All American: Homecoming Review: Under Pressure (Season 1 Episode 2)
There is no “I” in team!
Classes are in session on All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 2, “Under Pressure.” Our favorite Bringston University students face the highs and lows of the first week of classes — something all students can relate to.
Simone is going through it. After losing her campus housing last week, she’s low on cash from her textbook purchases and in desperate need of a physical to remain eligible to train for tennis. Simone is the epitome of a Freshman trying to balance an on-campus job, tennis practice, and making it to class on time.
Her stress culminates in a scary, but realistic, panic attack. Simone breaking down on screen takes us back to their first week in college.
The uncertainty that comes with such big changes can be overwhelming, but All American: Homecoming allows its characters to feel their feelings. Luckily, Simone has a strong support system behind her. It’s refreshing to see genuine friendships form among the group.
“Under Pressure” realistically depicts the struggles of college students adjusting to new environments. This is the first time many students are living on their own without parental supervision. It is normal to feel overwhelmed while trying to make friends, study for classes, and adapt to new surroundings.
Simone is not the only student grappling with the pressure. Damon, her good friend, is also crumbling under the weight of his circumstances.
Damon’s problem is that he is so focused on his obligation to save the team that he cannot connect with his teammates. When he tries to bond with them, all of his conversations come back to baseball. He is so defined by his gift for the game that he does not know how to be a normal college kid.
When Damon decides to help Simone with her game, he manages to find his groove. Instead of focusing on the pressures of their week, Simone and Damon unwind by playing the sports they love. They find their confidence, and most importantly — they have fun!
In order for Damon to be a true leader for his team, he needs to allow himself to be a real person. He also needs to think about the team as a unit, working together.
Damon will excel as a player if plays every game because he loves it. He cannot carry the burden of a whole program into every inning.
Where Damon struggles to be a leader, JR thrives. The team needs to work together. Instead of letting their fear weaken them, they need to let it fuel their drive. JR will make an excellent team captain.
While Simone and Damon are overcoming obstacles, Cam and Keisha are struggling to make their dreams come true. Despite starting the episode enjoying each other’s company, they end the episode with big questions about their futures.
The juxtaposition between Cam’s dreams crumbling right in front of him and Keisha’s inability to admit that her Dad’s dreams are not hers creates heartbreaking conflict for the (potential) lovers.
Keisha comes so close to revealing her desire to study dance, but she ultimately cannot voice what is in her heart. Meanwhile, Cam needs to see what his life is like without football. These conflicts set up engaging character journeys.
College is about discovering yourself. “Under Pressure” sets up compelling storylines for its characters as they navigate new experiences and adjust to the challenges that come with chasing their dreams. Nothing worth having comes easy!
Other Thoughts:
- What is the connection between JR and Damon? Long lost brothers? Let me know what you think in the comments!
- Damon knows Simone has a boyfriend and he doesn’t care… I love mess.
- Yard Yak is giving me flashbacks to early high school.
- Thea’s “I don’t care” to Damon made me laugh out loud.
- Amara and Coach Marcus had a thing in college…. Right??? Remember this tea!
- Please let every All American: Homecoming episode include family dinner. It is so wholesome. We love a supportive found family!
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!
2 comments
Such a well written article! Can’t wait to read more!
Amara and Coach Turner I definitely think they were college sweethearts and Amara and Coach Turner scenes together are my reason for watching and I think we will see a love triangle with Amara and Coach Turner and President Zeke on screen
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