All American Review: Got Your Money (Season 4 Episode 9)
Is anyone else suddenly thirsty for some Angry Hippo?
It’s all fun and sun in All American Season 4 Episode 9, “Got Your Money,” as the show decides to bridge the gap of high school and college with hijinks, horseplay, and a whole lot of perfectly timed comedy.
In the new age of streaming services and shortened television seasons, All American is a prime example of why a series benefits from a larger episode order. A show needs time to slow down and explore its characters in new ways outside of the typical dramatic narrative.
All American certainly has enough drama and intrigue to match any other teen show on television, but it also knows exactly when it needs to give itself a break. By lightening up, it gets to showcase new layers in both story and character — reminding us it doesn’t always have to be so serious.
Considering All American uniquely chose to place graduation in its midseason premiere, a bridge between major chapters is an all but unavoidable move, and there’s no better way to say goodbye to high school than with an endless string of beach party blowouts.
There are many things to love about “Got Your Money,” but the show finally finding a way to make JJ relevant might land at the top of the list.
Hunter Clowdus rightfully earned his spot as a series regular for season 4, but All American hasn’t done all that much to increase his screen presence thus far.
“Got Your Money” fixes that problem by centering the episode around JJ’s beach house. After half a season spent mostly away from Beverly Hills, bringing the story to JJ’s turf allows Clowdus to sit in scenes with his fellow actors more extensively.
Clowdus’ presence alone makes the show funnier, but it also makes the other actors funnier by association. He has an uncanny ability to make JJ — who should be detestable — loveably absurd, forcing anyone he shares a scene with to step up their comedic game.
Behling and Clowdus are an affable and comical dynamic duo, but it’s the scenes between Clowdus and typically straight-laced Ezra that make for some of the show’s most hilarious moments.
Lighter tones aren’t just reserved for the boys in “Got Your Money.” The episode even gifts Patience and Coop an enjoyable subplot, showcasing why they make such a stellar pairing — turns out they actually have a lot of fun together.
Bre-Z and Tavares spar with undeniable chemistry and ease. The two seem energized by the freedom to let loose and have a little fun with what is usually a very exhausting, often combustible relationship.
Even with the fun and games, All American never loses the underscore of what makes it great, and “Got Your Money” finds space for characters to move forward subtly.
Spencer may be partying at the beach, but he’s still focused on brand deals and being the best possible version of himself. Meanwhile, Olivia is busy taking her newfound journalism skills to the next level with threats that prove she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Two people who will always put the greater good before simply having a good time. Spelivia truly are a perfect match.
Layla is still focused on putting up her walls in “Got Your Money,” but she’s also working through them.
All American is finally weaving moments of friendship and levity back into Layla’s life, and she’s learning a woman is allowed to have some fun while also being a titan of industry.
The one emotional tether of the episode does, however, revolve around Layla.
While she has spent a significant amount of time working through the triggers about her father, the show hasn’t really revisited her mother’s death. It’s an important topic to keep present in Layla’s story, considering it’s the core reason for her struggles with depression.
Hopefully, with the ownership of her mother’s masters, All American will continue Layla’s journey through facing her trauma, one step at a time.
College promises to bring a new set of challenges, but what’s to come isn’t clear quite yet. All the trials, tribulations, heartbreak, and struggle that will undoubtedly arise, rightfully remain a mystery of the future.
“Got Your Money” is all about making the most with the here and now — the way only a post-graduation summer can.
Random Thoughts:
- Seeing James Lafferty in this episode is like watching two teen sports drama legends cross paths. It’s awesome.
- It’s fun to watch Billy and Laura act like teenagers in love.
- JJ and Spencer trying to make an Angry Hippo promo ad is everything.
- Is Asher about to have a gambling addiction now? Let that boy breathe!
- I want Coop and Patience to stay in the shared apartment solely for comedy purposes.
- BOOM BOOM.
- Clay is fine, but he feels like a. placeholder until Layla gets together with someone else.
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.