ET. Back in Beverly Hills, Jordan seems to have a growing connection with Layla (Greta Onieogou), with whom hes been friends for years. Serena, Venus, Naomi, so many of these Black women who are playing this sport are pushing through and persevering as a Black person, a Black woman. It's very empowering that she's able to step into that world of Blackness and Black joy. When is it just a friendship?. It would be beautiful to be able to see that unfold and see their relationship take a turn. It was nerve wracking for us because we're not going to working together as much anymore. After spending time with her Aunt Amara (Kelly Jenrette), a journalist and professor at the university, and meeting elite high school baseball player Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith), Simone leaves. Amara is responsible for revealing the truth about Bringston's former baseball coach and the academic scandal. Thea admits that shes always watching, showing her a series of text messages in which Loni admonishes Simone for sloppy footwork and unacceptable training. From your point of view, what do you think they see in one another? All Rights Reserved. Everyone needs a tribe, and I think they're part of each other's tribe outside of everything else. Simone is raised in Beverly Hills, she comes from a well-off family, and goes to a great school. Everyone loves a frenemy situation and this takes it to another level. All American Season 4 News & Updates: Everything We Know, All American: What [SPOILER]'s Survival Means For Season 4, return of Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker, All American: What Jordan & Simone's Marriage Means For Her Spinoff. After spending time with her Aunt Amara (Kelly Jenrette), a journalist and professor at the university, and meeting elite high school baseball player Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith), Simone leaves the campus with a sense of purpose and knowing where she wants to go next. The whole marriage thing for me was also crazy they are young and barely were together for a long time. New episodes of All American air Mondays at 8/7c on The CW and the franchise is expanding via All American: Homecoming, a Simone-centric spinoff that was ordered to series at the. They decided to stay together and try a long-distance relationship, despite the pressures theyre both facing. Season 2 . By the end of the episode, Simone has the beginnings of a strong tribe. We know people love Jordan and Simone together and everything they have overcome. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. And while its not necessarily a bad idea to inject a bit of soapy intrigue into an otherwise low-key drama, a subplot involving a characters mysterious parentage feels downright goofy in context, as if its been imported from another series entirely. Amara and Simone talk about Simone's mom a few times. The potential new series slated to be introduced during a regular episode of All American 's upcoming third season (aka a backdoor spinoff) would be set at a a historically Black . They discuss Queen of the Court, a tradition at Bringston. All American: Homecoming. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! All American Spinoff Adds Legacies' Peyton Alex Smith, 5 Others to Cast. July 5 2021, 6:00 PM PDT. Professor Corte decides to go with Simones ideas, and Thea attempts to take credit but he cuts her off. It's important to keep Black kids excited about education and what's out there. I can honestly say All American's cast and crew from the moment I stepped foot into the makeup trailer made me feel loved and supported. During the series premiere of All American: Homecoming, we saw that Simone has a tough start to life as a college student.Her mother refuses to pay for housing, so she moves in with her aunt . Simone is confused as Thea said Loni couldn't be on the field. [Sylvester] Powell, who plays JR, does that speech about the cultural creed of being a Bringston Lion and that really is something inspiring and powerful. Everything was always about someone else and in that moment Damon supports her in doing what she wants. The CW is plotting a spinoff of its football-themed high school drama series All American . Rebecca Iannucci / Thats what were really exploring with them, but again, theyre also 18 and super attractive people and life is messy. When they arrive, the room is empty except for a few male students playing video games, Keisha, and Nate. What was your reaction to Cam (Mitchell Edwards) coming to All American: Homecoming? I can't say much without giving it away. Thea stops her as Coach Loni has seen enough and is sending her home. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. Thea makes a point of telling Simone that four other girls are striving for a spot on her team. The emotional entanglement she has with Damon back at school is what she sees in Layla and Jordan, even if Jordan doesn't. Derek Rivera previously appeared in13 Reasons Why. Read on for EW's interview with Maya about returning to All American, that emotional scene with Damon, the big breakup, and more. Coopers love for movies began by watching Toy Story and Lion King on repeat as a child, but it wasn't until The Avengers that he took an invested interest in movies and the filmmaking process, leading him to discover the world of film journalism. As we all know from the mothership show All American, Simone had a baby at a very young age, and she gave the baby up for adoption and decided to stay in the baby's life. Viewers might recognize Kelly Jenrette from her roles inMixed-ish andGrandfathered. It's going to be interesting in terms of Damon, Thea, and Simone, because at the end of the day in terms of Damon and Simone, my biggest hope is that as the season progresses and hopefully we get a season 2 they navigate truth and learn or grow. Simone deserved to be more included inAll Americans fourth season to give more insight into her character leading up to attending Bringston University and how her tennis game is improving. ET on The CW. The audacity for her to even be catching and attitude with Laura is outta pocket and disrespectful. Simone insists shes only spending the weekend to see her aunt but the school clearly grows on her while shes there, too. It's no secret that Las Vegas special episodes always make up for excitement and simultaneously, worries because of the city's reputation. He is one of the main characters ofAll American, and his appearance in the spinoff is not too surprising considering Jordan and Simone's relationship. Simone was a student at Beverly Hills High School and upon graduating, moved to Atlanta to attend Bringston University. All American: Homecoming -- "Start Over" -- Image Number: AHC101a_0258r.jpg -- Pictured: Geffri Maya as Simone Hicks -- Photo: Ser Baffo/The CW -- (C) 2021 The CW Network, LLC. Simone arrives late to her court time, but the player there isnt interested in her excuses. It was a collaborative effort, which is honestly the most fun for me, especially as a dancer and especially with art. She walks off and Thea nods a bit impressed.[1]. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. If she is meant to be an exciting draw for the spinoff, as a character fans know well, thenAll American should have given her a bit more to do in preparation for her to lead a brand new series. Simone is a young adult now and she's gone through mental health issues in terms of her anxiety and panic attacks, which she has to tackle. Netta Walker as Keisha McCalla -Keisha McCalla is the unofficial mayor of Bringston University and one of Simone's closest friends at Bringston. I grew up as a dancer. It really has to do with being able to be exposed to such a different world with people that look like her. Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, and director Rob Marshall share the tale behind making their underwater musical with a groundbreaking Disney princess. That's what makes us the best. As Damon shares his decision during an on-campus press conference, he states his intention to bring integrity back to Bringstons baseball program and though Damons mother looks less than thrilled to hear the news, Simone finds Damon after the presser and notes that he finally looks at peace. That all of this is happening against the backdrop of an HBCU adds another layer of depth. The most challenging [thing] was definitely the tennis, because I am learning tennis now. Although she has never been as central to the plot as the other main characters, knowing she was set to lead the spinoff series should have been a reason to give her a more substantial storyline before leaving. Simone wants to find Coach Loni but Thea knows the coach has seen enough today. Why do you think it's the right way to begin her college journey? While telling a story about college life is very different than that of high school, the drama remains as does the romance. Then her seeing a different dynamic between Layla and Jordan, because before she left, Layla was her maid of honor and Jordan was the love of her life. It was encouraging. Netta Walker previously appeared inChicago Fire. Monday's episode of the CW drama doubled as the pilot for All American: Homecoming, a Simone-centric spinoff that was officially ordered to series in May. Initially she says she's fine and tries to push through, but the heartbreak has an impact on most areas of her life, including tennis. We'll definitely see a little shift in Simone in terms of how she processes and navigates the new relationships she has with all of these people. Marcus is a former professional baseball player who had his career ended by an injury. Theyre both exceptional actors is such a dream to work with and have so much natural chemistry, teases showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll about whats to come between Simone and Damon. Keisha and Nate are such a huge part in the ebb and flow of [Simone's] college life because they are good friends and sophomores. Shes in a relationship with Michael Evans Behlings Jordan (and hes smitten! How are you feeling about getting to tell the story of a Black tennis player? The " All American " universe expanded with the debut of spinoff " All American: Homecoming " on Monday night, which follows Simone (Geffri Maya) as she attempts to launch her tennis . On this team, things wont be handed to her, it has to be earned. One user there wrote: "Between their terrible saves, their constant praise of mediocrity, and standing for every act (I've never seen judges more guilty of this than these Idol judges), I think it's time for a change." I know people are waiting for the mess, but I appreciate the question because outside of that aspect what Damon and Simone have in common is redefining their identity. Also, how much fun was that big dance sequence to shoot? When it was time to decide if she wanted to adopt baby Shay, she had to consider her parents. Can you speak to Jordan's significance to Simone and how big a part of her journey he is? Thea has no choice but to show up now that everyone knows, but Simone convinces her to show up so they can celebrate her. She's so consumed in [tennis], and Simone will offer her balance as she tries to have a life, be a mom and succeed in tennis. As for Damons baseball career, that storyline actually makes up the bulk ofHomecomings pilot, with Damons MLB prospects suddenly in jeopardy when hes spotted practicing with Bringstons baseball team. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. While she initially wasn't considering attending the school, her time at Bringston made a big impact on Simone. Simone gives Loni her clearance note from President Allen, making it in time for Queen of the Court. What the plots in juicy twists or epic emotions, they make up for with a warm sense of community, often built over the weekly family dinners that Simone hosts at her aunt Amaras house. On the flip side, storylines involving the faculty like Amara and Marcus trying to figure out what exactly president Allen (Leonard Roberts) isnt telling them about the schools budgetary woes are progressing at too slow a burn to hold much interest, at least at this early point in the series. All American: Homecomingwill also give Kelly Jenrette a prominent role as Amara Patterson. It's a great question. The pressure explodes in a very emotional scene with Damon. Here's a complete guide to the cast and characters of All American: Homecoming. I was super emotional. During the hour, Simone pays a visit to the (fictional) Atlanta-based school Bringston University, where her aunt Amara teaches a course on journalism and activism. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. OK, your turn. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action, Inside the powerful, transformative 2nd episode of. Though it certainly doesnt hurt to go back and catch up on the backdoor pilot that aired as part of All American last year, Simone (Geffri Maya) the Homecoming protagonist who links the two shows recaps everything a new viewer really needs to know in the first few minutes of the new series. ), At first, Bringstons president is content to sweep the cheating under the rug; since these ghost classes were offered to everyone, and not just student athletes, the NCAA likely wont penalize the school for giving athletes exclusive advantages. And this is just the beginning, because All American: Homecoming has received a series order. But Homecoming seems to know what Simone doesnt: that that very capacity for growth and change can be the core of a winning identity. Thea (Camille Hyde) and Simone have a frosty reunion. But in Mondays backdoor pilot, we watched as Simone still a senior in high school remained uncertain about where to apply to college, all while realizing her tennis game needs work, too. All American and All American Homecoming air Mondays at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively, on The CW. The 'All American' spinoff follows a tennis player from Beverly Hills to her first year at a historically Black university in Atlanta. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Welcome to Bringston University: All American: Homecoming is bringing the HBCU experience back to TV, Meet Your Maker: All American: Homecoming creator Nkechi Okoro Carroll shares her inspirations, How All American explores the experiences of Black youth in America, Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter. Thea praises Simone, and they shake hands. GeffriMaya is known for Private Practice (2007), WTF, Baron Davis (2019) and Loco (2020). American Idol viewers took to the American Idol Reddit community asking if they could "please" get new judges. Simone, in the pilot and you'll see throughout the series will have a different expectation put on her as a Black athlete, especially as a woman. Michael and I were both in our heads about the breakup scene because we know how pivotal the characters are. Its just that life is messy. Throughout both shows, which will follow the same timeline and have a few natural crossovers, the theme of how one relationship affects a larger friend group will continue. When you're meeting new people, you don't know how [they] are going to take your truth. She's coming into her own and I really would like to say she's going to find it and tackle it all head on. All American season 3 reveals Jordan and Simone got married in Las Vegas, and here's what their marriage means for Simone's spinoff show. Sometimes that happens and you dont even notice that its getting complicated, Carroll tells Variety. (TVLine first broke the news in December that The CW was eyeing an All American offshoot centered on Mayas character.). Amara is unapologetic in her desire to report the truth, which puts her at odds with the administration. What do you remember from filming that scene? With All American: Homecoming set to premiere on Monday, February 21, it would have made sense that Simone would have been a more significant focus in All American's fourth season. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. At Bringston, Simone has an instant connection with Damon (Peyton Alex Smith) so, what does that mean for her and Jordan? Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. The dichotomy between Nate and Keisha is the calm and the storm, and you need that balance in order to navigate new transitions in life. Simones storyline remained entwined with Jordans. Rhoyle Ivy King has made multiple uncredited appearances in TV shows, includingPose. From the surface, her mother comes off as harsh and a little smothering, but she could just come off that way because people don't necessarily understand her off hand. All American Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Or is that just a really good friend whos there for you? she asks. He joined Screen Rant in late 2016 following a year-long stint with MCU Exchange, which came after first developing an MCU blog of his own. Its storylines tend to revolve around the ways its characters come through for each other while trying to become better people themselves, whether that means guiding someone through a panic attack, opening up about their true fears or simply apologizing when theyve failed to listen to someone elses needs. It's a testament to something [creator Nkechi Okoro Carroll] wanted to talk about, because she is young and trying to figure herself out. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Follow Cooper on Twitter @MovieCooper. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. How would you say this visit changes Simone? It reminds you that you made the right decision; and I remember when I went to Clark Atlanta and I saw people celebrating Black excellence and the legacy of fraternities and sororities. Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Time100: The World's Most Influential People, Felicity Dj Vu on The Diplomat? I give so much love and support to these athletes, especially Black athletes who constantly have to raise their bar every single time that they play. See on this team nothing just gets handed to you. When are friendships too close? Simonebecame a slightly more central character inAll American season 3, partially due toThe CW's plans to give her a spinoff show. Her parents paid for the facility and if anyone had a choice they wouldnt choose to hang out with her. When are friendships too close that its disrespectful to the relationship youre in? The match is even set, but Thea ultimately wins. The biggest thing I took away from the bonfire scene is remembering when I first stepped foot on Clark Atlanta University's campus. The CW'sAll American universe expands with a Simone-focused spinoff, and here's a guide to the cast and characters ofAll American: Homecoming. Initially she says she's fine and tries to push through, but the. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Simone has a rough start to life at Bringston. While there's a chance he could spend time as a recurring character on both shows, that could get complicated quickly. The girls pole dance at a dance studio while Simone watches.[3]. During the worst of her stress, Simone takes her aunts advice to point to examples of Black excellence and see what is possible, taking inspiration from the real HBCU alums whose portraits hang in the hallways, like Their Eyes Were Watching God author Zora Neale Hurston. A beautiful friendship has been born, one that is meaningful and deep. Simone starts to crack but finds motivation from a group assignment with Damon and Thea. Camille Hyde as Thea Mays - Thea Mays is Simone's biggest tennis rival at Bringston who wants to proudly represent the Black community in athletics. The next day, Thea finds Simone practicing on the campus tennis courts, and though Theas still got a serious catty streak, she gives Simone some advice on how to perfect her form. Every year Cooper looks forward to seeing the latest blockbusters from the likes of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but also loves the rush to catch up on Oscar films near the end of the year. Feb 21, 2022, 09:00 AM EST | Updated Jul 20, 2022. In the lead-up toAll American: Homecoming, it seemed the best way to set up the next chapter in Jordan and Simone's stories would be to endtheirrelationship, but the show didthe exact opposite. Simone is excited to move into her dorm, but her past choices present unexpected setbacks. From your perspective, what is going through Simone's head? She leaves, feeling humiliated by the event. To me, Jordan holds that significance because he always saw her for who she was supposed to be and wanted to be. Coach Loni believes in actions and not words, but Simone plans to show it to her every day to prove shes an asset. Simone asks how she wants to celebrate the rest of her day, and Thea just wants food. He is an elite baseball prospect from Chicago who turned down a shot to play professionally to help Bringston's baseball program regain prominence. All of this tough love seems to resonate with Simone, who seems more certain about applying to Bringston and pursuing tennis by the end of the episode. "All American: Homecoming" follows Geffri Maya as Simone Hicks, a teen mother and tennis star from Los Angeles who heads to Atlanta to begin college. I was nervous because I've never danced on camera before, but it was fun because I had Samantha [Logan] to support me and we truly had such a good time. Thea claims dedication isnt an issue for the other players, only Simone. People love to hate Cam, but people are going to be excited and surprised by his journey. Now he's decided to give back to his community and his spot in a different way. Simone has still only been a supporting character inAll American, although her excellent tennis abilities and desire to be a positive voice within the Black community have come to be defining parts of her story. After a heart-to-heart with Spencer, in which Spencer tells Damon that his next career move should be forhim and not his mother, Damon makes a major announcement the next day: He wont be participating in the MLB draft, and will instead commit to playing baseball at Bringston. New Romance Brewing on Superman, Fox News 8 pm Viewership Down Sharply Since Tucker Carlson's Ouster, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow, All American Spinoff, Naomi Adaptation Snag Series Orders at The CW, All American Spinoff Adds Legacies' Peyton Alex Smith, 5 Others to Cast.
Are Andrew Pierce And Kevin Maguire Friends,
Phil Harris Jr,
Articles A