he’s been suspended, Spencer tells him that trust goes both ways. So, with some encouragement from Darnell and the pressure of the UCLA scout coming back, Spencer puts his feelings first and goes above Billy’s head to get approval to play in the jamboree. Even though he takes a hard fall in the last play, he recovers nicely – probably thanks to the shoulder brace Billy makes him wear. Besides that, he plays like his old self again – like a total beast – and the UCLA scout can’t wait to tell the head coach to get his offer back on the table.

Notable Mentions

• Olivia tells Asher they need to go on a break because it seems to be one disastrous thing after another since they started dating, and she feels they need to focus on themselves. Yesss… totally agree with this. Asher hasn’t been there for her like he should be since the shooting, and her PTSD seems to be getting worse. I really hope they start focusing more on this at some point because it’s an important discussion.
• Layla ready and willing to kick Asher’s ass after Olivia tells her about the break-up is the best.
• Asher getting Olivia’s award re-made is a sweet gesture and a step in the right direction for him.
• Coop and Patience get back together, and they both promise not to let music come between them again. However, JP offers Coop a deal to sign with him and go on his Summer tour with Patience. Even though Patience assures her that they’ll be fine, and it’ll be fun to go on tour together, Coop decides at the last minute not to sign with JP. Instead, she wants to sign with Layla. Yesss! I am here for this! At first, I thought Layla would just be like her manager or something, but nope! Layla’s going to start her own label, and her dad is fully on board. 😊
• According to Darnell, the South Crenshaw team has been falling apart. They’re not even in the jamboree. The whole ordeal leaves him questioning if he should have just gone to Germany with his mom. Thankfully, Spencer returning to the field encourages him to fight for his team and become the leader they evidently need. 😊

Don’t miss the All American season finale Monday at 8/7c on The CW!

Featured Image: IMDb