Jordan And Layla help each other with confrontation on All American

Jordan and Layla face a lot during “Labels,” but things become more apparent for the duo when they get stuck in Layla’s music studio together. Jordan’s struggles begin right off his win in the last game, where quarterback Wade Waters had been forced to sit on the bench due to missing practice for a NIL meeting.

Although Jordan was excited to help his team to victory, Wade is not thrilled at Jordan’s success, going as far as to bully and haze him outside the football field. Rather than fight back, Jordan accepts Wade’s behavior and agrees to carry Wade’s and other team members’ bags. Layla observes the conversation, witnessing Jordan refuse to fight against his arrogant teammate.

However, Jordan’s conflict with Wade does not end there. Instead, Jordan is later confronted by Wade again when he claims that Jordan is trying to take Wade’s spot on the roster by getting Olivia involved. Thus, Jordan goes to see Olivia, demanding answers as to why Olivia would do a story, once again, that could negatively impact their family.

Layla’s frustrations also come from Patience’s launch party. Layla must continually remind and ask Patience to participate in planning the event. Finally, after struggling to get answers from Patience about the upcoming launch party and learning that Patience does not have her guitar mixed with Jordan blowing up at Olivia, the duo leaves the house together to get Patience’s guitar from the music studio. However, it is not as easy as grabbing the guitar and going.

Instead, Jordan and Layla become stuck in the recording booth when the door locks behind them. With no way out and tensions rising, there are only so many ways this could go. However, it is also an opportunity to get some things off their chest.

As frustration and stress boil over, Jordan and Layla have it out, calling each other out on their recent behavior. Layla questions Jordan’s doormat attitude toward Wade compared to the confident person he used to be. Why is Jordan allowing himself to be bullied so much? Jordan’s answer about wanting to learn from Wade is not good enough for Layla.

But, Layla is not the only one with a point to make. Jordan does not back down from his argument either, mentioning how Layla’s experience with Carrie has kept her from trusting others, with Jordan the only person left in her corner. Layla has kept everyone at arm’s length, but Jordan will not let Layla be alone.

Jordan has refused to allow Layla to push him away no matter what has happened. Their argument leads to one of the most emotionally heavy moments of “Labels,” when Layla desperately tries to break the window to get free from the studio and cries in Jordan’s arms.

Afterward, having the ability to take a breath, Layla and Jordan finally have a moment to have a heart-to-heart that is not clouded in their anger and frustration. By the conclusion of “Labels,” the evolution of their dynamic and how they affected each other starts to show. Jordan refuses to allow Wade to tear him down and bully him again. Meanwhile, Jordan has encouraged Layla to reach out to Carrie as a way for Layla to get closure from what happened.

But is All American teasing a potential romance for these two long-time friends? Well, Layla and Jordan have been growing closer throughout the season. The change in their dynamic from “Labels” even breaks through in the All American: Homecoming episode, “Ordinary People,” that aired directly after.

Although Jordan and Simone are not seen spending time with Layla or Damon during “Ordinary People,” the realities of these two dynamics are very clearly acknowledged during Jordan’s visit to Simone.

Simone admits that she and Damon had an emotional entanglement that was not respectful to Jordan after Jordan noticed that Damon had not been around during his visit. However, unlike previous references to Damon, Jordan is not angered or shown to be jealous. Instead, he is calm, respecting that Simone put up boundaries. But, Simone is not thrilled with Jordan’s lack of a reaction, especially when she realizes Jordan’s phone calls have been with Layla.

Jordan and Layla have spent more time together on All American, while Simone and Damon have gotten closer on All American: Homecoming. Although neither Layla nor Damon are physically present for Jordan and Simone’s date, something has shifted in Simone and Jordan’s relationship.

Although Jordan and Layla could remain close friends that have found a confidant in each other, there is always the possibility that All American could be building toward the potential of a romantic relationship between them.