All American: Homecoming: “Start Over”: Simone’s past and future

“Start Over,” the series premiere of All American: Homecoming, makes a point to immediately explain Simone’s backstory before jumping into the rest of the series. Although All American viewers may already be caught up, it is significant to describe Simone’s history for audiences who have not seen All American.

“Start Over” does not hold back in revealing Simone’s history with teen pregnancy and the relationship she has with her baby that she gave up for adoption. Nor does it ignore Jordan Baker’s integral place in her life.

However, All American: Homecoming is more than aware it needs to build onward from its backdoor pilot. Simone needs to strive forward from a supporting character to a lead protagonist, and “Start Over” does that by jumping between her nervousness and uncertainty toward going to college so far away from Beverly Hills and the beginning of the new bonds with her friends at Bringston University.

Tennis is a forefront storyline and essential to the fabric of the show. Simone’s strive for joining the team allows her to grow as a character. It also sets up potential excitement surrounding the tennis team and conflicts or budding friendships with its members. The same can be said for Damon Sims and his struggle to connect with the Bringston University baseball team as they rebuild.

Simone is also joined by another All-American recurring character, Cam Watkins, which tightly connects the spinoff to the original. It also addresses that someone else in Simone’s life knows her history, including that she had a baby.

All American: Homecoming also encourages Simeone’s future, even when her past conflicts with her parents cause her problems. Simone does not only have her aunt in her corner, she is also supported by the new ensemble “Start Over,” which wants to build as a new chosen family.

All American: Homecoming gives Simone a more prominent focus, and her new environment suggests an endless amount of stories that could be told at Bringston University. “Start Over” teases a monumental step forward for Simone as she leads the spinoff’s narrative. Although her past may be revealed at some point, the show focuses on Simone’s present and the journey she takes to reach her future.