All American Season 8 Episode 5 Review: The Truth Finally Changes Everything

This episode starts with a yellow tint to let the audience know we're in a flashback, and we see KJ running into Tori on the day of the showcase. Well...the truth is finally out. Khalil also hasn't signed in for the showcase, and his father is looking all over for him.

We rewind to Khalil and his father getting ready to meet with his mother, and it's honestly starting off exactly how I expected. Khalil is not happy to be around her. She wants to apologize and tells him she's excited about his showcase, but Khalil is a hothead, and this surprise visit isn't helping at all. Personally, if I had another chance to talk to my mother, I would take it.

Over at the Baker house, Coop and Layla are talking about the dinner party Layla is putting together with Brianna. She's hoping that having friends and family together will help bridge the gap because she's really leaning into this "power couple" thing with Brianna.

Jordan goes to see Cassius, and no, Jordan still hasn't made his decision. He tells Cassius that he never asked for the job, and as soon as it was offered, he came straight to him. Cassius isn't really trying to hear it right now, but they still have to get everything ready for the showcase because the kids are depending on them. Jordan invites Cassius and KJ over for dinner, and Cassius says he'll try to make it.

Over at the Sims house, Preach lets Amina know they have dinner plans with Auntie Coop, and he isn't trying to hear any excuses. The truth is finally about to come out, and I couldn't wait.

Back at Beverly, Jordan is greeted by a familiar face from the past, Mr. Cliff Mosley. This is the booster Cassius was talking about last week, and I already feel like this is going to put a rift between Jordan and Cassius.

Tori meets up with Khalil because she needs to talk. She's convinced something is going on between KJ and Amina and starts accusing them of cheating. Khalil doesn't think that's what's happening and tells her they need to trust them.

We also get another flashback with Cliff, Jordan, and Principal London before cutting back to present-day Jordan, who's clearly still thinking about everything that happened. Coop snaps him out of it because she's so nervous about this dinner.

Brianna arrives, and things actually get off to a good start, especially because Jordan is all about the food. Khalil shows up too, but once he finds out Amina is coming, he wants to leave. Jordan reminds him that the Stanford coaches will be at the showcase and that he has a chance to redeem himself, which helps him feel a little better.

KJ and Cassius talk about Cliff, and Cassius admits he's not sure Cliff is the guy they need helping them. I agree. Dude is slimy in my eyes. Amina and Preach arrive, and almost immediately everyone starts asking Amina about school. It gets even worse when Brianna jumps into the conversation. Coop is literally the only person who can tell Amina isn't being truthful, and that's one of the reasons I love Coop as a character.

This entire dinner is awkward, and somehow every conversation keeps finding its way back to Dinsberg. Preach brings up Jordan's coaching opportunity, Coop gets upset, and then the doorbell rings. Cassius and KJ show up and immediately think the dinner is a celebration. Jordan ends up sitting with Amina, Khalil, and KJ...and you already know where this is going.

CW DRAMA!

This whole season has been drama from start to finish. Between the adults and the kids, I honestly don't know who's worse.

Just when you think things can't get any crazier...Tori shows up. (Thanks, Khalil.)

The adults were actually having a good conversation until Preach comes back yelling because he knows everything now. Amina finally comes clean in front of everybody. While Preach is trying to process everything, he finds out KJ pretended to be him. Then Tori jumps in with all the pictures from the dance, and everything completely blows up.

Jordan tries to defend KJ, but it completely backfires when he accidentally tells Khalil about the coaching job offer. Now Khalil is mad at Jordan.

More CW DRAMA!

Now you've got two different arguments happening at once. On one side it's Khalil, Jordan, and Cassius. On the other it's Amina, Brianna, Coop, and Preach. No more dinner parties. Seriously...when is Spencer going to show up and talk some sense into everybody? I know it's coming. Instead, Layla is the one who finally puts her foot down, and honestly, somebody had to do it.

Later, Coop and Brianna have a really good conversation. Brianna tells Coop she actually likes her friends and says they're all just passionate about their viewpoints. I really liked this moment because it was a learning experience for Coop, and I continue to like her relationship with Brianna.

Amina finally talks to Preach one-on-one, and he's more upset about the lies than anything else. Rightfully so. She kept this going for over three days, and his heart is broken because she didn't think he would understand after everything they've been through together.

Coop tells him he needs to read Amina's article. He does, and he absolutely loves it. I'm glad they were able to reconcile, but she's definitely grounded. Khalil meets up with both his mom and dad to talk about everything that happened. I still don't trust either one of them. Tori breaks up with KJ, and Cassius meets with Cliff again.

Overall, I thought this was another really entertaining episode. It was packed with reveals, emotional moments, family drama, and enough chaos to remind me exactly why this show is still one of the most entertaining dramas on TV.

I honestly cannot wait for the next episode of All American.

What did you think?

Change Image

• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So