All American Review: Teenage Love (Season 4 Episode 6)

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned bottle episode of television, and in the case of All American Season 3 Episode 6, “Teenage Love,” no better time to tap the powder keg of secrets, and make it go boom.

“Teenage Love” is possibly All American‘s most “teen” episode to date; a quasi-style bottle episode that brings all its characters to one location, so secrets may be leaked and betrayals can come to light. It certainly helps characters move forward in big ways, but does so by leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. 

That “bottle style” offers a change in location, and director Nikhil Paniz uses it as an ample opportunity to showcase his cinematography skills. The opening shots of both Spencer and the landscape are nothing short of stunning, instating nature as its own character within the narrative. 

Directional choices may be what makes the episode all that it is; characters move at a quicker pace with dialogue, creating conversations of witty banter that elevate the comedic tones.

Those comedic beats are juxtaposed seamlessly with Spencer’s more serious journey surrounding Corey, as he gets to know his father through old letters never sent.

Still, All American never misses an opportunity to actually let its teenagers act like teenagers, and it’s never more present than in “Teenage Love.”

The episode undoubtedly lives up to its name, but keeps the heavier drama weaved in between water gun fights and games of “Never Have I Ever,” letting the kids break free and get silly — even if it’s just for a little while.

It has a relatability that works for everyone; flashing its audience back to a senior year weekend of their own, where your friends are your life, and every heartbreak feels like the end of the world.   

There is plenty of heartbreak to go around in “Teenage Love,” and the middle of nowhere is the perfect place for secrets of summers past to finally reveal themselves. There isn’t a single couple who pulls through the wreckage unscathed, although it does provide a surprising moment of growth for Simone and Jordan.

Jordan’s soliloquy of all the reasons he loves Simone is sugary sweet, but that’s unfortunately where the romance ends.  

Asher and Coop find themselves at similar boiling points; both are suffocated by Olivia and Spencer’s constant protection. While Coop has justifiable reasons to be frustrated for Spencer’s “misplaced” guilt, Asher’s attempt at playing victim to a girlfriend who cares for him feels completely unearned. 

Both blame Spencer and Olivia’s “savior complex” on the issues between them, and it all culminates in a wildly clever cross-cut scene, where both pairs come face to face with their paralleled issues.

It’s not only a brilliant choice for shooting simultaneous climactic moments, but a way to highlight how losing a friendship can be just as devastating as ending a romance. Long-term falling-outs between friends are rarely showcased on TV, but All American makes space for those moments, proving friends can be soulmates, too. 

Beyond those paralleled fallouts, Spencer and Olivia’s compatibility is a clear elephant in the room that must be dealt with, and a focus of the episode at large.

It’s nowhere more apparent than in regards to Spencer’s grief. Olivia course corrects Layla when she allows him to go off by himself, understanding the emotional levity may be too big for Spencer to handle on his own.

When Spencer discovers Corey’s letters, Olivia’s ability to explain the letters in a way that makes Spencer appreciative proves yet again, she understands what he needs. 

The connection between them is almost played out too heavy-handedly — an egregious amount. Spencer and Olivia are clearly a perfect match, and it’s time to move forward into the next chapter of this story.

If things don’t reveal themselves soon, All American risks an audience mutiny. Spencer and Olivia figuring out their feelings is one thing, but continuously hurting an already delicate Layla will quickly turn inexcusable. 

“Teenage Love” could easily feel like two completely different episodes — one where Spencer deals with the aftermath of his father’s death, and another where a bunch of teenagers laughs and cry and fight with all their friends in the woods.

The use of Corey’s letters, however, weave both storylines together seamlessly. His voiceovers parallel Spencer’s own life enough so the narrative choices go off with a hitch, creating an episode that is funny, powerful, and heartbreaking at all the right times.

Paniz’s directional decisions, and the cast’s outstanding performances, are just cherries on top of an already stellar piece of television. 

Random Thoughts: 

• Billy trying to seduce Laura with his tools is iconic, and their chemistry is so undervalued!
• Fettuccine ala JJ sounds absolutely disgusting. 
• The audacity Asher has to be mad at Olivia when he had an entire emotional affair in Mexico is unfathomable. 
• Grace is a wonderful mother; not just to her kids, but to anyone who needs it. 
• I have warmed up to Simone and Jordan just in time for her to leave All American for her own spin-off.
• Corey’s voiceover nails it; Spencer cares about Layla, but not in the way she deserves. Not anymore.
• Everyone drinking pickle juice to create a safe, sober space for Olivia makes me emotional. 
• There is a comedic irony in Spencer going to a cabin to clear his head, just so his friends can show up messy and loud.
• There is something poignant in Spencer and Olivia being a perfect match, even when it comes to their flaws. 

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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