'All American' Season 2 Episode 5 review: This bittersweet episode had us torn
The CW show 'All American' knows when to twist the knife. After the previous episode that saw Spencer (Daniel Ezra) addressing Layla's (Greta Onieogou) depression, the next episode tackled it head on. Yet, Spencer and Layla's relationship did not take precedence over the main issue, thankfully. The emotional core of the episode was the focus on Corey's (Chad L. Coleman) abrupt departure and the ramifications it had on his sons.
The episode started off with Olivia (Samantha Logan) bringing Layla home, where she is, in her words 'ambushed' by her father, a doctor, and Spencer. During the conversation, Spencer gets the call about Corey's exit and he quickly leaves, which upsets Layla further, who keeps insisting that she is OK. Jordan and Olivia are both grounded, before they are abducted for a surprise birthday party, and the surprise host is Layla, but she has her own motives for this, primarily to get back at Olivia for bringing her father back. Olivia tells her about Spencer and what he is going through.
Layla does soften for a bit, but her jealousy comes in the way and she randomly kisses Asher, which leaves Olivia rather taken aback. Ironically, this move works well for Olivia and Asher. Jordan's not having it easy, and being grounded is the least of his problems. He has to finally face the consequences of his actions, and his parents need to work together to help him right his wrongs.
Spencer finds out about the paternity test that Grace wanted Corey to take, and this leads to a tearful conversation between him and Grace. Spencer finally confesses his fear that has been eating at him, whether he was enough for Corey or not. It's a heart-wrenching scene and it's not quite easy Spencer to watch break down and reiterate the question whether he was enough at all. Spencer's acting was restrained, yet powerful through the episode and does tug at the heartstrings. Considering the character has just had a breakup as well as lost his father again, this was a job well done.
The episode addressed Layla's depression well for a fair part of the episode, though the scenes she created at the party seemed rather over-the-top, and too reminiscent of a soap opera. She seemed uncharacteristically catty and petty and this seemed to have been put her under the umbrella of depression to further the plot.
Flawed, but bittersweet, this episode of 'All American', had its heart in the right place. The strength of the show lies in its familial bonds, and complexity, more so than the romantic relationships, which come across as formulaic. Hopefully, that might improve in the episodes to come. Season 2 is proving to be an emotional rollercoaster and here's hoping that the story reaches new emotional heights.