All American Review: Liberation (Season 4 Episode 11)

It’s all about getting back to basics in All American Season 4 Episode 11, “Liberation,” as the series trades big conflict for smaller character introspection.

It’s not that there isn’t contention scattered about “Liberation” — and drama certainly looms heavy with Coops impending issues surrounding Mo’s murder — but All American, at least for now, is more interested in scaling down the theatrics in order to focus on individual character journeys.

Spencer’s brief time in college has already bought out a new facet of his personality. It’s no longer about outer conflict keeping Spencer from achieving his dreams, but the reality of how to flourish now that he’s reached them.

It’s entertaining to watch the great Spencer James struggle with mundane problems, like showing up to the wrong morning math class, but what’s truly impressive is the lens through which his story unfolds.

As an audience who has been trained to understand Spencer is the “best of the best,” we’re inclined to believe he’s a reliable narrator when claiming unfair treatment.

Realizing that perspective is skewed is an enlightening realization, and a reminder this story is being told through Spencer’s eyes. It’s also a harsh reminder that in life, not everyone is against you — sometimes it’s about defeating your own personal demons.

Spencer may need to learn how to accept his own shortcomings in football, but his issues on the field provide an exceptional subplot for his relationship with Olivia.

The two face their first major hurdle in “Liberation.” It’s hard to see such a strong couple at odds, but “Spelivia” working through their problems is an enormous payoff after seasons of blossoming friendship. Spencer and Olivia act as two friends turned lovers should act, and that continuity doesn’t go unnoticed.

It’s also a meaningful moment for Olivia, who jumps the gun in feeling betrayed by Spencer’s inability to be there for her. It’s frustrating to watch her judge him, after helping him realize he isn’t everyone’s savior.

Those insecurities, however, are understandable — they stem from losing Billy to the same sacrifices. That potential repeating sacrifice acts as a major trigger.

Every action has a reaction in All American, but more importantly, every reaction has a linear reason. It’s so abundantly clear how much All American cares about its characters, through how meticulous it is in crafting them.

For All American, it’s all about making characters feel like real human beings. That carries over to another relationship in “Liberation” when the show rediscovers its secret weapon in the Baker twins.

Olivia and Jordan are one of the best sibling duos on television. Behling and Logan have crafted the perfect blend of bickering and bonded chemistry, and each one of their scenes is equally hilarious as it is meaningful.

The two are genuinely invested in each other’s well-being, and that’s never more apparent than when it’s being showcased through Liv’s addiction. There is something very special about Jordan witnessing how far his sister has come in her sober journey.

Both of them actively use their individual experiences with addiction to help someone else currently in need, and it results in the episode’s most poignant moment.

Finding meaning in madness is a bit of a common theme in “Liberation,” especially in regards to Preach. His newfound role at Crenshaw High is unexpected, with his experiences in prison making him an unlikely candidate for teaching. Surprisingly, that time away actually makes him the best person for the job.

There’s something so satisfying about someone finding their purpose in unpredictable situations.

Kareem Grimes shines in this new side of Preach, seeming more at ease with the teens at Crenshaw than his own daughter. Helping BIlly also implements his character into a narrative more relevant to the bigger story, and allows him to interact with someone other than Coop.

Mo continues to cast a dark shade over All American, haunting the series even when Bre-z herself is missing from the episode.

Mo’s existence — and subsequent death — has consistently unfolded in a broken, disjointed way since it was introduced in All American Season 3. It has only brought down every character who gets pulled in, working as a failed outlier in an otherwise well-streamlined series. 

With a brand new chapter beginning, it’s time to move on entirely.

There has to be something better for Coop and her future. There just has to be.

If All American can find bright, interesting futures for every other one of its characters, it can do the same for her. 

Random Thoughts:

• JJ being a successful wellness influencer just feels so right. 
• Grace is the other candidate for Principal, right?
• It’s funny Asher is involved with all of Vanessa’s family when she just disappeared.
• I want something fresh for Patience — she’s a great character who can do so much more.
• Asher and Spencer probably should have that talk about what’s transpired between them at some point. 
• I LOVE JOJO. 

 

 

 

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

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