All American: Homecoming Review: Ordinary People (Season 1 Episode 9)
While All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 9, “Ordinary People,” paints a realistically frightening picture of the dangers of dating in college, it struggles to deliver a strong episode.
After weeks of intense emotional development between Simone and Damon, it’s exhausting to watch Jordan fly across the country to ignore what is right in front of him.
Why is Jordan even in this episode? His presence feels almost tedious aside from his much-needed conversations with Simone that come later than they should and disregard the root of the issue.
Jordan and Simone are holding onto a relationship that they need to let go of. It’s easier to hold onto their past than face the fact that it’s not working, which Jordan ironically voices while discussing Amara’s predicament.
He is flying across the country during his busy freshman football season to spend quality time with his girlfriend, but still walking off to accept phone calls from Layla. Something isn’t right here!
Jordan’s last visit was full of jealousy and concern over Simone’s friendship with Damon, but now he is instantly supportive and accepting of Simone’s admission of her emotional entanglement with another man. It’s frustrating to watch this relationship progress.
It almost feels as if Jordan’s inability to see what is right in front of him, and spoken to him, is due to his similar predicament back home with Layla.
Jordan, whether he is ready to face it or not, has a relationship with Layla that has, more than once, teetered on the edge of progressing into something more. There is an emotional investment and level of understanding going beyond friendship, mimicking the relationship between Simone and Damon.
The only difference is that Jordan and Layla have been friends since childhood, whereas Simone and Damon’s connection is recent, but deeply complex already.
At least Simone is aware of the issues in their relationship, suggesting that these problems are not going away anytime soon.
And honestly, Jordan and Simone’s relationship lacks the spark needed to keep us invested while they primarily exist on two different shows. There is a sweet love there, but it lacks the passion and chemistry that a relationship needs to be one of the great romances of the franchise.
However, it looks like once Simone finally acknowledges that she and Jordan need time on their own, Damon will move on with someone new. In typical teen drama fashion, as one love triangle ends, another begins!
Damon’s budding friendship with Thea is sweet, but there is a clear romantic undertone and attraction in their interactions. It has been present since All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 5, “Truth Hurts.”
Nevertheless, Damon’s feelings for Simone have reached an intensity that makes them hard to deny. But it’s possible to develop feelings for more than one person, making for a potentially messy romance arc to close out the season.
Let’s hope there aren’t too many casualties when this romance powder keg inevitably explodes, especially since Thea and Simone’s friendship is a bright spot of the series.
In an otherwise slow episode, “Ordinary People” finds solid ground with Thea’s storyline, even as it reminds young audiences of the dangers of modern dating and college parties.
All American: Homecoming hasn’t shied away from addressing real issues, which is an appreciated aspect of the All American universe. The nuanced approach to delicate topics creates space for authentic performances and a moving touch in its delivery.
We can feel Thea’s clear and expressed discomfort throughout her date with Kevin. Camille Hyde’s acting choices express the signs of a young woman struggling to properly consent to what’s happening around her, making for a frighteningly real experience.
It’s haunting to witness but very effective. This storyline deserves proper attention and discussion as Thea comes to terms with her experience this season.
Overall, “Ordinary People” continues the writing slump this season faces. There is an inconsistency to the season’s main mysteries and conflicts that impairs its ability to execute a cohesive, well-paced arc.
Consequently, while making important statements throughout its freshman season, All American: Homecoming struggles to engage its audience with gripping storylines.
Stray Thoughts
- I think family dinners with the whole group would connect the story better.
- Amara’s big secret is a bit of a disappointment.
- When will Nate get her own storyline?
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!