All American Review: The Art Of Peer Pressure (Season 2 Episode 13)
Another episode, another opportunity to feel blessed a show like All American exists.
All American Season 2 Episode 13, “The Art Of Peer Pressure,” displays how supreme it is in storytelling tactics and proves why it’s a contender for one of TV’s best teen dramas.
Whenever things feel like they might lag, All American comes through with a pivot in the narrative that never fails to impress.
Asher’s characterization has faltered the last few episodes; it was disheartening to watch his growth deconstruct at such a rapid pace. “The Art Of Peer Pressure” makes attempts to rectify this flaw, showcasing the gentler nature we’ve grown accustomed to this past season.
His moment of romance, at the very least, solidifies drugs as the catalyst for Asher’s egotistical behavior and verifies he hasn’t gone completely Mr. Hyde out of nowhere.
Asher is undoubtedly a complex character, but Olivia is who resonates most with audiences. If All American wants to keep fans happy, it will allow Liv to break free from this relationship that’s proving to be nothing more than a hindrance to her life.
Asher can take this journey, but let him take it alone.
After displacing her from the narrative fairly egregiously this season, Laura Baker is finally back and relevant to the plot with a journey of her own. Putting her back on screen as a tool to discuss the rampant misogyny that runs deep in America does wonders in helping her character feel useful.
Spencer’s story continues to unravel at the perfect pace; his anxiety over getting back on the field comes just in time. Spencer James could not be more loveable as a character, but in order to feel human, he needs added layers.
Letting Spencer endanger his future helps that.
You want Spencer to achieve his dreams–college, the NFL, all of it. Still, there’s no payoff without conflict, and his failures make his successes that much sweeter.
Even the climax of Coop’s issues comes at the right time. There are so many moving parts, but somehow it works; the show has taken its time letting things unfold in organic ways.
There’s a beautiful juxtaposition in Coop making steps towards her future as an artist, while simultaneously running from her past. Displaying that juxtaposition by playing her music on the radio as she drives to potentially face that past and lose everything, is incredibly poignant.
Again, the storytelling on this show is just magnificent.
Let me rephrase: the storytelling on this show is usually magnificent.
If anything is dragging All American down, it’s the storyline given to Jordan Baker.
He’s such an excellent character, so unique in comparison to the rest on the show, and deserves an arc worth watching. A plot about his pregnant friend (who lied and pretended it was his baby) is not that story.
Sure, Jordan going so above and beyond for Simone showcases his kind heart; it proves he’s a good dude. And maybe that was needed eight episodes ago, when he was rebelling against his father and acting out in dangerous ways.
At episode 13, we’re way past that. Jordan has done more than enough to get back in the audience’s good graces. Even rebellious Jordan was still lovable–Michael Evans Behling makes sure of it. Taking in a pregnant teen just lands as gratuitous.
Plenty could be done in regard to Jordan’s struggle within his family dynamic. There’s also still a treasure trove of content regarding Jordan’s quest towards figuring out his future; who he wants to be if he can’t make it in football is still a great unknown. It feels like a gigantic missed opportunity not to dive into this material.
If Simone is meant to be some epic slow-burn love story for Jordan, fine. Their chemistry falls flat, but at least he knows her name.
That doesn’t need to be his only story though. He’s one of the main characters in this series, and the quarterback of the Eagles.
He never shines brighter than when he’s leading the Eagles to victory.
Even if All American isn’t delivering it’s best Jordan Baker content, it still does an excellent job of giving all it’s characters the right amount of screen time, which is more than most character-driven shows can say.
It also never forgets its strong female characters, who are tenacious and powerful in vastly unique ways, and that deserves recognition. Whether they’re battling inner demons or outside conflicts, every character on this show is on an extraordinary journey, and I just feel lucky to be along for the ride.
Random Thoughts:
- Billy’s character continues to grow more and more likable this season.
- Setting a scene aside for Spencer, Darnell, and Dillon to continue being brothers and bond is *chefs kiss*.
- The Eagles always back each other and it’s a subtle slay on toxic masculinity which I am HERE for.
- CHRIS IS BACK? WAIT—
- Did Coop shoot Ty?! What are your theories?!
What did you think of this episode of All American? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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All American airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Kat Pettibone
Kat Pettibone is an aspiring TV writer, artist, and poet. As a Pacey Witter Fan Club lifer who never missed a TGIF, she has dreams of becoming your generations small screen Nora Ephron. She's also an avid lover of coffee, dogs and all things spooky.