Survival of the Fittest

**"Survival of the Fittest"** is the first episode of the fourth season of *All American*. It first aired on October 25, 2021 to 0.64 million viewers.

## Synopsis

**SEASON PREMIERE** - After the earth-shattering events of the Beverly and Crenshaw State Championship, Spencer also needs to come to terms what happened with Coop and Layla. Now he has the extra pressure of it being early national signing day for football and Spencer must make a major decision about committing. Meanwhile, Billy struggles to forgive Spencer about helping Jordan.

## Plot

Layla and Carrie are driving. She asked Layla to swing by an overlook before going to her parents. Layla follows her out of the car and asks if she is okay. As Carrie is standing at the edge, she tells Layla to take her hand. Carrie tells her that everything is okay now and Layla suggests that they leave. Carrie tells Layla that there's no where else to go and that she wants to end the pain. Carrie begins to step off the ledge as Layla tries to pull her back. The flashback ends, and Layla wakes up screaming in fear. Her dad rushes in and Layla reassures that she's fine.

Spencer is at the cemetery. He says things aren't supposed to be like this. He lists his accomplishments: he's moved back to Crenshaw, he saved the school, he got a D1 scholarship, got named an All American, and he got the girl. He was happy, but he thinks that maybe people like them are not supposed to have it all.

Spencer flashes back to the state championship game. Grace tells Billy something in the background and Spencer is distracted. Chris tells him to get his head back in the game. It's halftime and Crenshaw leads 21-17. Billy tells Spencer that he needs to go with his mother. Although Spencer doesn't want to leave, he changes his mind once he learns that it's Coop.

Back at the cemetery, Olivia arrives and kisses Spencer. She asks if he is okay. He says no. Spencer shows her his commitment letter to Toledo State, though unsigned. He won't sign it because he refuses to leave his loved ones. Olivia reminds him that Toledo is his only offer, and after tomorrow, he'll have none. Spencer kisses her and leaves.

Layla comes back from her run to find that JP has made her a breakfast buffet. Layla insists that she's fine and he doesn't have to do all of this. Layla says she's fine but JP has heard that word so much that he doesn't believe it. She admits that something happed and that she's having some trouble sleeping, but she's working it all through with her therapist. JP suggests that they should have a family session. Layla brushes it off and heads to the studio. JP offers to drive her, but Layla insists that she could drive herself, it's just the studio.

Spencer and Olivia arrive at the James' house to find that Grace, Dillon, Patience, and Chris are sitting in the living room. They were worried about him. Grace reassures Spencer that everyone there loves him and wants the best for him. They are throwing an intervention to stop him from throwing away his future. Spencer constantly feels the need to carry the responsibilities of others on his back. Grace thinks that he is using what happened to Coop as a reason to stay in Crenshaw and forgo the offer. They are not going to let that happen. Patience reminds Spencer that there's no way that Coop would let him put aside your dreams because of her. She also reminds him of their exchange in the first episode, where Coop said that if she "had a tenth of my talent, she'd bounce and never look back." Since Coop isn't here to say it now, Patience is saying it for her.

In a flashback, Spencer runs down the corridors of the hospital. Patience tries to asks a doctor about what happened to Coop, but they are not telling her anything. Spencer finds Patience and pulls her in for a hug. As Patience cries, Spencer tries to ask her about what happened, but she doesn't know. Patience says that Coop cannot die. The doctors have kicked Coop's father out of the trauma bay, and Spencer gets a look at Coop.

Jordan opens the door and greets Layla. She is looking for Olivia. Jordan is distracted and says that she is here when she's at Spencer's. Layla asks if he is okay, and Jordan explains that he promised to not be weird when he saw her. Promise broken. Jordan apologizes and hugs her. He is just glad that she is okay. Layla asks if she can hang out at the Baker house since JP is hovering at home. Jordan thinks that a little hovering is justified since they were all scared. He has not talked to Billy much since the incident. Layla remembers the time that he accidentally broke Billy's MVP trophy building her and Liv a sleepover fort. Jordan thought Billy was going to kill him, and Layla reminds him that he's still here. Jordan reassures her that her and JP are going to power through as well, but Layla isn't sure. JP blames himself for what happened to Carrie, and now he's overcompensating. She admits that she is not fine at all, but she cannot tell JP as it will break him. Jordan offers to listen and promises her that he wouldn't break.

Layla flashes back to that night with Carrie. She screams as she tries to drag Carrie back from the ledge. Carrie promises her that she is not crazy, she just wants the pain to stop. Layla tells her that she is not in pain and does not need her to free her from anything. Carrie tells Layla that her mother left her, her father abandoned her, her chosen family and her mind all betrayed her. Carrie knows what abandonment and betrayal feels like, how it burns a hole in her gut and making her feel broken and unworthy. They don't have to feel like that anymore. Layla reminds her that her mother died and begs Carrie to stop saying "we". That is not her life, and that is not how she feels. She has felt betrayal and abandonment, but she has also felt forgiveness, love, purpose, and hope. Layla begs her to let her go. She doesn't want to die.

Back at the James' house, the intervention is still going on. Spencer reminds them that it is just one scholarship, there might be others. He's playing Russian Roulette with his future. It's one thing if he says that his dream of playing professional football has changed, but it hasn't. Patience tells Spencer that she gets it, but he is stronger than that. They are stronger than that. Spencer appreciates what they're doing, but he is doing what's best for him. The door opens and Darnell walks in. He wonders if Spencer is just letting the fear take over.

Spencer and Darnell go to the cafe and catch up. His mom is doing great in physical therapy and he just committed to play for Texas Northern Tech. Spencer is proud of him. Darnell knows he's hurting, but he reminds Spencer that he is stronger than this. He tells him that Grace is worried about him having survivor's guilt over all the good things happening in his life: like Toledo State. Darnell thinks that Spencer is too smart to throw away a scholarship over a heartbreak that he can't change. Pain is always hardest for the ones left standing, and no one knows that better than them and Dillon. Spencer says it's Coop. It's different.

In a flashback, Olivia arrives at the hospital and hugs Spencer. She says she's sorry and asks if there's any update on Coop. The doctors won't let anyone back in the trauma bay. They're trying to stabilize her so she can go into surgery. Grace leaves with Olivia to get food and coffee for everyone. Spencer gets a text and excuses himself.

Outside, Preach is waiting. Patience has followed Spencer out to meet Preach. Patience charges towards Preach and blames him while Spencer holds her back. Preach claims that he is the reason that she has a fighting chance. He explains that Coop called and said she was going to confront Mo about the drugs on the bus. He told her to wait, but she didn't listen. When he got there, Mo had a gun pulled on Coop, without thinking, he shoots Mo. He had no choice. He got her to the hospital but didn't stay since he is a felon on parole. He is going to go back to prison when he the news gets out. Mo is dead.

Back inside, Olivia has attempted to call Layla again, but to no avail. Patience blames herself. She's the one who told Coop that she looking for drama with Mo, who pushed Coop to let her guard down. She claims that Coop walked right into Mo's trap because of her. Because of her, Coop is bleeding out on a stretcher and there's nothing she can do. Spencer reassures her that Coop is a fighter, she's going to pull through this. Grace runs in breathing heavily and Spencer follows her.

Reggie watches as Coop gets rushed down the hallway. He begs the doctor to give him an update, but they have to get her to the operation room right away. Spencer thought she was not stable enough for surgery. Indeed, she is not stable enough but the doctors cannot wait any longer, they have to get the bullet out to stop the bleeding, or she won't make it.

Layla is at her studio when she has another flashback. Breathless, Carrie says that everything feels so out of control. She thought her and Layla were the same, she thought she was helping her. Carrie finally lets go of Layla and she runs to her car. Breaking down into tears, Carrie states that Layla has hope and apologizes. She stands up and goes closer to the edge, ignoring Layla's pleas.

JP walks in with two coffees in hand. He also offers his musical expertise as he tries to help Layla finish Coop's album. Layla appreciates the offer, but she's got it covered. He decides to sit back and watch her work. She thanks him again, but says that he doesn't have to watch over her every second. JP almost lost her, so he's going to be overprotective. He brings up talking to her therapist, which visibly upsets Layla. Layla tries to leave to go run some errands, but JP would feel better if he came with her. She claims that Jordan would be going with her, so she's going to be safe.

Laura walks into Billy's office. She's deducted that since he's there, he probably didn't go to Grace's intervention. Billy claims that Spencer has it covered since Grace invited everyone. Billy claims that Spencer has what he needs, he's going to be with his family. Laura retorts that Billy is his family. Billy argues that Spencer risked Jordan's life when he was supposed to be recovering. Laura counters by saying that Jordan risked Jordan's life. Although it was stupid and dangerous, it was a risk that paid off. She's never seen Jordan play the way he did at the championships.

In a flashback at the championships, it's Jordan's first return since his concussion. Beverly's leading 38-33. Crenshaw has time for one more play. They get it across the goal line, and they will be the new state champions. Billy pulls Chris aside and tells him to play like chargers and finish it. The chargers huddle up and Chris gives them a pep talk. Since Spencer is out with a tragedy, the least that they can do is bring it home. The chargers go for a touch down, but it's short. The Beverly Eagles are state champions again.

At the hospital, Jordan, Chris, Frausto, and JJ arrive to support Spencer. Just as JJ asks for an update, Grace and Reggie come out to say that Coop made it through surgery. They won't know the extent of her injuries until she wakes up. She surgery was rough, she barely made it through. Coop is in a coma.

Spencer appreciates Darnell for flying out, but his mind is made up. Olivia finds it weird that JP just called asking for Jordan's number. Darnell has not gotten though to him, and Olivia suggests that Spencer go talk to Billy. Darnell points out that staying back and moving back has been Spencer's go to when things get a little rough, and it has now become a crutch. Something about the dream scares him, but Darnell leaves Spencer to figure it out himself.

Jordan finds Layla at the cafe via a tracking app. He came to find her so JP wouldn't. Jordan warns her that the more she keeps her dad in the dark, the tighter he's going to hold on. She should just be honest, for both of their sakes. He reminds her of what she told Carrie that night: the pain is for a moment, the healing is a lifetime.

Flashback to that night, Carrie is still on the ledge. She begs Layla to go. Although Layla said that they weren't the same, she realizes now that they kind of are. She has been where she's been and felt what she's felt. Less than a year ago, she was on her own cliff, but she's still here. Carrie argues that Layla is stronger than her. She has been here before, got help, and now she's back here again. She feels like it is not working and she can't find it in herself to start over again. Layla reassures her that she is not back in the same place, there are ups and there are downs, but there is always forward movement. Layla is helping her because Carrie helped her once. Carrie saved her life once and she is not leaving until she returns the favor. Carrie turns around and says that it hurts. Layla understands, but reassures her that pain is only for a moment, a brighter feeling will last a lifetime. Carrie claims that it's too late and turns back around. Layla urges her to focus on one thing at a time. Layla offers her hand, and Carrie takes it, finally stepping away from the edge.

Layla and JP are talking. JP apologizes about his behavior, he should have been focused more about what she needed. Layla needs to feel safe, and she doesn't feel safe here. JP suggests that they move, it's not about the house, it's the home. She has not felt safe since her mom died and JP left. He's part of the home she feels unsafe in. That feeling is what left her vulnerable to someone like Carrie. JP wants her feeling healthy and whole, and she wants that too. They weigh their options.

At the James' house, Spencer is reading his commitment letter when his phone rings. He smiles and rushes to the hospital. After 3 days of being in a coma, Coop is awake. With a confused look on her face, Coop doesn't seem to recognize Spencer. However, after a beat, Coop reveals that she is just joking. Spencer kisses her on the forehead.

Laura opens the door to find Layla and JP. Olivia gives Layla a hug while Jordan handles the luggage. Layla is going to stay with the Bakers for a while. JP thanks Laura again, who says he can come over anytime.

Billy is watching back the championships game when Spencer walks in. Spencer explains that he was supposed to sign to Toledo by the end of the day, but couldn't because of Coop's condition, but she's awake now, and he still can't sign it. Bitterly, Billy says that he has to do what's best for him. Once again, Spencer apologizes for training Jordan and leaving the game. Maybe if he had stayed, it wouldn't be so close and they'd be the official state champs. Billy argues that they are the state champs, and they did it without Spencer James. He is not trying to be cruel, but proving the point that Spencer does not always have to be the hero. His need to play God could get somebody killed. Spencer once again brings up the fact that Jordan was going to train with or without him, and at least he could keep him safe if they trained together. Billy deducts that Spencer is afraid that everything is going to stay the same without him, which is why he didn't sign the letter. Who is Spencer James if he's not the hero?

Preach is sitting by Coop at the hospital. Coop is not going to let him go back to prison. Patience enters and thought Preach was laying low, but he wanted to see that Coop was awake for himself. Just as Preach was about to leave, Detective Poworski shows up to ask questions about the night of the shooting. Coop explains that Mo shot Coop first, and Coop shot her in self defense. Detective Poworski wonders where the gun went, since it wasn't recovered at the scene. Coop doesn't know, she passed out after getting shot and woke up at the hospital. He asks how she got to the hospital. Again, she doesn't know. Coop claims that there were no witnesses at the scene. Preach warns her that she should have her lawyer around before she says anything else. Detective Poworski leaves but tells her that he'll be back to finish the statement in the morning.

Patience excuses herself and Preach follows her out the door. Patience explains that Coop was out. She was done with the drama, with the gang crap, and she just threw herself right back in the middle of it all by lying to those cops. She has spent the last few days blaming herself and Preach for the shooting, but she realizes now that the person to blame for all the drama that follows Coop around is Coop.

At the Baker house, Layla comes downstairs to find that Jordan and Olivia has made a sleepover fort. Olivia didn't want her to sleep alone. Layla begins to cry and the twins hug her.

Spencer goes back to the cemetery to talk to his father and signs the scholarship papers.

## Cast

### Starring

* Daniel Ezra as Spencer James
* Bre-Z as Tamia "Coop" Cooper
* Greta Onieogou as Layla Keating
* Samantha Logan as Olivia Baker
* Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker
* Cody Christian as Asher Adams
* Karimah Westbrook as Grace James
* Monet Mazur as Laura Baker
* Jalyn Hall as Dillon James
* Chelsea Tavares as Patience
* Hunter Clowdus as JJ Parker
* Taye Diggs as Billy Baker

### Guest Starring

* Spence Moore II as Chris Jackson
* Da'Vinchi as Darnell Hayes
* Kareem Grimes as Preach
* Anna Lore as Carrie
* Alexandra Barreto as Coach Montes
* Noah Gray-Cabey as Frausto
* Ray Campbell as JP Keating
* James Black as Reggie Cooper

### Co-Starring

* Rob Evors as Detective Poworski
* Naomi Matsuda as Doctor
* Guy Nardulli as Referee

## Trivia

* This episode's title originated from the song "Survival of the Fittest", originally sung by Mobb Deep.
* The flashbacks take place 3 days before the present.

## References

1. ↑ TV Ratings for Monday 25th October 2021 - Network Prelims Posted
2. ↑ Listings - ALL AMERICAN on The CW | TheFutonCritic.com