'All American' Season 7 Episode 12 "Don't Hate the Player" Recap
- Deneen
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
This week on All American Don't Hate the Player, themes of forgiveness, support, and acceptance come into play following the aftermath of Jordan’s attack.
The episode takes place several weeks after Jordan is released from the hospital. Although not seen, we learn that Cassius was indeed a match and gave the blood to save Jordan’s life during surgery. He’s now recovering at home with the help of Layla and Liv (guest star Samantha Logan). Oh how we love having Liv back on the canvas and her growing baby bump with twins!
Feeling betrayed, Layla seeks the truth from Cassius. He explains his father’s obsession with the Baker family and how the whole plan came together. After going back and telling Liv and Jordan, the twins both have different perspectives. Jordan feels like revenge is necessary to protect the family name while Liv sees an opportunity to connect with more family.
Family and betrayal are recurring dilemmas for Khalil as he just can’t catch a break! Finally seeing the Baker’s house as his home, he becomes distant after the attack on Jordan. Last we saw, his dad Marqui was upset after hearing the news of him not wanting to return to South Crenshaw. It’s been inferred that he is the one who caused the attack, hence Khalil’s guilt… and misplaced sense of responsibility.
A responsibility that is surprisingly noticed by Coop. We all know Coop is not my favorite character, however stepped up in recognizing Khalil’s need for revenge. Similar to the journey she went down after Shawn was killed. She caught him skipping school in addition to finding a gun in his book bag . After an alleyway confrontation, Coop stops Khalil from making a fatal decision, however his solution to everything is to just go away. I commend Coop (I know it doesn’t happen often) for her humility towards Khalil. Her know it all demeanor took a back seat to her compassion this week.
Speaking of compassion, Jordan is the one lacking this week. Of course he has a right to feel some type of way after his attack. However, after a conversation with Coach Bobby, we learn he also has to forgive himself for feeling like he’s the one who put Khalil in harm's way and ruined his life. What if he never interfered with Khalil’s home life? What if he never became a role model to him? The questions has caused him not to reach out to Khalil but in this case his quietness is already speaking volumes.
With the organization of Liv the peacemaker, both Cassius and KJ are invited over for family dinner, much to Jordan’s dismay. After promising to hear Cassius out, Jordan does the complete opposite. He sparks conflict with Cassius, causing KJ to defend his dad, and Jordan to pop a stitch, literally. After putting both Cassius and KJ out and his heart to heart with Coach Bobby, Jordan has some thinking to do. Is holding the grudge worth it? How much does he really know what’s best for Khalil?
Still having the mindset that everyone is best without him, Khalil attempts to take off and leave LA altogether. However, in true guardian form, Layla has a tracker on his cell phone. She finds him packing up his locker at school and offers him the emotional and maternal support he needs. Layla’s character development over the seasons has been one to watch but this wise version of her is by far the best. Even when it comes to her friendship with Cassius, it can be foreshadowed that she’s going to help him through some upcoming loneliness and depressive symptoms as well.
Back at the Baker mansion, Cassius advocates on KJ’s behalf. He lets Jordan know KJ had nothing to do with the plan and shouldn’t have to miss out on the family experience because of him. Finally showing compassion, Jordan invites KJ to stay for dinner, alone. Cassius leaves, saddened and is seen isolated in his hotel room.
Ready for their heart-to-heart, Khalil and Jordan let go of their internal insecurities. Is there forgiveness for the role they play in each other’s lives or acceptance of the purpose to why they have each other? They give each other a sense of home and support.
Things will continue to come together next week on the season finale of All American! You can catch it Monday at 7pm on the CW and streaming on the CW app!
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