All American: Season 5 Premiere “Ludacrismas” Confronts Limbo

All American’s season 5 premiere, “Ludacrismas,” decided to kick things off with a six-week time jump. Given the events of the season 4 finale, everyone needed some time to deal with the fallout. But, it seems six weeks later, things remain pretty tense, as nearly everyone has remained in a state of limbo personally and professionally, refusing or unable to move forward.

Olivia is working with Billy to understand the hint Wade had left about how GAU Coach Garrett had been behind dangerous behavior with the football team. The duo reviewed the footage constantly, finding nothing consequential to back up their beliefs that Coach Garrett is a problem. That is until Asher’s offhand comment about the opposition’s players getting hurt causes Olivia to pay closer attention.

Olivia reveals the find to Billy, and as “Ludacrismas” draws to a close, Billy reveals that Coach Garrett’s actions could have more significant repercussions than Billy initially believed. If Coach Garrett encourages his players to give the opposing team massive injuries, it could have substantial consequences for the football program.

But Olivia’s state of uncertainty also stems from her relationship with Spencer. After Olivia revealed her plans to look deeper into Coach Garrett, it left her and Spencer in an awkward state. Olivia’s article stories most recently have been heavily inspired by Spencer’s football team, and this being the second one she is working on, is not so easy for the duo to handle.

They have been giving each other space for the entirety of the time jump, living in a state of limbo and unsure of where their relationship is headed. So do they stay together and face the drama lying ahead, or break up?

Although Spencer spends “Ludacrismas” wanting to be in a better place with Olivia, he can not help but notice how she brightens up the most when discussing journalism, a light that dims when they are together. Spencer wants to support Olivia, not prevent her from being the happiest she can be. Unfortunately, at this moment, they are not helping each other be at their most comfortable, and it seems like the better choice to break up because neither would ever ask the other to step away from what they love.

But, while it is upsetting for Spencer and Olivia, it does not seem to be the end of their story. Maybe when Olivia’s story is complete, or the timing is better, she and Spencer can try again or work through their issues. In the meantime, though,  breaking up before they can reach the point of no return may be best to protect their friendship and romantic relationship if they get back together.

Although Spencer and Olivia were drowning in limbo, in comparison, Jordan and Layla seemed to be thriving in it. They have a solid understanding of where their relationship lies. While they are not officially together and are still considered friends, it is clear what direction they are moving in. Still, Jordan understands Layla is not ready for more yet and respects the boundaries they have laid out.

But that does not mean they do not face their version of limbo either. Christmas break also means Simone is home for the holidays, and she and Jordan remain in an awkward ex-relationship stage. They are still working out how to be around each other, and it does not help that each of them is more than aware they have potential with other people.

Simone works through her feelings toward Jordan and Layla’s budding romance, even though they are not together. It takes Keisha to remind Simone that Jordan’s feelings are not Layla’s fault, and while things may be awkward, Simone can not fault Layla.

Secret Santa is not necessarily helpful, but it is not that harmful. Unfortunately, due to JJ’s decision to pair Layla and Simone for gift exchanges, Layla and Simone face the uncomfortable knowledge that they are both seemingly aware of the tension between them.

However, they refuse to take any negative routes. Instead, both go more positively, gifting each other with tokens to remind them of the love and support they have, along with their professional successes.

Professionally, Jordan wonders if it is too early to get back on the field even after being cleared. He had previously jumped back into football too soon and did not want to make the same mistake again. Meanwhile, Layla continues to struggle with Clay in the music industry.

“Ludacrismas” also confirms a new direction for Coop. Although Coop has already shown her excitement and interest in working in Laura’s new law firm, Laura’s new hire has Coop feeling threatened about her job in the office. But, a conversation with Asher over proving herself makes Coop realize she is also stuck in limbo. Coop decides to start taking pre-law classes at GAU, deciding that this is her passion, and she wants to move forward with it.

“Ludacrismas” devotes itself to tackling the uncomfortable limbo many have reached, allowing them to handle unresolved tension. Handling it early will let the following episodes endure the aftermath rather than drag out the suspense for too long.

While it may not have ended happily for everyone, it still gives the group a better chance to deal with things as they need to and move forward.