JP returns and the Baker Family and the Vortex are shaken after a big loss. Here’s our All American season 5 episode 11 recap.
Baker family reunites
Time is precious and saying what needs to be said before it’s too late is what happened on All American tonight. The episode opens with the Baker family having breakfast together. Billy is going to tell his team he’s leaving Crenshaw and Momma Laura is encouraging Billy to make things right with Spencer. While enjoying their family moment, they decide to start a tradition of having breakfast together once a month.
Spencer meets up with Coop and tells her about Liv. He’s not sure if he’s still in love with her but he is avoiding her while he figures out what to say.
Jaymee surprises us all with her pregnancy announcement. Asher goes over to Coach Baker’s for advice on what to do. Billy realizes how rattled he is and offers him a seat on the bus to the combine.
JP returns
JP is back and unhappy with Layla about her allowing Clay to take his name off of his business, erasing his legacy. Clay is later seen with a completely rebranded label. Layla pays him a visit and wants to have the name reinstated and he’s not having that. He is on a complete high and wanting to put his name on his empire. In the end, JP witnesses Layla being honest with guest star Shawn Stockman who’s testing her with a new song. JP is proud of his daughter and see her as his true legacy.
Amina moving to Baltimore?
Preach is on his teacher tip, keeping the kids in line. He gets a surprise visit from Amina who has actually run away from her grandparents. They plan to move to Baltimore to keep Amina away from Preach. Mrs. Moore, Amina’s grandma, doesn’t believe Preach has changed at all. A meeting with Coop and a front row seat to Preach as a teacher, changes her view of him. She offers him shared custody of Amina with him being the primary caregiver.
The gang attend the combine
Olivia is back at work. Her article gains acknowledgement and wins an award but she’s unable to enjoy any of her accomplishments.
Jordan invites Spencer to help with combine prep and he gladly accepts because it helps him to further avoid Liv. Spencer updates him on what Liv said and Jordan calls him out for his behaviour, taking his sister’s side. Spencer focuses on preparing the latest group of players, encouraging them to focus and show the scouts and coaches what they can do. Jabari is also on hand to help and has a moment with Spencer revisiting their past and looking forward to facing off against each other in the coming year.
This episode focuses heavily on Billy who is reminiscing with many of his former students and even his formal rival Coach Montes. Asher and Jabari share the impact he had on them. He not only reminisces about his time as a coach but as a father. The wheels are turning as to whether he made the right decision to coach at GAU. He has a brief talk with Spencer who doesn’t change his stance but encourages him to tell the team right away because the boys were excited for their coming year. Billy changes his mind and announces he’s staying at Crenshaw. He attempts to tell Spencer but gets his voicemail and leaves a timely message.
Mama Grace also makes an appearance. She tells her son he’s not as happy without Olivia and encourages Spencer to talk to Billy because she could tell he had more to share with him. He responds he needs more time.
Billy has a moment with Jordan who is okay with Billy’s decision to stay at Crenshaw. Jordan agrees he’s right where he belongs and Billy surprises him, giving his approval of Layla.
A great loss hits the Vortex/Baker family
On the bus to the combine, Asher is nervous again and Billy takes the time to talk about being a father. Reminiscing about Liv as a baby and talking about his players as his children. The bus tire pops and the bus crashes. We see the aftermath where all seems okay, players are hurt but emergency crews are delayed. Billy is concerned with his players and realizes Jabari is still on the bus.
Spencer makes it to the Bakers’ house to finally talk to Liv and hasn’t heard about the crash. Laura and Liv talk to Billy and are happy he’s okay. Spencer finally listens to the voicemail. Billy is sharing his praise for his All American and ‘son’ Spencer as the message ends the unexpected happens. We’re left with a family now in turmoil over a great loss.
Tweets of the night
I didn’t think I’d cry over a TV show but I am #CwAllAmerican
— V ☬ (@lul4reignvir) February 14, 2023
I have no words about this episode. I’ve been watching TV for a long time and no character death affected me like this. #AllAmerican #AllAmericanCW
— Kevin Bourne (@KBTHEBOSS_) February 14, 2023
I don’t care what they write for the rest of the series, Billy being gone for all the future big moments ruins everything. If she knew Taye was feeling a way you didn’t have get him back with Laura, he could’ve just moved out of state and came back for big episodes.#allamerican
— pcking23 (@mgmoney50) February 14, 2023
Hold up!! Ain’t no way Billy Baker is dead. 😫 that ending didn’t make any sense!! #AllAmerican #CWAllAmerican pic.twitter.com/NqZPOa3hS9
— 🌴 Milli Mike 🌴 (@Mighty_Mike777) February 14, 2023
‘All American’ Shocker: Taye Diggs Departs CW Drama https://t.co/7spL3WhSTF
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 14, 2023
#CwAllAmerican how tf did y’all kill Billy Baker ( @TayeDiggs ) got me feeling like I lost a family member
— 🏴☠️👑 K̸i̸n̸g̸ D̸r̸e̸ 💔 (@phat_jesus91) February 14, 2023
So here we go Billy dies don’t get to see all his kids finish college, get married have kids, Jabari don’t get to go to college at all. Spencer lose 2 fathers in less than 2 years. possibility Liv relapses. Please tell me how this show will finish. #AllAmerican
— Lex👑💖♈ (@Alexissmith0414) February 14, 2023
All American Mondays at 8pm on The CW.