All American Review: All American: Homecoming (Season 3 Episode 17)
A trip to Atlanta is in the cards for All American Season 3 Episode 17, “All American: Homecoming,” servicing as a back door pilot for a spin-off starring tennis hopeful Simone Hicks.
Back door pilots can be difficult to execute; a show must manage to keep in tone for its dedicated audience while introducing a new world and cast of characters worth investing in. It’s a delicate balance, but “Homecoming” manages to pull it off without a hitch.
Taking a weekend to explore a potential college fits into a narrative All American has already been telling with its soon-to-be graduates. The choice of who to bring along for the ride allows a seamless array of high-context meet and greets to organically unfold throughout the hour, never feeling shoehorned or out of place.
Simone’s connection to her Aunt Amara — a professor of journalism at BU — naturally brings academia into the story, proving “Homecoming” will be no different than All American in its dedication to fighting for social injustice.
This time, it’s just doing it through the lens of higher education.
There’s also baseball prodigy Damon Sims, played by Peyton Alex Smith. Sims is arguably the co-lead of this spinoff, and his journey back to loving a sport he’s grown to resent parallels Simone’s. The two form an instant connection, made stronger by the undeniable chemistry between Smith and Maya.
Sims is undoubtedly the most interesting character “Homecoming” introduces. The episode takes its time fleshing him out, gifting him with an emotionally complex and compelling history. Smith himself, proves he has the talent to carry the weight of a lead with no problem.
“Homecoming” might dedicate a little too much time to Sims; time that could be more effectively used getting to know the women of Bringston University.
Keisha is an energetic journalism major with an ex-boyfriend she loves to make jealous, but that’s where her backstory ends. We know even less about tennis superstar Thea, other than her drive for tennis excellence and immediate disdain for Simone.
As someone who was a national tennis player herself — and a reviewer who at times feels clueless critiquing football — it’s a refreshing sport to see represented on television, especially when it’s focused around women players.
“Homecoming” certainly did its research in finding Hyde to play Thea. There are crafty camera angles to improve the look of the game like always, but Hyde clearly knows how to play tennis, and the authenticity of her talent shines through.
Because tennis is such an underrepresented sport in media, the deeply rooted misogyny of the game tends to go unnoticed.
“Homecoming” delving headfirst into those issues feels personally validating, but approaching it from a misogynoir perspective provides an even deeper look into the sports inherently racist and sexist ideals.
While there isn’t a single weak link, no better character is introduced in “Homecoming” than Bringston University itself. The episode imbues you into HBCU culture, invoking a tone that feels similar to shows like “A Different World” from decades past.
They were shows that gave representation to the incredible excellence expelled from historically black colleges before being pushed off the air in lieu of less impressive, white-dominated programs of a similar genre.
College-based shows have been known to be epic failures ever since, but “Homecoming” reinstates faith University settings can be just as fun as that of high school, while also providing the opportunity to educate viewers.
“Homecoming” brings in plenty of new faces, but it would be remiss not to speak on the jaw-dropping moments between characters we’ve already come to love.
Yes, I’m talking about Spelivia.
It’s simple and understated — definitely not the focus of the hour — but Spencer and Olivia’s moment of reconciliation feels perfectly timed. Away from their hometowns, the two are feeling full and inspired about their futures, realizing how desperately they hope those futures include one another.
It’s a single, perfect kiss, with no explanation need. There will undoubtedly be conversations to come back in LA, but for now, a kiss on the dance floor says more than actual words ever could.
If anyone walks away from “Homecoming” on the losing end, it’s Jordan Baker.
With a looming spin-off for Simone waiting in the wings (not to mention Damon Sims), the future of Simone and Jordan’s marriage looks bleaker by the episode.
For a romance that has been anything but “typical” for the teenage experience, nothing feels more relatable than this particular conflict. Eighteen with separate dreams means love might not be enough.
Married in high school leaves little room for characters to actually grow, or new trajectories to form in future seasons. As much as Jordan and Simone have grown as a couple, parting ways may be what’s healthiest in the end.
Whatever their future as a couple holds, Simone clearly belongs at Bringston, and “Homecoming” is a home run (excuse the pun) of a back door pilot — something every lover of All American will be ready and willing to sink their teeth into.
Random Thoughts:
- Olivia and Simone looking FABULOUS in that fashion show? Whew!
- Jordan’s reaction to both seeing his sister in lingerie on stage and making out with Spencer is priceless.
- Spencer grabbing Olivia because he only wants to dance with her is *heart eyes*.
- I know I shouldn’t be thinking about how this could make way for Jordan and Layla to fall in love but…oops?
- The fashion on this show is absolutely unparalleled.
- We love an enemies-to-lovers trope (looking at you, Simone and Damon!)
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.