Critic’s Rating: 4.6 / 5.0
4.6
We’ve waited through half of All American Season, and it finally feels like we’ve come home
They needed Olivia or some of the other OGs to appear earlier in the season because, while it’s been a decent season, it’s definitely been missing that vibe of a final season.
Olivia returned home at the perfect time on All American Season 8 Episode 8 because Layla felt conflicted about her European tour and how it would affect her marriage.
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
I love how Olivia just popped in because Spencer was occupied and she craved some girl time, somehow knowing that Layla needed her.
Through reminiscing, the friends taught the teens how their friendship survived and the importance of having someone who shows up in those moments.
Khalil took some of that advice to heart and rushed into action in that emotional cliffhanger. This was the All American we’ve been missing.
All American Season 8 Episode 8 Highlighted How Layla and Olivia’s Friendship Evolved
While the writers showed how Coop evolved on All American Season 8 Episode 7, they took a different approach this time.
All American Season 8 Episode 8 didn’t highlight a character, but a relationship, and All American has often focused more on Jordan and Spencer’s relationship.
(The CW/Screenshot)
It was fun to take a trip down memory lane and see how Olivia and Layla have matured from young girls into sisters-in-law and best friends.
While this episode focused on how Olivia was always there for Layla, some of the flashbacks highlighted that Layla has returned the favor, too.
I Enjoyed the Ladies Counseled the Teens About Friendship and Forgiveness
Olivia and Layla used to be right in the middle of the teen drama during high school. I suspect that’s why Olivia was so amused as she listened to Tori and Khalil fight about Miranda, Amina, and KJ.
It was like listening to a teen soap opera, and it became more entertaining once KJ stopped by.
Tori seemed embarrassed that the ladies heard all of the fighting, but Olivia and Layla seemed eager to share their teenage years with the teenager and prove she wasn’t alone.
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
I’m not sure why Tori was so shocked that Olivia and Layla both dated Spencer. On teen dramas, it seems to be a rite of passage that best friends like or date the same guy.
At least Layla and Olivia admitted they were both at fault: Olivia liked him first, and Layla dated him, but Olivia kissed him in Las Vegas.
The ladies tried to show Tori that their friendship mattered more than a guy since they’d been there for each other numerous times.
It was a sweet sentiment, but I didn’t totally blame Tori for not being ready to let go. She needed time to process things, but she at least seemed less angry after talking to them.
Cliff Mosley Reignited His Campaign to Destroy the Bakers
I despise Cliff Mosley. I didn’t like him when he came for Billy Baker’s job on All American, and he’s just as much of a snake now.
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
It’s obvious he thought he could control Cassius, but Cassius hated that Cliff revealed the Baker family drama and then made KJ a pawn.
Cassius was proud of his son for leading the walk-out and supporting their friends at Crenshaw. I suspect he could have convinced the board anyway, but Cliff Mosley needed to control the narrative.
He didn’t really care who was head coach as long as it wasn’t Jordan. What worries me is that Cliff enjoys digging up dirt on the family.
He may enjoy posting that Jordan left the showcase to deal with a family matter. What’s he going to do when Cassius goes to support his cousin?
Will Cliff Mosley be forced to back off or find a new pawn?
Showing Up When It Matters Most
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
I loved that All American showed so many flashbacks. Friendships aren’t perfect, especially the friends who are like family.
Those are the ones who can hurt you the most, but will show up in those darkest hours. I was so excited that they used flashbacks of times when both Olivia and Layla showed up to support one another.
It highlighted their growth. The only thing that bothered me was that Olivia has evolved with Spencer, and Layla sometimes still seems scared to talk things through with Jordan.
It’s not that I can’t relate. Some days, marriage is about surviving or functioning. But it should be about the joy, and Layla needs to coordinate their next steps with Jordan together.
I’m happy that Olivia was there to talk that through with her. I wish we could see more of them and their lives in the future.
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
I really like Tori and Khalil. She’s more natural with him. I’m unsure if they’ll ever be more than close friends, but I was glad that she called him, not KJ.
Khalil has been there for her through everything, and he deserves to have someone in his corner at this showcase.
He’s in a tight spot because he’s friends with both KJ and Tori, and he’s been preparing diligently to earn a scholarship.
Thank goodness for Layla. She knew things were tense between Jordan and Khalil because Khalil feared losing the only stable home he’d ever had, and she needed to show him that love wasn’t conditional.
She’d learned that when she stayed with the Bakers, and she wanted to show that to him.
(Kevin Estrada/The CW)
While I Expected It, I Still Felt Emotional at That Cliffhanger
Let’s face it. We knew the second Jordan Baker ran off that football field of the showcase, it was likely Olivia in labor.
I didn’t expect her to go into a painful, early labor, but twins often come early.
After Layla’s talk with Kayla, it made sense that he found Olivia. He’s learned that the Bakers have treated him like family, just as Layla admitted she felt like family there.
He took her words to heart about showing up in times of need. He stayed calm and strong under pressure, called 911, and got the appropriate supplies in case he needed to deliver the twins.
I felt for Khalil. He’s worked so hard for that showcase, but he’d miss it in a heartbeat since Olivia was in trouble. He’s very much like Jordan. Family first.
(The CW/Screenshot)
Those babies better be okay. I’m excited Olivia’s pregnancy scare has started now, with five episodes to go. It means we’ll have more of the OGs, and hopefully Spencer will be returning soon, too.
Over to you, All American Fanatics. Did you enjoy the Olivia- and Layla-centric episode? Were you surprised by that emotional cliffhanger?
Let us know in the comments.
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