All American: Homecoming Review: Godspeed (Season 1 Episode 7)
Everybody is still finding themselves on All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 7, “Godspeed.”
It’s all about identity as these characters deal with the highs and lows of growing up and chasing their dreams. The question of nature versus nurture dominates many of the storylines, allowing for a seamless connection among the conflicts explored.
In an episode full of vulnerability, it is hard to pick one shining moment. “Godspeed” expertly showcases the talent and ability of its cast while they share the spotlight.
Damon Sims continues to prove himself as a wonderfully honest and compassionate character. His ability to support his friends with their issues while still struggling to understand his own identity is inspiring.
The relationships between JR and Damon, and Simone and Damon, are some of the most important of the show. Even when there is tension or misunderstandings, they’ll always support each other in the end.
By the end of “Godspeed,” Damon knows the importance of the friendships he is building at Bringston and the connection he shares with his adoptive parents. Thus proving that All American: Homecoming is at its best when it leans on the bonds developing on-screen.
And it doesn’t hurt that Peyton Alex Smith is effortlessly charming! You can’t not root for him!
Another shining example of leaning on the relationships developing on-screen is through Simone and Thea.
Thea’s perspective on anxiety is an example of why we love the All American universe. It touches on issues that we all deal with in human and authentic ways.
Living with anxiety and learning how to effectively manage it is a daily battle for many of us. Simone’s struggles are relatable, so it’s refreshing that “Godspeed” realistically depicts her panic attack while also providing her the advice that we all need.
Plus, we all love seeing these two support each other. Let’s hope they’ll continue to lean on each other as teammates and potential friends.
Thea’s gradual journey from cold villain to vulnerable teammate is extremely well done. Outside of her budding friendship with Simone, she is growing as an individual each week.
Camille Hyde expertly conveys Thea’s insecurities and weaknesses in regard to who she is outside of tennis. Despite how she presents herself, which is as a strong and confident player, she is scared to learn who she is without a tennis racket in her hands. Thea feels safe when she’s defined solely as an exceptional athlete.
Hyde’s approach to this realization allows the audience to empathize with her inability to define herself. As Thea begins to peel back the layers and let her guard down, she slowly becomes one of the most fascinating characters on the show.
Although I said it’s impossible to pick one shining moment from this episode, Netta Walker is without a doubt the heart of “Godspeed.”
It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring watching Keisha grieve her mother. The complex emotions that we feel watching the story play out are a testament to Walker’s dedication to the character and her portrayal of the complicated nature of grief.
Keisha’s ability to identify why she struggles with relationships and how the loss of her mother influences her ability to open up is an honorably mature response to the episode’s focus on identity. Her parents’ influence on her is something she continues to unpack, but her awareness of where she struggles proves her emotional intelligence.
I will continue to commend the care taken with the relationships on All American: Homecoming. Keisha’s friends and father coming together to help her celebrate her mother is so touching.
I hope this season continues to tell important stories that we can connect with because there is a need for compassionate storytelling right now. We want television that makes us feel represented while also providing us with a comfortable form of escapism.
Therefore, “Godspeed” is a prime example of what All American: Homecoming does well. This franchise is successful because it handles delicate topics with care in addition to creating depth for the characters and relationships that we watch for.
Stray thoughts
- I’m happy to see JR return to baseball. It’s his passion and he’s an exceptional leader.
- Keisha’s response to Marcus and Amara’s tension is relatable!
- Simone and Damon’s ability to shift from banter to real conversations proves, once again, why they are perfect together.
- Does anyone else sense a vibe between Thea and Damon?
- Amara’s passion and dedication to her craft is so uplifting.
- Is there more to Marcus that we don’t know about? It definitely looks like it!
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!