All American Review: Ready Or Not (Season 3 Episode 14)

Everyone loves an underdog. 

All American Season 3 Episode 14, “Ready Or Not,” centers itself around redemption and reconciliation, delivering an episode that is as inspirational as it is plot-heavy.

There’s a lot happening in “Ready Or Not;” arguably too much for such a tight, 45-minute window.

The show is headed towards its final episodes of the season, which leaves no time for filler. The problem, however, lies in the complexity of every storyline. All of them are deserving of development, but there isn’t quite enough time to sit with what’s been thrown into an already filled pot.

That doesn’t mean the episode is a failure; the content — albeit rushed — unfolds in incredibly moving and poignant ways only a show like All American can execute properly. 

The most successful storyline revolves around the big Crenshaw game against Westlake. All American manages to bring the stakes of high school football to unheard-of heights, melding together multiple narratives that result in the ultimate payoff.

Westlake is not just another rival school Crenshaw has to beat. Down a QB, Crenshaw is staring at a team who sent Jordan to the hospital, refused to kneel in solidarity against police brutality, and is led by Simones toxic ex-boyfriend.

Westlake is Crenshaw’s ultimate nemesis.

Spencer is also potentially facing his last high school game, should the team lose. All this, while a college recruiter (played by the always delectable Manny Montana) evaluates his worth from the sidelines.

It’s such an insanely tense and arduous moment for Spencer, who becomes unhinged by the pressure. His desire for revenge pushes him into a manic mindset the character has never gone. Spencer’s been angry, but that anger has always been righteous.

In “Ready Or Not,” we see him go blind with rage.

Embodying those nuanced differences in character is something Daniel Ezra has no problem doing, proving yet again he is a star in the making. The larger narrative piece, however, is a commentary on the pressures of high school sports, and the detriment they can have on a teen’s mental health.

Even the most upstanding kid like Spencer isn’t immune to the crushing pressure to perform. Sports have turned into a vehicle that can determine a teen’s entire future. That stress becomes so intense, kids forget they’re supposed to be having fun. 

All American never misses an opportunity to turn what could be a one-note plot point into a dynamic discussion of dangerous societal norms. That’s why no other teen drama is achieving its same level of quality. 

Elsewhere, Coop turns 18 and re-evaluates where she stands with Spencer, the Baker men wax poetic on their love lives, and Laura faces the consequences of Olivia stealing the body came footage.

While Coop’s reminiscence over her friendship with Spencer could serve as a simple flourish to the episode, the incorporation of Shawn makes it demand more attention than it actually gets. Shawn did craft Coop’s entire Season 1 arc, after all, and could be the key to reconciling with her estranged best friend. 

Laura and Olivia’s predicament also deserves more focus. 

All American is sure to make their point; it’s not just cops who are corrupt, it’s the entire justice system that needs a massive overhaul. Still, the storyline needs more time to breathe, and the incorporation of Laura’s mother borders on a deus ex machina quick fix. 

If this conflict doesn’t play out until the season finale, it will feel like a missed opportunity.

There are a considerable amount of loose threads for All American to properly wrap up in just a few short episodes (don’t forget about Mo, Layla’s creepy new friend, Jordan’s marriage and attempt at a comeback, or that Asher exists), but if any show can do it, it’s this one.

And if it wants to keep Manny Montana around a little longer, that would be okay, too.

Random Thoughts: 

• The “real” Spencer James has dialogue in this episode!
• I will forever be sobbing over the tackle Spencer makes in Jordan’s name. 
• The Baker twins pausing to have a quick pep talk with each other is everything.
• The fashion on this show does not miss. 
• I would love more consistency with the Mo storyline.
• No one deserves a full scholarship more than Spencer. Too bad he won’t go because there would be no show. Toledo State seems like the perfect fit. 

 

 

 

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All American airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW. 

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