Call me Raven, the way I’m able to see into the future. You guys already know what I’m talking about, but let me say I called it! I saw what happened coming from a mile away. The second half of season 3 is pulling its weight because the last few episodes have top-tier minus a few hiccups, but overall, they have been a pleasure to watch. I’m not going to make this introduction long because we all know why you’re here. With that being said, here is my recap of All American: Homecoming episode 10.
She’s a survivor!
The episode started on an extremely positive note: Simone is officially done with her radiation treatments. Her cancer diagnosis has been challenging for her, so I’m happy that she was able to overcome this. Of course, her mom and most of her Bringston fam were there to see her ring the bell. I know you guys peeped at how Lando had his own hug instead of joining the group. They’re the next pair on my list to get together, but that’s not what we’re talking about right now.
Now that her treatments are over, I’m interested in seeing how Simone adjusts back to normal life. We all know that tennis is her first priority; that’s why she opted for the shorter, more intensive radiation plan. We see later in the episode how Simone is welcomed back into the game of tennis. I’m also curious if she’s going to take Lando’s mom up on her offer. I think it would be a great way to regain her confidence and help her get her life back on track. With getting her life back on track, she has to understand that she, in fact, did have cancer, and it’s going to take some time getting used to her being done with treatments. That goes for not only for herself but for the people around her as well.
Mother knows best
I understand what it’s like to feel like your mom is smothering you a bit, but I did not like the way Simone treated her mom in this episode. For starters, her mother was one of the last people to know about her diagnosis; therefore, she wasn’t able to be there for Simone the way her friends were. Although she is done with treatment, Simone has to understand that there is still a recovery process. I honestly believe that her mom was trying to make up for lost time for not being there in the beginning. If I were going through cancer at any age, let alone 21, the main person I would want by my side is my mom. We also have to take into account that Simone and her mom have not always had the best relationship. It wasn’t until last season that her mom began to truly support her and her decisions.
Simone is the perfect example of a Black woman who struggles with hyper-independence. Even in our most vulnerable state, we want to figure everything out for ourselves and not ask for help. But as someone’s adult daughter as well, I can also see Simone’s point. I too hate feeling like I’m being coddled; I like doing things on my own. But I learned that no matter how old I get, my mom is always going to be my mom; therefore, I’ll always need her. So when it comes to certain things, I let her do her thing. Because at the end of the day, I know that the things she does, no matter how annoying they may seem at the time, are done out of love. I think Simone should have had a conversation with her mom instead of blowing up at her. She has a habit of never addressing things and letting things fester until they explode.
I have an unpopular opinion, and I promise I’m not trying to come for Simone at all; this is just a thought that came to mind. I think Simone would have received her mom’s help a little bit better if she raised baby Shay. Hear me out. No, I am not a mother, but something my mom always tells me, especially during the times I feel like she’s being a bit overprotective, is that I won’t understand until I become a mom, and she’s right. I have no idea what it’s like to be someone’s mother, to be responsible for another human life. So, I feel like if Simone had raised Shay, she’d have a better understanding of what her mom was trying to do. But I also believe that her mom would have been less smothering if she had not left her in the dark about her diagnosis.
What’s done in the dark must come to the light
My mom always told me that if I told a lie, I had to add another lie to cover up that lie, and it would eventually catch up with me. Simone’s lie finally caught up with her in this episode. Coach Loni finally found out that Simone lied about training with Coach Bartlett to cover up her cancer diagnosis. I will agree that it was crazy for Thea to throw her under the best, but I’m glad that the cat is out of the bag. One of these days, tennis is going to cost Simone something. She never fails to put tennis above other things, and I believe (if we were getting more seasons) it would eventually cost her.
Simone suggested the team go to Thea’s game to show their support. Coach Loni decides to reach out to Coach Bartlett for the tickets; she later learns that not only had Simone not been training with him, but that Thea has also not been training for the pro-circuit. Disappointed by the actions of her former player and current captain, she calls them to her office to confront them. I don’t blame Coach Loni for being hurt that Simone didn’t open up to her about her cancer diagnosis. Coaches and athletes are supposed to have an open and trusting relationship. I feel like Coach Loni and the team would have been another leg of support for Simone during her difficult time.
We see Coach Loni struggle with how to handle Simone and her decision to lie. She decides to play her one-on-one to prove that she’s ready to return to the team. Simone put up a good fight, but Coach Loni came out on top. But everyone must own up to their actions and face their consequences, so Coach Loni decided to replace Simone as team captain. Tennis is one of the areas I’m interested in seeing how Simones thrives in since completing treatment. I feel like she’ll try to push herself like she always does, but once again, at what cost?
One of my favorite moments of the episode was the interaction between Thea and Coach Loni. Coach Loni reminds me of your aunt, who’s firm yet sweet. While reprimanding Thea for her actions, she also gave her encouragement in her time of uncertainty. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to Thea’s story, including me. It’s a very humbling experience entering a new level of an area you’re familiar with and not succeeding from the beginning. We didn’t get to see Thea play in her match in this episode, but I hope she won and gives the pro-circuit another shot.
And you say he’s just a friend?
Ray Charles could see what was happening between JR and Keisha. I just didn’t think it would have happened so soon after the Thanksgiving episode. I knew from the beginning of the episode how it was going to go. Although I don’t condone cheating in the slightest, I think what JR did for Keisha was incredibly sweet. But can we get justice for Cam and Gabby? Keisha and JR gaslit those two into thinking that nothing was going on between them; neither one of them deserved what happened. I know once it all comes out, things are going to hit the fan.
I feel that writers on a lot of good shows ruin great platonic friendships to implement the friends-to-lovers trope. While entertaining Keisha and JR, kissing was extremely unnecessary. I knew that Keisha would eventually fold due to how things had been going with Cam. He’s been canceling dates, not being present, and putting work before her. JR was present and took an interest in what she loved, which is dance. Not only has he taken an interest, he went the extra mile to help make her dreams come true. Now as for JR, I thought he and Gabby were stronger than that. As much as he tried to mask himself as being a good friend, I knew he had feelings for Keisha. Gabby even told JR don’t make her that girl who couldn’t trust her boyfriend, and he managed to do the complete opposite. Even though I expected this to happen weeks ago, I’m not sure why seeing them kiss was such a big deal for me. Think it’s because of the problems that are yet to come.
I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I have this gift for predicting the storylines on the shows I watch. Nine times out of ten, I’m usually right about how the show goes. My next prediction is that just when Lando and Simone decide to give it another try, Damon comes back, but I’ll keep you updated on my predictions.
What to look forward to
I saw a brief glimpse of next week’s trailer, and Keisha blurted out to Cam that she and JR kissed. His face tells it all. If you are a fan of the original All American, then you know how Crenshaw Cam can get. He came to Bringston a changed man, so they really haven’t seen that side of him, and I don’t think they want to. I think the news of their infidelity will have a major impact on the friend group. Relationships will end, friendships will be tested. Season 3 said they’re ending with a bang! I will say if Cam and JR do get into an altercation, my money is on Cam. I haven’t seen this much drama since The Young and the Restless. As the season comes to an end, I wonder how the last few episodes will be moving forward. Keisha and Nate are graduating, Damon is still gone, Thea might return to pro-circuit, could the Bringston fam be over before its officially over?
