All American: It’s graduation day in the mid-season 4 premiere

All American is finally moving on from high school. “Walk This Way” picked up about a month after the mid-season finale, “Prom Night,” which left Spencer’s future hanging in the balance after a prank-gone-wrong.

Spencer’s eligibility to graduate is unknown as he is taking responsibility for stealing a trophy that resulted in flooding Beverly High School’s gymnasium. Although Spencer’s actions only went as far as bringing the trophy back to Beverly High School, he refuses to reveal the person truly responsible.

Spencer’s reasons are solid. He wants to protect his friend and disagrees with how the situation is being handled. Spencer is being asked to sacrifice someone else’s future to ensure his own, and he is not alright with that, believing that everyone’s future has worth.

A decision like this has consequences, and Spencer is prepared to face them even if his family and friends ask him to reconsider or try to come up with ways to help him. In the end, although Spencer does not get to walk at graduation, his friends coming through for him does have the desired effect. As a result, Spencer is not expelled and graduates from high school.

The group’s last-minute effort of everyone coming forward to claim responsibility prevents the school board from handing out a significant punishment. Although Spencer does not get to walk with his class, his friends create a graduation ceremony to celebrate his accomplishment.

As for Olivia, Layla, and Asher, the question of the future hangs in the air. Olivia plans to go to college for journalism but struggles with which college to attend. Although the return of Simone’s aunt gives Olivia an extra boost in desiring a future in that major, Olivia’s advice is given off-screen. Luckily, she announces her college of choice as the group settles together at a bonfire, suggesting that Olivia will join Spencer and Jordan.

Layla’s plan to take a gap year from college is called into question when a meeting makes Layla think she should consider going to college earlier. Her confidence takes a hit as she wonders if not going to college prevents Layla from going from good to great. However, All American continues its stride in acknowledging that college is not the only path, and Layla’s talent is strong enough that she can enhance her knowledge without needing to attend school.

Although Asher can not play football anymore for the risk of a potentially fatal injury, his love of the game remains strong. So does his talent for understanding the game, positions, and players. Coaching is an available option for Asher, but similar to Spencer, he has difficulty accepting help from people who care about him. However, after Spencer allows others to help him, Asher is finally willing to take it too. Still, it comes with the promise of paying back the college tuition money through a new job.

So, what comes after high school? All American has its work cut out as the drama moves away from high school. How will friendships be changed by new environments? How will everyone grow and develop as they begin the next phase of their lives? All American has plenty of storylines to answer and push forward as season 4 continues.