All American: Jordan And Layla Are Tested During “I Need Love”

All American has allowed Jordan and Layla’s secret relationship to flourish since the beginning of season five. However, “I Need Love” will enable them to face an obstacle as a couple. Although Jordan supports Layla’s wish to keep their relationship private, he finds himself uncertain about what is happening between them in a somewhat awkward discussion regarding Valentine’s Day plans.

While Jordan seems to want to go big to celebrate, Layla is more interested in a quiet night watching movies. But, of course, it also does not help that JJ knows the truth and messes with Jordan by having him participate in a speed dating event.

However, rather than allowing the uncertainty to settle and grow, becoming far more difficult to overcome later, “I Need Love” makes the right decision by preventing Layla and Jordan’s confusion from increasing further.

Jordan and Layla confront their issue, with Layla explaining that she is not ashamed of Jordan or keeping him a secret but instead wants to protect their relationship from their friends. Layla is quick to end Jordan’s worries about how she sees him, and Jordan easily re-affirms that he wants to be in a relationship with Layla and is not happy that she seems okay with him dating another girl.

However, that does not last long either, as Layla and Jordan’s conversation reveals that Layla was unhappy about the prospect of Jordan finding someone else.

Jordan and Layla have referenced a growing maturity in each other and their relationship. Being open and honest with each other about what they feel is a big step in the right direction to keep things going well, especially as communication is key to making it through.

Although their relationship is not as secret as it had been, with JJ knowing the truth, the rest of their friends remain oblivious. But that can not stay the case forever. At some point, whether they reveal it themselves, someone walks in on them, or JJ spills their secret, Layla and Jordan’s growing relationship will have to be exposed to the rest of their friends eventually.

Although Jordan and Layla’s relationship seems to grow stronger, it is only a matter of time before they face the rest of the Vortex.

Spencer’s romantic subplot has him follow Coop’s advice to go the extra mile to be romantic. But, it does not go over the way he thought it would, even though Spencer had considered this a casual thing over a romantic relationship. Alicia had not expected a romantic evening either, and while they conclude the night together, this is a different type of dynamic than Spencer is used to.

Another dynamic facing conflict comes from the continuing bubbling subplot between Asher and JJ. JJ finally discovers Asher has recruited another player to take JJ’s spot, and although JJ tells Asher that JJ will be going to the gym that night, Asher does not believe him.

Later that night, JJ finds himself at the gym, ready to try and work, until his fraternity brothers offer him a party as an alternative. As JJ leaves the gym, having never worked out, Asher watches, disappointed but not surprised from a distance.

JJ and Asher’s issues have only been growing as Asher has continued to strive to be a coach while JJ ignores his responsibilities as a player during the off-season. “I Need Love” is another stepping stone in what could end up being a monumental argument between the two friends if Asher allows himself to care about JJ’s progress or lack thereof.

Coop also steps toward her future in an episode that shows what would make her a great lawyer. Coop wants Preach to get custody of his daughter, but having been removed from the case, there is only so much she can do.

Coop bombs her interview to audit a law class, and Preach temporarily loses custody of his daughter after Darius mishandles the paperwork. Preach losing lights a fire under Coop, which allows her to see how her perspective is worth so much more than she had explained during her interview.

Coop tells Laura that she will be re-joining the case to ensure Preach regains custody of his daughter and tells the professor the truth regarding who she is and why she wants to audit his law class.

As far as continuing subplots go, Olivia and Billy’s work toward the article speaking out against Coach Garrett and his wrongful actions against opposing players forces Olivia to question what is missing.

Olivia has sources confirming that Coach Garrett had purposefully had his players injure the opposing team, but something still is not sitting right. If Olivia’s article is not perfect, Coach Garrett could walk away free rather than deal with the aftermath and consequences he deserves to face.

Olivia’s research leads her to a previous assistant coach, Eric, who happens to be an old friend of Billy. Billy confronts Eric alone, not wanting to ambush an old friend while helping Olivia take down Coach Garrett. His good intentions, however, did not end in the result he was hoping for.

As it turns out, Eric takes responsibility for Coach Garrett’s scheme, revealing himself to be the person whose idea it was to harm opposing players. But, his initial idea had been more about temporarily harming others for a few plays, not the entire season. Still, purposefully wounding opposing players with the intent of injuring them is not a good look for a coach.

Eric explains he left after realizing the monster he had created in Coach Garrett. Unfortunately, Coach Garrett had taken Eric’s idea and run with it far beyond Eric’s expectations. But does Eric’s betrayal run deeper?

Spencer and Jordan had witnessed their coach be excited at revealing surprises about the team’s next season. Coach Garrett did not appear to have any intention of resigning from his position. However, the day following Billy and Eric’s conversation, Coach Garrett reveals his intention to step away from the team, to the surprise of everyone, including the current assistant coach.

Did Eric reveal the truth about Olivia’s article to Coach Garrett? Did he find out another way? Regardless, Coach Garett’s willing resignation in “I Need Love” means he will not face the consequences Billy and Olivia were hoping he would have no choice but to experience.

But are all the events associated with the football team during “I Need Love” risking Spencer and Jordan’s places on the roster if Coach Garrett’s actions come to light?