'All American' Season 2 Episode 12 Review: Spencer and Darnell's brotherhood is a joy to behold
The review contains spoilers for 'All American' Season 2 Episode 12 — 'Only Time Will Tell'
“It’s all about heart, and a bullet ain’t take that from you,” Darnell Hayes (Da'Vinchi) tells Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) in a heartwarming moment and that is the crux of the episode. Spencer just recovered from his bullet shot, but he is ready to set foot in the football field again. Isn't it too soon for him? Yes, that's the cause of concern for Coach Billy Baker (Taye Diggs) and his mom Grace James (Karimah Westbrook) as well.
Football finally takes center stage in The CW show after a long time and it is a relief. No, don't get me wrong. In the last couple of episodes, 'All American' admirably tackled serious issues like racism, depression and gun violence. Pushing its storyline in a new direction, it did set the tone for the societal concerns with much responsibility. But, feels good to see the players where they're supposed to be.
Meanwhile, Asher Adams (Cody Christian) pushes himself too hard and both, Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan) and his teammates are concerned. Is it the effect of steroids? Of course, it is, and it is only a little time before everyone will know. But the aftermath is certainly not a good one and it isn't exactly pleasing to see Asher with that bad attitude again. He is insecure and Olivia's words are true. He can still be a star with Spencer on the field. Asher needs to get a break from his over-competitive spirit and be comfortable in his own skin. Olivia deserves better and so does Spencer.
Determined to secure their football future, Spencer, Darnell, and Jordan go on a college visit. Both Spencer and Darnell have great options for them. In an emotional scene, Darnell almost turned down his college choice for Spencer and that’s a real one. If Darnell is selfless, so is Spencer. What's more, despite being in rival teams, they are incredibly supportive of each other's careers. Their brotherhood is the highlight in this episode and we hope it is there to stay.
Darnell and Spencer's bond is especially soul-stirring when both of their mothers, Grace and Renee, wait for them to return after a late-night party. The two mothers do have a clash but it is touching to see Renee looking out for Spencer like Grace looked out for Darnell. After all, motherhood doesn't just come for a baby born from your womb and the episode proves that right.
There's a little awkwardness between Coop (Bre-Z) and Patience (Chelsea Tavares) but there is definitely a lot of love. But Coop has a bunch of deep-rooted self-doubts she needs to work through in order to move forward with a successful relationship. If the two take some time off each other, their bond might work in the long run. But who knows, Coop's collaboration with Layla Keating (Greta Onieogou) could prove to be fruitful too.
As more episodes air, it will be a challenge for Spencer to get out of the family drama and mental conflicts to enter the game zone again, and we can't wait for that. Moreover, there's more to look out for what dangers Tyrone Morris (Demetrius Shipp Jr.) might bring to the show.