All American Review: How Come (Season 3 Episode 5)

Injuries are leading the way towards enlightenment.

All American Season 3 Episode 5, “How Come,” lifts the curtain on high school athletics, revealing the complexities that come along with competitive sports.

Generally, All American doesn’t shy away from showcasing the incredible experience sports can have on teenagers;  it’s a time to overcome insurmountable obstacles, prove greatness, and work towards common goals. 

With team sports, it’s also about being part of a bigger picture; coming together, and rising above differences in order to achieve one common goal: winning.

That type of camaraderie is all over All American, and in many ways, can be considered the beating heart of the show. It’s certainly prominent in “How Come,” with Spencer putting himself on the line for QB Chris. After two consecutive losses, the boys figure out a way to rise above their emotional baggage and bring home the first win of the year.

What “How Come” also manages to deliver, is a take on how negatively sports can impact teenagers; something that isn’t addressed or broached nearly enough in TV and film. 

Sports stories are always ones of inspiration, but fail to take on the harsh mental consequences competitive athletics can bring. 

All American is ready to have that conversation.

Jordan thinks if he misses a single game, he’ll lose his place on the team, and ruin his chances at a future in college football.

That deep-rooted panic goes beyond the stress of simply being Billy Bakers’ son; it’s something that runs within everyone who plays football on All American, and is the catalyst for most of the inner conflicts we see characters struggling with.  

The connection between sports and mental health has always been there, but “How Come” allows the issues to manifest through physical injuries, in order to give a more clear view of the potential fallout.  

In Jordan’s case, he’s willing to put his life on the line in order to lead his team to victory. Somehow, potential brain damage comes second to the scoreboard in front of him. 

It’s a clever way to highlight how toxic the competitive sports universe can be, and All American only adds more layers to its story when dealing with lead character Spencer James. 

Spencer’s physical injury has literally turned psychosomatic — he blames his best friend for the shooting, but his love for her causes an inability to deal with the pain.

It’s the perfect character arc for him. As a protagonist who bears a prominent savior complex, Spencer is torn between protecting the emotions of a friend, and focusing on what he, himself, actually needs.

Being a stuck point himself in regards to Chris, only adds cruel irony to the situation, playing Spencer on both sides of the coin. Spencer realizes the only way to help Chris — both on, and off the field — is to confront him head-on about their issues. 

This, of course, comes to light through intensive therapy and self-reflection — an approach other sports-driven shows wouldn’t dare attempt — and leads to Spencer’s ultimate confrontation with Coop by episode’s end. 

“How Come” isn’t an explosive episode, by any means — but it does set up for an inevitable climactic moment between Coop and Spencer; one that will likely cast shade on their relationship forever. 

That’s what All American does so well; interweaves moments of seemingly simplistic high school sports and gives them a deeper, more complex meaning. Instead of being about football, All American uses sports as a vessel for taking on important topics, and jumpstarting character-driven conflict.  

The most impressive thing may be how seamlessly it all tends to flow. There isn’t a single instance where a plotline feels contrived or forced. All American is, as always, nailing it on the head (bad terminology, sorry Jordan). With every episode, comes a new poignant perspective. 

Random Thoughts:

• Asher giving Jordan a lecture on doing the “right thing?” Boy, stop talking! You literally never do the right thing. 
• All American is always showing how parents in teen dramas can be both present and helpful, and that’s important.
• Olivia’s struggles are finally coming to light, but not through her own perspective. That needs to change. 
• I am trying (and failing) to understand where this Mo storyline is leading. 
• A personal thank you to Taye Diggs, an actor who knows how to pretend his cup is actually full of hot coffee. 
• Patience and Coop’s relationship runs so deep; even in their broken moments, they are still a phenomenal pair.

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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