All American: Homecoming Review: Irreplaceable (Season 1 Episode 13)

Although Bringston is saved, All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 13, “Irreplaceable,” does not save the show from its narrative issues.

Despite some strong performances from a cast that clearly loves their jobs, the storytelling is still lacking the fire it needs to keep audiences engaged throughout its episodes. However, with a Season 2 pickup, there is room for improvement to iron out the issues from its freshman run. 

First, let’s focus on the important triumphs of “Irreplaceable” first. 

Damon’s growth as a player is phenomenal to watch, especially when you compare his perspective now to his attitude earlier in All-American: Homecoming Season 1. He sees his role on the team as part of an immensely talented family, instead of being the only one who can lead them to victory. 

Along with Damon’s growth, there is a strong focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on this episode, which allows All American: Homecoming to shed light on the importance of these schools all across the country. 

Spending time highlighting the opportunities that HBCUs provide students educates audiences about the importance of funding and supporting them while also showing prospective students the benefits of enrolling at one. 

“Irreplaceable” also shines a light on the history of stepping, in a great performance from JR and his fraternity brothers. This is a great example of representing the diverse and deeply rooted culture of Black communities, which is always well executed by the show. 

Another major highlight from “Irreplaceable” reminds us of what the show is missing — a deeper focus on sports.

The baseball game is easily one of the most exciting, engaging aspects of the episode. It’s a joy to watch Damon and JR lead their team to victory while the future of the university hangs in the balance. 

This also applies to tennis, which appears to be headed for a backseat next season after Simone loses her spot, but by the end of “Irreplaceable” is back in action as Thea succumbs to her injury. 

One of the main draws of All American: Homecoming is its focus on student-athletes and the complications of balancing your dreams of success with other important aspects of college life. Season 1 lacks a consistent focus on sports, but centering more of the storylines around the demands of athletics would help Season 2. 

Now, regarding the poorly handled mental health crisis, there is improvement as Marcus opens up about his illness, but there is an odd choice in partner. 

Damon’s mother Keena has been a consistently recurring character this season, with a few strong moments, but why is she the one Marcus opens up to?

There is an argument to be made about the ease of telling someone you don’t know well about your troubles when it’s too hard to share them with a loved one, but it lessens the emotional impact. 

After spending a whole season reminding us of the emotional bond between Marcus and Amara, it works better to allow that relationship to play a role in Marcus’s crisis. Allowing Marcus to be vulnerable around her would open more opportunities for the two to slowly rebuild their relationship since the show appears to support this eventual reunion.  

However, Keena’s advice should not be overlooked, and she does create a safe space for Marcus to open up, which is extremely important in scenarios like these. He needs help, and it’s okay for him to admit that. 

Another poorly handled area of “Irreplaceable” is whatever is going on with Damon and his love life. 

While Thea and Damon began with a sweet bond that had the potential to grow, it is suffering more and more as he continues to rebuild his friendship with Simone. 

It feels like Damon is “acting” when he’s around his girlfriend compared to how naturally he interacts with Simone. When he flirts with Simone on the tennis courts, the energy quickly shifts when Thea interrupts, leading to a painfully awkward interaction for all of them.

Plus, there is explosive chemistry between Damon and Simone that is simply unmatched. You can’t compete with that for long.

On top of this, the beautiful friendship between the girls is shattering, and it will only continue to crash and burn as Damon and Simone’s relationship continues into Season 2. And when you factor in Thea’s injury, which gives Simone her spot back, this is a recipe for disaster. 

However, Thea losing her ability to play tennis makes for a potentially great storyline for a character who has spent her whole life focused on one thing. It hurts to watch her relationship with Simone crumble over it, but drama is a natural part of storytelling.  

While “Irreplaceable” brings All American: Homecoming back to its roots, in some ways, it still struggles to fully grip the audience during its final hour of Season 1.

However, there are bright spots that, if given more focus in Season 2, will build more forward momentum and allow these characters to shine to their fullest potential. 

Stray Thoughts

• Amara will make an excellent leader at the school, but I’m unsure if I agree with how she receives the job.
• The adoption twist revealed on this episode works much better than most of the reveals this season, but it comes too late.
• Cam’s singing is, as always, lovely. Let him sing more next season.  
• Nate deserves a backstory in Season 2. 
• Keisha’s speech about people always leaving her feels too brief considering the magnitude of her emotions. That scene deserves more focus, especially since it focuses on the emotions behind the fight to save Bringston. 
• Lando should stick around for Season 2. He makes a really fun foil for Damon. 

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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