All American: “Got Your Money” questions endorsements

What does Spencer James want his life to look like? He gets a glimpse of a world with potential riches but lacking substance in “Got Your Money.” Of course, making money from an endorsement is helpful, but is it the lifestyle Spencer wants?

Spencer is intrigued by making money, especially after discovering his partnership with a gym would hand out a free t-shirt along with the opportunity to work out at the facility but could not pay. Although Spencer is not thrilled about turning down the gym, the idea of making money speaks louder. At that moment, Spencer agrees to partner with Angry Hippo energy drink, which will pay him thousands of dollars and celebrate his partnership with a yacht party.

However, Spencer is still aware that he, Jordan, Asher, and JJ have spent the summer partying and relaxing rather than working toward their futures in college football. It is all fun and games until they lose a volleyball game against men older than them, leading Spencer to believe they are losing their edge. Although Jordan reminds Spencer that they still have a month until they need to get in shape, and volleyball is not their sport, it does not calm Spencer’s concerns.

The yacht party, including meeting a former college athlete, backs up Spencer’s inability to go through with endorsing a product he does not genuinely believe in.

His final decision to go back to the gym and pull Jordan away from relaxing to get back in shape early makes sense. College football will likely be a different experience with higher stakes and pressure than high school portrayed. So getting an early start to becoming prepared could be helpful in their strive to become great players.

“Got Your Money” discusses Spencer’s work ethic and dedication to being the best he can be, as well as encouraging his friends to do the same. However, the episode also remembers that as college starts, the friends will be separated by their schools and will be opponents on the field.

As All American moves into its next phase, everyone will likely be placed under new pressures. Whether it be work, sports, classes, or juggling new schedules and classmates, the college experience and work-world will be a brand new game to tackle.