All American Review: Babies and Fools (Season 4 Episode 12)

Daniel Ezra makes his directorial debut in All American Season 4 Episode 12, “Babies and Fools,” proving he’s a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the camera.

Ezra has proved his extraordinary talent over the first four seasons of All American. From his unbelievably meticulous American accent (yes, he’s really British!) to the grounded way in which he portrays Spencer James, Ezra has crafted the show’s lead protagonist into one of teen drama’s most iconic characters. 

“Babies and Fools” is just an extension of that talent.

Ezra takes an incredibly creative approach directing what is likely an already well-oiled CW machine. His shot and coverage choices are extremely artistic in nature, and that nuance can felt through the lens.

He also incorporates notable “walk and talks” between characters that feel innately fluid in nature. An intercut conversation between Billy, Liv, Grace, and Spencer is particularly seamless, and he frequently opts for unique angles and movements in places many directors would choose a simple steady cam shot. 

It can’t be easy to act while taking on the task of directing, so it’s surprising how present Spencer actually is in “Babies and Fools.” Spencer isn’t the focus of the hour, but he’s prominent when it counts, and Ezra is expected — per usual — to deliver emotional gravitas on multiple occasions.

He rises up to that challenge with ease, never losing focus of his own performance, or James as a character.

Most impressively, the familiarity between cast and director inevitably creates space for new levels of performance. The characters feel strikingly real, as if they trust themselves to make better choices because they trust the man behind the camera. 

Regardless of stakes, Ezra pulls the right level of emotion from every actor, making even the most grating of storylines read more heartfelt than disheartening.

While Mo’s death still drags on, the unlikely duo of Laura and Preach find a heartbeat to an otherwise exhausting narrative. Mazur and Grimes deliver just the right amount of vulnerability, leaving the future hopeful. 

“Babies and Fools” showcases Laura in ways most episodes don’t bother, and helps move Preach along into his most likable story yet. It’s only the focus on Amina that still tends to be a thorn in All American’s side, proving too out of place for even Ezra to smooth over.

Acting with children can be a difficult thing to navigate, and finding one who gels with an older cast can be a miracle.

Jalyn Hall’s portrayal as Dillion is All American’s miracle. 

The character of Amina is a lot to take on, regardless of age. Tabu simply doesn’t seem comfortable with the emotional weight she’s been designated to carry, and it’s hard to move past how quickly she was immersed as a focal point of the story. 

Ezra does successfully navigates a delicate storyline with Jordan and Layla, who are clearly finding a balance between friendship and more.

Slowburn is an important component for these two, considering their circumstances. It’s imperative the audience doesn’t turn on either character over what seems to be blossoming feelings. 

Behling and Onieogou never cross that line, instead choosing to craft their scenes simply as two friends who understand one another.

Behling plays Jordan just a little bit more mature when he’s opposite Onieogou, and it’s a refreshing new facet of his character — one that highlights his growth. Onieogou thrives in scenes opposite Behling, giving her the opportunity to play a lighter version of a typically very serious character.

It’s a delicate circumstance — one that most likely will continue to evolve. For now, Ezra, Oneiagou, and Behling are able to navigate an extremely complicated situation — one that feels both innocent and good-natured in its motives. 

However, a late-game romance can be a beautiful thing when done right. 

It’s the grounded way in which All American approaches nuanced issues that makes it so impressive. Talk of therapy and mental health could read as melodramatic if not properly executed, but All American –and its actors — know exactly how to get it just right, every time.

Spencer gently nudging Grace to consider therapy is an exceptionally small but moving moment. It’s another tireless step towards ending stigma, but also a marking of time. One where parents and their children move into a new phase: friendship. 

The storylines are solid, but it’s the relationships All American continuously builds that keep us coming back for more. 

Random Thoughts: 

• Is anyone else stressing over if Spencer is missing practice with all his time off the field this episode?
• Billy Baker would actually make a wonderful Principal. 
• All American is always going to give us at least one solid Spelivia scene, and we thank them for it. 
• Spencer is in his comedic era this season, and it’s a delight. 
• The four seasons of relationships via Jordan? Iconic. 
• The non-verbal communication Jordan and Layla have with one another is *chefs kiss*.
• Someone FREE PATIENCE from the stress of this relationship with Coop! It’s got to end!
• Layla’s dad told her to open her heart, and she immediately called Jordan. I AM JUST SAYING. 

 

 

 

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

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