All American: Homecoming Review: Truth Hurts (Season 1 Episode 5)
The tea is spilling on All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 5, “Truth Hurts.”
When Bringston loses power, our favorite characters are forced to face some hard truths about their lives.
Centering an episode on a blackout is an excellent way to deal with the tensions building over the last couple of episodes. Leaving the students in the dorms and Amara and Marcus in the gym allows for confrontations that are necessary to move the plot forward.
I’ve said it a couple of times, and I will continue to say it, Peyton Alex Smith is shining on All American: Homecoming. After being underutilized on Legacies, it’s wonderful to see him showcase the depths of his emotional range.
Damon faces a lot of hard truths on this episode, and Smith makes our hearts ache throughout. His desire to learn where he came from is sadly realistic, as many adopted children face this struggle as they grow up.
Smith’s talent especially shines in scenes with Geffri Maya, who also gives a moving performance as Simone reveals that she has a child.
Simone and Damon’s fight about Baby Shay proves how well-matched they are. Instead of shaming Simone for her choices, Damon reminds her of her courage. While they are holding hands in the dark, you can’t help but root for these two!
Simone and Damon’s connection feels almost unspoken, despite how obvious it is to everyone around them. They are drawn to each other in times of need, proving the depth of their instant connection and the comfort that exists between them.
Thea Mays is slowly stealing my heart.
Camille Hyde plays Thea’s vulnerabilities so well. As Thea struggles to relate to her classmates, Hyde portrays her awkwardness in a way that makes us want to root for her.
Thea opening up about her inexperience with dating leads to an authentic commentary about modern dating culture. There are new pressures with social media and sexual expectations that not everyone is comfortable with. Contrasting Thea’s experience with those of her classmates addresses the loss of traditional approaches to dating in young adults today.
However, as much as I am loving Thea, it is difficult to fully sympathize with her situation. She says that she feels like an outsider, but she is also not a welcoming person.
Her cold and mean exterior is clearly a defense for someone who lost all of her teenage years to tennis. She has yet to experience real friendships, so she has no idea how to approach them. But she needs to be kinder to people if she wants to lose her outsider status.
Some of the biggest reveals come from the confrontation we have all been waiting for with Amara and Marcus.
This relationship is so enjoyable to watch, because it has everything you want from a fictional couple. They have a history, chemistry, angst, passion, and even some flirting!
She still drives him crazy, and he was always enough. Look at the material!
After finally discussing the heartbreaking end of their relationship, we rejoiced at their reunion, but Marcus and Amara are keeping us on our toes.
Amara believes that their hook up was “closure,” but this is far from the end of their story. It’s time that Marcus fights for what he very clearly wants–Amara!
Two of the other major confrontations of the episode center on Keisha and JR. While Keisha runs from her dreams, JR spirals about his parent’s divorce.
These differing conflicts allow both characters to find support in expected and unexpected people.
As Cam pushes Keisha to step out of her comfort zone to chase her dreams, JR’s meltdown leads to unexpected advice from Nate. Both pairings create interesting dynamics to build on in coming episodes.
Cam’s support of Keisha is adorable while also proving how far he has come since we saw him on All American. He has a heart of gold, and we love to see it.
This dynamic is the epitome of a light and fun college relationship that blossoms into something more than either expected. I’m rooting for these two!
Nate’s advice for JR opens more opportunities for All American: Homecoming to explore new dynamics. Nate continues to shine with her friends, but there is potential in a new relationship with JR if they connect over their parent’s divorces.
Plus, watching Nate read JR so well is very enjoyable. Someone needs to put him in his place.
“Truth Hurts” is another solid episode that pushes characters to open up and address their fears. This allows some relationships to blossom, and others to crumble, building on tensions that will drive episodes to come. All American: Homecoming continues to deliver on drama!
Stray Thoughts
- So Simone’s mother messes with everyone’s love life?
- JR and Damon’s fight hurts. This relationship is already such an integral part of the show.
- It’s lovely that Simone has such supportive friends!
- Thea laying out her ground rules to Kevin put the biggest smile on my face.
- Who are Damon’s parents? Share your theories in the comments!
What did you think of this episode of All American: Homecoming? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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All American: Homecoming airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Julia Paino
Julia is a TV and pop culture enthusiast who gets too emotionally invested in her favorite characters. She loves making people laugh and is always down for a Taylor Swift sing-along. She is firmly on Team Stefan and has been since 2009. Follow her on Twitter @juliampaino!
One thought on “All American: Homecoming Review: Truth Hurts (Season 1 Episode 5)”
Amazing review loved Amara and Coach Turner scenes together during the blackout and looking forward to Amara and Tina confrontation
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