All American Review: Bring The Noise (Season 3 Episode 13)

Did a Spencer and Olivia fanfiction just come to life?

All American Season 3 Episode 13, “Bring The Noise,” is perfectly balanced; delivering a fun episode filled with celebration, but still managing to implement the realities of the Black experience along the way.

In previous my review for “Fight The Power,” I lamented on the heaviness All American has recently brought to the table. I yearned for a little bit of levity in place of solely dark tones. “Bring The Noise,” explains exactly why that isn’t always possible.

Spencer and Olivia spend all of “Bring The Noise” trying to enjoy their day. They are determined to immerse themselves in Black joy. That effort gets completely stunted, however, by various obstacles standing (sometimes quite literally) in their way.

From Olivia’s misplaced guilt over pressing pause on her fight, to countless acts of bigotry, racism, and “All Lives Matter” propaganda spewed at them wherever they go, it becomes impossible to break away from all the injustice. 

It’s exhausting to witness, but that’s the point. The Black community wants to live, love, and celebrate the same as anyone else. Unfortunately, they don’t get to step away from the injustices they face on an everyday basis. 

They aren’t given that privilege. 

Spencer and Olivia’s stand against police brutality only amplifies the issue, proving the fight for equality can result in a no-win situation if the system is quite literally designed to work against you.

Olivia’s reflex to call the police for protection, only to realize they are who put her in danger, drives the message home. 

Tension continues to increase as threats get more serious, ending with Olivia barely getting away from a cop who recognizes her. The scene brings the viewer into the moment; shot with eerie undertones, the recognition of genuine danger settles in with chilling efficiency. 

It’s all intensely dramatic, and that’s exactly why it works. This isn’t heightened for TV purposes — it’s a Black person’s reality.

Logan and Ezra maneuver through the episode with impressive ease, working small beats of joy and romance in-between the more emotional, heavier material. It’s refreshing to see the two characters back on screen together, and the chemistry is palpable as ever.

Both actors give each other space to soar, as if they’re taking turns letting one another shine.  Passion spills out of both Logan and Ezra in all the right places, yet we are still gifted with a myriad of sweet, soft moments in between the madness, reminding us why these two are so great together. 

Those softer moments extend beyond just Olivia and Spencer. Finally, All American delivers an episode dedicated to the show’s most superior character, Grace James.

Grace has more than earned her moment to be front and center in an episode. The life and laughter that fills her party feels full and light, bringing viewers into the celebration right alongside her loved ones.

Even Jordan is smiling in “Bring The Noise,” putting his best — and most selfless –foot forward. Jordan would unequivocally make a better coach than he does player, and watching two previous rivals come together for a common goal is as inspiring as it is hopeful.

Because hopeful is what All American does. It never shies away from the destructive, problematic aspects of society, but it also never forgets that people are still ultimately good.

If All American needs any course correction, it’s by the way of Asher Adams. It needs to give his character something — anything, really — to do besides living out a bland, awkward, non-romance with Vanessa. 

The show has always teetered with him on the morally greyscale, so why not commit to making him a villain? Cody Christian could certainly pull it off. 

I watched Teen Wolf, I know it’s true.

In fact, Cody Christian can do much of anything. He’s a powerhouse of an actor, and his talents are severely underutilized by cornering him into a relationship the characters themselves don’t even want to take part in. 

Every other character — Jordan and Layla included — seems to be on the precipice of powerful, eminent storylines. Asher needs that same opportunity, even if he isn’t given the same amount of screen time.

Asher may be meandering, but All American certainly isn’t. “Bring The Noise” is a fully fleshed-out, entertaining episode of television. It gets reacquainted with its characters in relaxed, enjoyable ways, while still keeping its message streamlined and resonant within the narrative.

Letting characters bake cakes, and fight for social justice. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Random Thoughts: 

• Layla’s depression potentially returning is a realistic portrayal of how mental illness works. 
• Principal Carter has got to move on. Putting students’ futures at risk because of an old grudge is asinine behavior. 
• The costume department deserves an award for this episode because everyone looks flawless. 
• Layla should be a friend to Jordan in the way she is to Asher. That way the two can fall in love (I’ll never give up).
• Preach is the most loyal person in Coop’s life right now, and that feels ominous considering Mo’s plans for her. 
• Is the cake baking scene NOT the cutest thing you have ever seen? DOMESTIC SPELIVIA!
• Layla’s roommate gives off very “I am here take over your life and possibly murder you” vibes. Is it just me?

 

 

 

 

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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