Cassius fights for his job and Amina is carrying another secret. Here’s our All American season 8 episode 4 recap.
Amina’s secret
It’s three days until the showcase. The flashbacks continue as Amina has a bad dream where she recalls her decision to write her anti-ICE article which may get her expelled.
On a video call with KJ, she decides to not go to the school dance because she’s the only one out of her friends who isn’t booed up. Still in the flashback, KJ visits her at Dinsburg. He could visit his mom, but he doesn’t feel he should have to visit his own mom. This is his way of saying that he wants his family together again. He agrees to take Amina to the dance which would help him take his mind off his mom. There’s a very Liv and Spencer-esque choreography that’s absolute fire. KJ and Amina share a slow dance where things get a little spicy.
Later, during their workout, Tori tries to get KJ to open up, but he’s focused and intense and his mind is elsewhere.
Tori calls Amini to West Beverly to talk woman to woman about the secrets her and KJ are keeping. She tells her about most likely being expelled from Dinsburg. Amina pulls up at Crenshaw to confront Khalil about snitching to Tori about her and KJ. Amina admits to her friend that what’s going on in her life, including KJ, is messy.
KJ bumps into Amina at West Beverly and lets her know that, between his dad on the verge of losing his job and his parents potentially splitting up for good, his world is crashing around him. Amina wants to know what’s happening between them which someone overhears.
Khalil’s drama
At the Baker House, Khalil has a lot on his hands, from his dad to Miranda and his meeting with Mrs. Perez. He needs some advice about navigating KJ and Amina’s relationship so he asks Layla about the messy days of The Vortex. He decides to tell Tori that they’re keeping secrets.
Khalil’s dad pulls up to Crenshaw to meet him, but he isn’t alone. He wants them to sit down with his mom to talk as a family.
Cassius’ job
KJ comes into his dad’s office happy about his parents renewing their vows. He learns that it didn’t happen. He canceled because Principal London offered his job to another coach.
At a team meeting, Cassius reveals that Principal London wants to replace him. The team is standing by their coach. Cassius goes to speak with Principal London about him offering his job to someone else. Principal London blames it on the boosters who want a championship now. Cassius encourages him to talk to the team, his team.
When KJ finds out there was a team meeting without him, he needs to talk to his father. He confronts the team about throwing his dad under the bus after saying they would support him. They planned on supporting him until they found out who they’re considering as his replacement. KJ questions his dad about why he didn’t tell him sooner,
Coop’s new life
Coop shows up at the Baker House where she tells Layla about the retreat she went on and all the things she’s learned. Clearly, Coop is growing.
Back at home, Coop tells Amina about a case she’s working on. Amina is disappointed that Coop is helping to defend a company that’s exploiting the community. Amina thought Coop would’ve become a public defender or started her own practice. Like Layla, she’s questioning this new and improved version of Coop.
Breonna comes over to Coop’s place. She tells Breonna about the opposition she’s facing from her friends. She wants to host a dinner so her friends can get to know the new Coop better. For some reason, I don’t think this is going to go over very well.
Layla’s scared
Layla reveals to Coop that she’s scared because she’s learning to function well without Jordan on the road. She’s starting to feel more at home on the road than at home. Layla invites her dad over for a visit to ask him some questions. She’s afraid she’s turning into him and that it will affect her family before she can even have one. She needs to figure out how to balance it all.
All American airs every Monday at 8pm on The CW.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s editor-in-chief and Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter focusing on film & TV, music, and fashion. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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