All American “Pilot” Review

“Inspired by the true-life story of NFL Superbowl Champion, Spencer Paysinger, All American is an inspiring, ensemble family drama about a young, high school football phenom, Spencer James and the two families whose homes he shares after transferring from Crenshaw to Beverly High – his mother and brother in South Central LA and the Bakers of Beverly Hills. But as these two families and their vastly different worlds are drawn together, Spencer, the Bakers, and the James family will discover that the differences that divide us on the surface hide a deeper connection – the complicated, imperfect humanity that unites us all.” – CW Network (IMDB)

Friday Night Lights meets The O.C. with a little more grit – that’s the vibe I got from the season premiere of The CW’s new show, All American. I, for one, am super happy about it because I’ve been missing a good teen drama amid the supernatural, superheroes, and crime dramas. The good thing about that is that teen dramas, for the most part, touch on real life issues. All American is no different – tackling the struggles of having a dream, escaping a dangerous neighborhood to pursue that dream, fitting in with the upper class of Beverly Hills, peer-pressure, gangs, racial issues, and the list goes on. While All American does portray the typical stereotypes of the rich lifestyle of Beverly Hills and the hardships and danger of South Crenshaw, the premier showed a lot of potential and heart.

Keep reading for a brief recap on what went down in the premier.

Opportunity to Escape to a Better Life

Spencer James is South Crenshaw High’s star football player. He has a knack for, not only scoring touchdowns and creating plays, but also anticipating plays of the other team and finding a player’s weak spot on the field. In the midst of celebrating a huge touchdown, gunfire sounds throughout the field. The cheering turns to screaming and running, but Spencer stands in shock as he sees the drive-by shooter just outside the fence and a body on the sidewalk. The sad thing is, this is the reality of living in Crenshaw.

As he’s leaving the game, Coach Billy Baker, a former NFL star turned high school football coach, of Beverly Hills High approaches Spencer with the opportunity to come play for him. Knowing the rules of high school football and recruiting, and just being happy at South Crenshaw, Spencer turns Coach Baker down. The coach argues that he technically isn’t recruiting, so Spencer wouldn’t have to be benched for three months, but Spencer still turns the offer down.

The next day at school, Spencer tells his best friend, Coop, about the offer. She’s excited for him, but the topic quickly changes when she flirts with a girl that’s off limits because she’s “one of Shawn’s girls.” Later, this Shawn guy gets in Coop’s face, but Spencer comes to her defense and gets in trouble for fighting.As soon as Spencer gets home, his mom and Coach Baker corner him. His mom, Grace, wants her son should take advantage of the opportunity to get a better education in a safer area. She believes that Spencer is hesitant to take the offer because he doesn’t want to be like his dad, who bailed on them to play college ball in Nevada and never came back. With a little more persuading, Spencer finally agrees to play for Coach Baker.

Beverly High

Coach Baker has two rules for Spencer if he’s going to stay at Beverly High. One, since Spencer is technically on an academic permit (and not being recruited for football because that would be illegal in the football world and get Spencer benched for three months), then he must maintain his grades. Shouldn’t be too hard since Spencer is an “A” student. Two, no fighting. Even one fight will get Spencer kicked out. I see this being a problem.

In his first class, Spencer is the only one without a laptop. When his original seat mate (lap partner, I guess) snubs his nose up at sharing with him, Olivia is more than welcome to help Spencer out. They hit it off, and she shows him around campus. There’s definite chemistry between the two, but Spencer quickly sets his sights on Leila, the school sweetheart and daughter of a record producer.

Jordan, the school’s quarterback interrupts the tour with Spencer and Olivia to introduce himself and his friend. We learn that Jordan and Olivia are siblings and Coach Baker’s kids. Jordan’s friend and teammate, Asher, quickly makes a fool of himself by asking a racial question causing Spencer to walk away. Leila, who I also Asher’s girlfriend, goes to Spencer to apologize on her boyfriend’s behalf. They flirt a little as Spencer shows off his ability to read people, including her – a confident, but lonely girl. Asher notices the flirtation and instantly gets jealous.

At Spencer’s first football practice, he shows off his skill, but goes against the plays called. Coach Baker and the team aren’t too happy about it. Coach suddenly changes Spencer’s position to Safety. Spencer isn’t cool with that and sits out the practice.

Later, they all gather at the Baker house to chill by the pool. Jordan overhears his father on the phone talking about Spencer’s not really there for his academia. He’s the best player Coach has seen. This statement makes Jordan jealous, so when he meets up with Asher outside (while Leila is once again flirting with Spencer), they plan to get Spencer out.

Olivia tells Spencer about her stint in rehab after being in a dark place and getting hooked on pills and booze. Leila interrupts them to invite Spencer to a party at her place. Olivia tries to warn him not to go, but it’s to no avail. Once at the party, Spencer turns down drinks at first because they have practice the next day, but Jordan an Asher convince him that it’ll just be an easy Saturday practice with only a few drills. As he throws back a shot, they pour theirs out.

The next day at practice, it’s anything but a lax day. It’s scrimmage day. Spencer’s hungover and off his off his A-game in front of boosters – who keep the football program alive. How embarrassing. Jordan also spills the beans to Spencer that coach only brought him on to win a champion ship and keep his job.It takes a lot of convincing from Coach Baker and Coop, but Spencer agrees to stay at Beverly High. He confesses to the coach that he’s still angry at his father and wants to be better than him. At the game later, Spencer points out a weakness in one of the opposing team’s player. He convinces Baker to let him go in for Asher and makes a block for Jordan to score the winning touchdown. Woot Woot! Not so much for Jordan, though. Even though he scored the touchdown, he spots his father saying “I’m proud of you, son” to Spencer. Ouch.

Cliffhanger

What’s a series premier without a cliffhanger to make you want to come back for more?

At the end of the episode, there’s an issue with Spencer’s “academic permit” (or whatever they’re calling it). The only way to fix this transfer issue so he can stay at Beverly High and on the team is for him to move to Beverly Hills. Problem is, his mom barely makes ends-meat. There’s no way they could afford to live in Beverly Hills. Next option? Move in with the Bakers, of course. He talks to his mom and baby brother about it, and their fine with it. He’ll live with the Bakers through the week and be home on the weekends. This should be interesting.

Meanwhile, Coop’s apparently joined Shawn’s crew.

The real kicker, however, is when Coach Baker shows up at Spencer’s house after Spencer’s already left. “We have to tell Spencer the truth,” he says to Grace. What are they hiding?? Could Coach Baker really be Spencer’s father??

All American airs Wednesdays at 9/8c!