All American: Homecoming Review: What Now? (Season 1 Episode 11)

Around the time in a season when a show should pick up the pace, All American: Homecoming Season 1 Episode 11, “What Now?,” proves that the series is taking a slow, meandering approach to storytelling. 

Although the series is developing strong friendships and intriguing bonds among its ensemble, All American: Homecoming is missing the gripping storytelling that it needs to keep the audience hooked each week.

There is a lack of forward movement and engaging storylines that causes the series to suffer in the back half of the season. 

The minimally consistent thread of financial issues at the university fails to draw us in until the end of this episode. It’s not consistent enough for us to care, especially considering how little time we’ve spent with the university. This storyline would work better for a Season 2 after we’ve gotten comfortable. 

In addition to the university finances, the adults are given boring and underdeveloped storylines. We need to know more about Marcus before we watch a poorly handled mental health spiral. We don’t need a badly executed mental health storyline right now anyways. 

Amara’s big reveal about why she took a semester off in college is disappointing considering the groundwork laid earlier this season.

It creates an unnecessary side plot with very little impact. Jada is fine, so why should we care about Veronica’s vendetta against her? 

There is also an issue with the acting, particularly the delivery and performance from the adults. Their voice control is weak, making for awkward line deliveries and an occasional one-note emotional beat. 

In addition to a suffering adult perspective, Damon’s adoptive parents mystery is too dragged out at this point. 

JR even voices this sentiment when he reminds Damon of how many times they’ve argued about it. 

Damon is a genuinely intriguing character, but this convoluted storyline needs to find its endpoint before it makes him insufferable. Of course, he deserves to learn about his biological parents, but it should be handled better and without so many misdirects. 

However, Damon’s budding romance is a great addition to the series. She calls him out on his mistakes and supports him when he needs it, as he does with her. It’s sweet, and we love seeing Thea so happy. 

Unfortunately, Simone is still in the picture, and probably always will be, so this love triangle will inevitably lead to some broken hearts along the way. As of now, I’m along for the ride! 

Although the season struggles to consistently deliver each episode, “What Now?” includes a touching focus on Simone’s grief as she reels from her breakup. 

It is both relatable and heartbreaking watching her mourn her first love, and Geffri Maya delivers a strong performance as Simone adjusts to her new reality. We’re all rooting for her to heal and find happiness with someone new when she’s ready. And maybe that “someone new” is close by! 

Overall, “What Now?” does not struggle in every storyline, but All American: Homecoming is treading water as it enters its final act of the season. 

There needs a to be a shift in narrative focus, with a strong landing, to save the direction of the season before it ends. 

Stray Thoughts

• I adore JR and Nate’s friendship. I hope we get more of it before the season ends. 
• Nate’s funeral outfit is iconic!
• I hope it’s clear that I really want more focus on Nate. 
• I miss Keisha and Cam. Their absences are felt this episode, especially since Simone could benefit from Keisha’s advice about heartbreak. 

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 Sundays at 9/8c on The CW.

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