The showcase is in jeopardy and another OG cast member returns. Here’s our All American Season 8 Episode 8 recap.
Cliff’s plan
One day until the showcase, the football team at Beverly are having doubts that the showcase will happen. Cliff, the booster, has an idea on how to reverse that, but he needs KJ to play ball.
Later, Cassius wants to share the news that the school board approved Beverly’s participation in the showcase, but he soon learns it was thanks to Cliff…and KJ.
Cassius is upset that KJ “made a deal with the devil”. Cliff wants KJ to tell Cassius to hear him out. Later, Cassius meets Cliff to thank him for swaying the board. Cliff lets Cassius know he has a plan to help him keep his job, but he just wants to know if he’s on board.
KJ and Khalil’s talk
KJ wants to get a last minute workout in before the showcase, but his teammates want to take their rest day with the showcase looming. Meanwhile, Khalil is feeling pressure on all sides. His dad is hyping him up about the showcase, but he’s still worried about Preach.
KJ goes by the Baker house to get a workout in with Khalil, but things are awkward when he sees Tori. He wants to talk, but she doesn’t.
Later, KJ and Khalil end their workout with KJ wanting to know what he and Tori talked about. Khalil reassures KJ that he’s a good guy and that he needs to worry more about the showcase than Tori right now. Khalil himself is worried about the showcase and getting offers in case Jordan leaves South Crenshaw.
Liv’s return
Much to Layla’s surprise (but not ours), a very pregnant Liv shows up at the Baker house. With Spencer busy doing his thing, Liv decides to spend the night (which was Spencer’s suggestion).
When Tori comes over to talk to Khalil, Liv overhears and gets all the tea. Tori sticks around and gets the big sis treatment from Liv and Layla. They fill her in on their love triangle with Spencer. They head over to the Slauson Cafe and take a trip down memory lane. They ask Tori if she’s heartbroken over KJ or just mad that he wasted her time. She has no intention of being friends with Amina or KJ. She doesn’t think their relationship ever meant anything to him.
Later, at the Baker house, Liv shares that her and Spencer are happy and married, but the same can’t be said about Jordan and Layla who are feeling distant. Layla confides that Elle wants her to leave early for tour, but her and Jordan’s relationship doesn’t feel secure.
Tori meets up with Khalil and thanks him for being a real friend, and she apologizes for dumping everything on him when he should’ve been locked in on the showcase.
Later at home, Layla is happy that Jordan is so close to achieving his dream, but Liv reminds her to not forget about herself and her dream. Layla is scared that family life might mean compromising her career aspirations. Liv encourages her to let Jordan in on her fears.
After remembering all the love that’s been shared in the Baker house, Layla reassures Khalil that even if Jordan isn’t his coach, they’re still a family.
The day of the showcase arrives, but things get off to an unexpected start for Liv.
Final thoughts
Fans will be happy to see Liv (Samantha Logan) make her return. For years, fans were looking forward to seeing Liv pregnant and they finally got the chance.
The trip down memory between her and Layla was nice, but her return still felt a bit underwhelming at time. Fortunately, it looks like there’s more to her story. We need closure and a fulfilling send off for one of All American‘s most beloved characters. After investing years into the show, and that character, fans deserve that much.
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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