“Liberation” continues the trend All American began of highlighting the drastic pressure changes from high school to college. Although Spencer enhanced his training during “6 ‘N the Mornin,'” he still has yet to prove himself to his new coaches.
Although they see talent in Spencer, he does not stick out. The reveal that Spencer’s scholarship had not been meant for him and how he tends to rely more on his high school achievements than working to be excellent in college has resulted in Spencer’s frustration and uncertainty of how to prove himself.
To improve, Spencer must change his perspective and show why he is an excellent asset to the team. However, his struggles with Olivia portray the balance Spencer has yet to accomplish. Spencer is still figuring out how to balance the pressures of college football with spending time with Olivia. However, he also has classes to worry about.
Before leaving the beach house, Spencer references already being late to his class, then is shown rushing around the campus in a hurry, only to reach the wrong classroom. Being fresh to campus means not knowing where everything is quite yet, a far cry from having memorized the high school hallways.
But, Spencer is not the only one being challenged. Asher has a good eye and mind for coaching. At least, he did in high school. College is a different game, though, and the coach’s test for Asher, to see what Asher can see in a previous game, shows Asher finds the wrong thing multiple times.
Asher is determined to be a coach and continue being involved in football. He re-watches the game multiple times to understand the missing detail. Asher’s dedication is rewarded with a spot on the team washing jerseys as there is no place for a student coaching position. Still, the coach reveals that Asher caught details no one else had, hinting at Asher’s potential.
As for other changes, Layla’s time in the studio with recording artist, Sabine, finds Layla revealing her true vision for the future. Layla’s independent label is exciting, but the dream is to take the music industry by storm, creating an empire. “Liberation” shows Layla’s talent while addressing her previous desire to avoid being like her father.
Billy also finds himself intrigued by taking on the school principal role permanently, especially after seeing an ally in Preach. Billy’s excitement even finds him and Laura choosing to move into Billy’s father’s house to be closer to the high school.
“Liberation” balances the obstacles of jumping from high school to college and the realities of making professional decisions about the future. Everyone is working toward something, regardless of attending school or not. Change is everywhere, and part of the challenge involves fighting it or embracing it.