Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
4.5
Tamia Cooper does not fit in the corporate lawyer world. She, Spencer James, and Preach grew up in Crenshaw and wanted to give something back.
Working for tenants’ rights isn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t where Coop’s passion lay.
The writers at All American teased that we would see character-centric stories of the OG characters and how it affected the entire canvas.
(Courtesy of The CW)
I finally felt like they succeeded in All American Season 8 Episode 7 with Coop’s arc. It highlighted how far she’s come with some classic flashbacks.
But “Somehow Some Way” also explored how Coop’s loyalty still lies with her found family, and how she’d risk almost everything to save Preach and Amina. Coop isn’t the same teenager she was eight seasons ago, but she’s still complicated.
Coop’s Guilt Propels Her Into Action
Missing Amina’s phone call and texts sent Coop into an emotional meltdown. She couldn’t believe she thought of herself when she should have been helping Amina and Preach.
Everyone assured her differently, but only Layla got through.
(Courtesy of The CW)
Cracks were beginning to form between Coop and Breonna. Breonna acted detached, informed, and professional like it was a case, but to Coop, this was family. Coop would have done anything to locate and release Preach and Amina.
I never knew Coop was an avid Olivia Benson fan, but I loved how she used a crime board to wheedle out her suspects.
It might have been more entertaining to watch Coop in lawyer mode if there weren’t lives at stake.
I wish we could have seen or heard a phone call with Ms. Baker since she was such a mentor to Coop, but I guess she’s only appearing once when Olivia’s baby comes.
I Was Shocked By Who Called Patience About the Raid
(Courtesy of The CW)
I assumed Layla contacted Patience, implying Coop needed her, since Layla seemed in tune with Coop’s moods.
I never expected Breonna to call Patience. That showed how much she truly cared about Coop, and she knew Coop needed some emotional reassurance that she couldn’t provide.
Patience had known Coop through everything, including when Shawn died and Amina’s mother died. She remembered the guilt Coop felt when Coop got to live her life and fulfill her dreams.
Those flashbacks highlighted how far Coop has come, but she still loves her people deeply. Patience knew that because she’s witnessed the bond Coop shared with Amina since Amina was young.
I suspect Coop just needed someone to hold her and reassure her that Amina knew that she’d show up.
(The CW/Screenshot)
Breonna meant well, but she hadn’t been there for all those other emotional milestones. She did the best thing possible by calling for emotional backup.
I thought it was telling that Patience approved of Breonna, thinking that Coop felt safe with her if she lashed out, knowing that Breonna wouldn’t leave.
We’ll have to see how accurate that is.
Cassius’s Decision May Have Destroyed the Family
Cassius should not have worked with Cliff Mosley because a nosy reporter kept following Cassius, Jordan, and KJ around, wanting gossip.
The reporter seemed oblivious that the raid and rescuing their friends was more important than any family rivalry.
(The CW/Screenshot)
KJ also tried to redirect the reporter, commenting on the Crenshaw students’ bravery, but the reporter seemed determined to bring the men down.
I’m unsure if he was trying to fuel the fire or if KJ actually broke some rules by leading that walk-out. He cared about his friends.
Since the flash-forward shows the teams at the showcase, I assume that reporter wanted to stir up more trouble. I doubt Cassius wanted to make things worse for his cousin or his son, but he may have.
Coop Made Her Choice, But at What Cost?
I fully understand Breonna’s POV that it would have been unproductive to call Coop out on her emotional outburst initially. Coop has always been the most passionate person on All American.
It’s gotten her in trouble at times with her act-first, think-later mentality. But that’s why Amina has always admired Auntie Coop.
(The CW/Screenshot)
It’s why Coop used Breonna’s connections to a judge to get Amina out of the detention center. Coop wasn’t afraid to remind the judge that she had once been young, acted much like Amina, and gotten another chance.
Coop always wanted to become a lawyer to change things for the better, and even her new boss saw her become more animated defending Amina than she did tenants’ rights.
Laura Baker knew that about Coop years ago, and Coop can finally do something about that. But what will it cost her?
I suspect Breonna fell for the new and improved Coop, and I’m unsure if she’ll appreciate that Coop cares so much about saving her old neighborhood. Maybe I’m wrong. I hope I am.
It’s All About Amina
Hopefully, it was mainly about concern for Amina, because I don’t want to sit through another love triangle.
(Courtesy of The CW)
I can understand that Miranda grew frustrated that Khalil only cared about finding Amina and didn’t even take a minute to process that he was part of the group locked in that classroom, too.
However, Khalil and Amina are childhood friends, so he’d be concerned about her and Preach. It seemed immature for Miranda to taunt that “it’s all about Amina.” Hopefully, she was merely jealous, and Khalil won’t interfere in what’s developing between KJ and Amina.
Amina needs him right now. He’s always been her safe haven, and she’s terrified since no one has answers about Preach’s case.
It broke my heart that Amina couldn’t even stand to take a shower, and she broke down on the floor. I was relieved that KJ was there to comfort her.
(The CW/Screenshot)
This arc isn’t over by any means. The group will likely rally together to get Preach out and keep caring for Amina.
Olivia returns next week, so we may get a slight break from this.
Over to you, All American Fanatics. Did you enjoy Coop’s centric? How will the group rescue Preach? What brings Olivia home?
Let us know in the comments.
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All American Season 8 Episode 7 highlighted how Coop was passionate but doesn’t follow the rules when her family is involved.
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Olivia returns on All American Season 8 Episode 8, and we’re excited to see where this Spelivia baby story is headed. Check out the details.
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