"Get By" provides a stronger connection to All American's previous seasons than its season opener, "Reborn," in part due to the return of original series regular Olivia Baker. Olivia is back for Beverly High School's tribute to Billy Baker, which sees the school rename the athletic center in his honor. But, Olivia's return does more than just show her give an emotional speech about her father's impact on Beverly High School and those he loved. All American takes advantage of Olivia's return by beginning to tread the waters of married adulthood.
It all begins with Layla's suspicion that she is pregnant, and thus the question is officially raised of whether now is the time for Layla and Jordan to become parents. The idea that Jordan and Layla would have children one day was an element that was a likely anticipated part of their story. They married young and are both employed and in solid financial standing. At this point, while they may be young adults, not even twenty-four years old yet, is it too early to consider the possibility that Layla and Jordan are moving on to the next phase of their relationship?
While the idea of Jordan and Layla becoming parents may not be the most surprising, All American does a good job at doing the balancing act Layla's emotions portray as she deals with the potential uncertainty of having a child and the ultimate relief she feels at discovering that her original pregnancy test was a false positive. "Get By" understands that while Layla may want a child one day, it is not right now, and that is okay. There is nothing wrong with Layla's relief upon discovering that she is not pregnant, and that is reinforced by Olivia. But, while Layla is not pregnant, "Get By" does reveal that Olivia is expecting.
Olivia's pregnancy is met with excitement from Layla once Olivia confirms that she does feel ready to be a parent, and while audiences are not privy to Spencer's immediate reaction to discovering he will be a father, it is inevitable that All American will give audiences more insight into Olivia's pregnancy and Spencer's reaction later on. The ability to continue following Spencer and Olivia's journey, even though they are no longer series regulars, is a gift. These two were a part of the original integral fabric of All American, and being able to continue participating in their happy ending helps elevate them as necessary parts of the story, even if they are not constant parts of the soft reboot of the series. In terms of surprise plot twists, this delightful one helps uncertain viewers feel connected to longtime favorites as the series strives to balance its new additions.
"Get By" also does a better job than "Reborn" at utilizing its new characters because it actually allows them to interact with other characters and create bonds or rivalries that have the potential to be interesting. KJ, as a Beverly High student, is mostly separated from the rest of the characters, with the exception of his father, Cassius, and occasional meetings with Amina. Otherwise, KJ's closest ally comes in the form of Tori, a former cheerleader at Beverly. The previously shown connection between KJ and Yasi, South Crenshaw High School's starting Quarterback, is nowhere to be seen in "Get By," as this episode is more interested in continuing to set up the rivalry between Yasi and Khalil, as well as how each of them interacts with Jordan. Given Khalil and KJ have both shown soft spots for Amina, it is also inevitable that this rivalry will extend as well, especially if they are sharing the football field.
Jordan's role as a coach is mostly a back burner plot, as the biggest thing he does as a Quarterback Coach is recruit Khalil to the football team. Otherwise, the other poignant moment follows his uncomfortable first meeting with Cassius, who shows a defensive stance during Billy Baker's tribute ceremony. Cassius' anger about the Beverly Football Team being overlooked connects more to frustration at the Beverly team being looked at as once being great rather than hoping for their growing potential. Yet, the disregard of the team makes no sense in general either. Both Billy Baker and Coach Montez had provided significant football teams for Beverly High School, and even though Coach Montez was no longer there, it still seemed pretty quick, within what is potentially a two-year period, for Beverly High School to completely disregard the football team as significant, even if the roster is filled with mostly younger or inexperienced players.
Coop's role also gets more recognition as she finally begins law school and then proceeds to have a panic attack, supposedly connecting to the idea of her success. Coop's indirect insult of her new professor also offers a slightly comical moment. All American is making a dedicated effort to showing Coop's connection to Preach and Amina by spending plenty of time with them, just as All American works to continue the legacy of older bonds by showing Preach and Jordan's connection as co-workers at South Crenshaw High School. While the new All American may not be the original ensemble of characters, "Get By" provided a strong second episode of the season to help settle the new characters and dynamics into the show while showing that the series will not forget those who remain or who have left as series regulars.