All American addresses Jordan, Simone, and Layla’s love triangle

Jordan, Simone, and Layla are not the typical love triangle on All American. While Simone has been leading All American: Homecoming, she has also stayed in her long-distance relationship with Jordan. However, between his visit to Bringston and Simone’s return to California, the changes are apparent in their romance.

They have acknowledged the growing distance in their relationship, from living in different parts of the country to the emotional changes they are going through. But, although Simone revealed her confusion and suspicions about her boyfriend growing closer with Layla, “Came Back For You” seemingly confirms Simone’s thoughts, even though it comes with a twist.

Simone knows she had been growing closer with Damon, revealing their “emotional entanglement” to Jordan previously. However, she is noticing a similar pattern between him and Layla, even if neither of them is aware a shift is occurring.

Jordan and Layla define each other as friends to Simone and Clay, respectively. However, each can tell that there is something else happening. Simone can sense the shift between Jordan and Layla better than he can. Whether it be that Simone feels she has interrupted Layla and Jordan during her unexpected visit, or after learning that Layla had convinced Jordan to show up for Spencer when Simone could not.

However, “Came Back For You” does not end by keeping Jordan and Simone in the uncomfortable position of knowing their relationship has grown harder. Instead, Simone breaks up with Jordan, noting that they have changed in their time apart, acknowledging that growing up, in their case, did not necessarily mean growing together.

All American avoids playing into cheating or an explosive fight that tears the duo apart. Instead, their break-up, while not surprising, allows them the opportunity, as they move forward, to look back on each other and their romance fondly rather than allow it to be tarnished by unnecessary conflict or behavior.

Jordan and Simone had loved each other, and their relationship had been beautiful for them. However, they have developed, and at this point in time, who they are, or who they are becoming, no longer fit together.

But, what does it mean now that Simone has directly questioned Jordan’s relationship with Layla? Although he has grown closer to Layla, he has considered it was growing closer to a long-time friend. However, since Simone has drawn a parallel between his dynamic with Layla and hers with Damon, does that mean Jordan may become more aware of how things are progressing?

Toward the episode’s end, Jordan’s comment, “I want Layla,” is even followed by an awkward pause and Jordan’s rush to explain he wanted Layla as his partner for their two-on-two football game with Spencer and Olivia.

Still, by finally addressing the changing dynamics, All American can set itself up for the potential of characters being more self-aware of their actions and the suggestion of what they may lead to.