All American Review: Only Time Will Tell (Season 2 Episode 12)

Kids will be kids.

All American Season 2 Episode 12, “Only Time Will Tell,” steps away from the hard-hitting drama to remind us of something most teen dramas tend to forget: the show is actually about teenagers!

Casting 25-year-olds in 17-year-old roles is one thing, but it then becomes imperative to create characters who act like they’re in high school. Usually, that means allowing them to make supremely stupid decisions sometimes.

“Only Time Will Tell” does exactly that.

Spencer and his friends are often put into conflict that will alter the course of their lives. It’s heavy, but it’s a successful tool in moving them forward as characters. Spencer, as the world’s most likable and empathetic protagonist, is put into these positions almost constantly, and expected to make the right decisions.

Except 17-year-olds mess up.

It’s refreshing to see Spencer James finally act impulsively. Pushing himself too hard in recovery is the first real high stakes falter we’ve seen from him.

It’s understandable. He almost died, and figured out football is what connects him most to his father. He’s worried about his future, but has always been able to overcome any adversity.

Of course Spencer James would perceive this as just another obstacle to push through. 

That’s how All American reminds us how young Spencer is. He has such a limited scope, he’s unable–and unwilling–to consider the more patient, safe, and promising course of action. 

He knows what he wants, and he wants it now. 

*Insert overdramatic crying face emoji here*

In some ways, Spencer’s hellbent stubbornness is not dissimilar to Asher, who is making the same mistakes in a different way. They’re both worried about their future, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what they need. 

Except here’s the issue with Asher’s plotline. Spencer is a strong protagonist who can benefit from a bad decision. He rarely makes mistakes and taking the wrong road will ultimately lead him towards growth. 

Asher began as the series antagonist, and the growth arc he’s gone through has been a poignant and well-done narrative on the show. His drug use essentially does nothing but revert him back into the villain archetype he started as. 

That basically makes watching and rooting for him a big old waste of time. 

It also puts Olivia in a backseat position to her boyfriend. As a character who has come so far in the series, her storyline continues to revolve around attempting to fix the people around her. While her podcast is a good jumping-off point, Asher’s bad decisions likely threaten her chance at a storyline all her own.

Olivia is a centerpiece to All American, and her journey is far more interesting than Asher’s latest insecurity issues. Considering she was almost killed during “The Crossroads,” I’d much rather be exploring her possible PTSD post all that trauma. 

There’s also Jordan, who is constantly used as comedic relief. It works, and Michael Evans Behling delivers his performances with a masterful buffoonery, but there has to be more to his character than witty one-liners and girlfriend issues.

In other words, Asher’s screen time could be better used giving both the Baker twins meatier storylines.

Sorry, Cody Christian. It’s nothing personal. 

At least “Only Time Will Tell” allows Darnell to take center stage. 

His brother-like camaraderie with Spencer is incredibly endearing, and they consistently tear town toxic masculinity in their refusal to compete. It’s satisfying, but also well past time they added a few more layers to Darnell’s character. 

It’s easy to forget a secondary character’s grief, but Darnell lost Corey too. Committing to the college of his dreams, and fighting to stay in Crenshaw reminds the audience of that bond.

It also keeps Darnell relevant to the story, and creates an even more complex dichotomy with Spencer. Darnell is essentially living Spencer’s life pre-shooting. 

Overall, the characters on All American are moving in the right direction, even if they’re currently making wrong decisions. Asher Adams is the only defective cog in this operation, with his polarizing characterization seeping into the success of other storylines. 

Hopefully, he’ll get back on track soon.

Random Thoughts:

• Olivia and Spencer have such beautiful communication. Their relationship post-shooting needs to be explored more deeply.
• Spencer and Darnell getting nailed by Grace is All American‘s clever way of remembering how old it’s characters are. Curfew is real!
• Of course, JJ would love that guy’s ugly ass shirt.
• Coop and Layla’s friendship growing independently from their connection to Spencer is everything I want to see. 
• Asher really arm-wrestled a dude at that party. He actually did that.
• Jordan has the mindset of a 13-year-old and honestly? It’s a big mood.

What did you think of this episode of All American? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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All American airs at 8/7c on The CW. 

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