She leaves, feeling humiliated by the event. From your perspective, why does she make that choice? 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. As we head to the season finale, what can you share about Simone's journey in terms of tennis in the final episodes? Even through her tough breakup, Simone still wins her tennis match. Damon and Coach Marcus are thrown a bigger curve ball than they were anticipating. I'm excited for people to be able to share that moment with us, because I know people care about Simone and her relationship with Jordan. The CW's 'All American: Homecoming': TV Review See on this team nothing just gets handed to you. Whether it be coming from her panic attacks or a tennis match, she's really discovered what type of athlete she wants to be. Michael and I were both in our heads about the breakup scene because we know how pivotal the characters are. Warning: This story contains spoilers for the latest episodes of All American and All American Homecoming. All American airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Towards the end of the dinner, Thea admits to the group shes always wanted to pole dance, and Keisha has the perfect cap for her birthday. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. While telling a story about college life is very different than that of high school, the drama remains as does the romance. Follow Cooper on Twitter @MovieCooper. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Leonard Roberts has also been inThe MagiciansandMajor Crimes. Hopefully,All American: Homecoming does the work to continue developing Simones character to a fuller extent. This is on top of her ongoing relationship with Jordan, butAll American season 3 began setting up her future away from her friends, family, and life in Beverly Hills. It's important to keep Black kids excited about education and what's out there. ), 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. Sometimes that happens and you dont even notice that its getting complicated, Carroll tells Variety. Jock Zonfrillo Dies: 'MasterChef Australia' Judge And Acclaimed, Damar Hamlin's Charity Sponsor, the Giving Back Fund, Embroiled, Even Without Barry, 'Barry' Is Delighted with Its Own Misery, Malaysia's 'Abang Adik' Wins Udine Festival's Golden Mulberry, Editor's Choice: I Purchased This TikTok-Viral Walking Pad and I, TVLine is a part of Penske Media Corporation. A lot of the time when you film things that require so much vulnerability, no matter how close you are with someone, it's scary because you're unzipping your emotions and thoughts. That Simone and Damon, dormmates and fast friends, are headed toward romance seems inevitable, even if Simons technically still attached to her All American boyfriend Jordan (Michael Evans Behling); whats more college than gradually letting go of the high-school sweetheart in favor of the cutie who lives just down the hall? Netta Walker as Keisha McCalla -Keisha McCalla is the unofficial mayor of Bringston University and one of Simone's closest friends at Bringston. 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." Everyone loves a frenemy situation and this takes it to another level. Simone takes Thea to Amara's for family dinner. By That all of this is happening against the backdrop of an HBCU adds another layer of depth. On this team, things wont be handed to her, it has to be earned. The biggest thing I took away from the bonfire scene is remembering when I first stepped foot on Clark Atlanta University's campus. I had a really good time. 'All American' Spinoff: The CW Eyes Simone Series Starring - TVLine As we know from the shows official logline, Homecoming will follow Geffri Mayas character at a historically Black college, where she and an elite baseball player from Chicago (played by Legacies Peyton Alex Smith) contend with the high stakes of college sports. When they arrive, the room is empty except for a few male students playing video games, Keisha, and Nate. (TVLine first broke the news in December that The CW was eyeing an All American offshoot centered on Mayas character.). OnceAll Americanrevealed their marriage, though, it's difficult not to think about what it means for Simone's spinoff. Thats why theyre the best. So her coming back to the world of All American and experiencing home and Jordan in a different way plays a big part. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. All American: Homecoming cast (who's in the new CW show?) - Hidden Remote John Marshall Jones as Leonard Shaw- Leonard Shaw is the former Bringston baseball coach who finds a new job at a rival school. Davis Review: Betty Gilpin Brings Badass Wit to Peacocks Mind-Bending Thrill Ride, The CW Guts Development, Current Departments in Latest Shift Away From Scripted Originals (Exclusive), 'All American' Renewed in First Pickup for New CW Owners Nexstar, John Oliver Mocks Matthew McConaugheys Five-Hour Virtual Motivational Seminar, The Morning Show Snags Early Season 4 Renewal at Apple TV+, Barry Star Sarah Goldberg on Sallys Point of No Return: Its the Final Nail in the Coffin, Succession Director on Filming That Surprise Cameo and Tying Up Her Kendall Trilogy, Melanie Lynskey Says Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson Lent Their Trailers on Mrs. All American: Homecoming| Simone and Mom makeup - YouTube Executive producers: Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, David Madden, Robbie Rogers. Rhoyle Ivy King as Nathaniel- Nathaniel is a loyal friend to Simone at Bringston who always watches out for her. Grade it in our poll below, then drop a comment with your full reviews! That storyline will also be analyzed in a bit of a different way. All Rights Reserved. Sylvester Powell as Jessie 'JR' Raymond - Jessie Raymond is a longtime friend of Damon's thanks to youth baseball. Advertisement More from Distractify Everything You Need to Know About the New Cast Members of 'All American' American Idol fans 'disgusted' with Katy Perry after they spot Back in Beverly Hills, Jordan seems to have a growing connection with Layla (Greta Onieogou), with whom hes been friends for years. He is an elite baseball prospect from Chicago who turned down a shot to play professionally to help Bringston's baseball program regain prominence. She calls Simone out for not scheduling the time sooner or showing Coach Loni her dedication. [Amara] serves as an inspiration as a woman, a Black woman, an educated Black woman. The girls square off with Simone scoring the first point. Airdate: 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 (The CW) Netta Walker previously appeared inChicago Fire. Simone, who was introduced inAll Americans second season, is currently a senior at Beverly High. As we know from the show's official . The thing about collegiate athletes is they just have a different level of responsibility put on them to be perfect at what they do, especially being a Black athlete. Titled All American: Homecoming, the spinoffs pilot will air as an episode of All Americans current third season (aka a backdoor pilot). GEFFRI MAYA: It was an amazing experience because it's where I started. I was able to connect with so many Black people from many different walks of life. "It was just an exciting feeling to know Peyton and I are at the helm of this show and are able to see that and really fulfill a vision of bringing a universe together with so much love and so much fun," Maya says, looking back on filming the episode. 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. 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. Homecoming is attempting something different than its predecessor was less soapy, more down-to-earth and if its not quite as addictive to start, its still a likable companion piece that tackles the unique challenges of life after high school with warmth and understanding. During the series premiere of All American: Homecoming, we saw that Simone has a tough start to life as a college student. They originally planned to elope in secret, but Spencer and Olivia attended the ceremony in the end. Marcus will even get his job back, this time ashead coach and not assistant! It really has to do with being able to be exposed to such a different world with people that look like her. The chemistry is definitely there. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Mondays 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. All American showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll will executive-produce and write Homecoming, while Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Robbie Rogers all exec producers on the mothership series are on board as EPs, as well. All American: Homecoming star Geffri Maya breaks down Simone's rough TheAll American: Homecoming cast also includes the return of Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker. It's a great question. She is someone who gives herself the permission to be herself, which is all Simone ultimately wants to do and be at the end of the day. Simone arrives late to her court time, but the player there isnt interested in her excuses. Damon was going to the MLB and had a whole different journey planned for him by his mother. (And in a plot twist, Marcus, the teams assistant head coach, was the one to tip off Amara about the cheating in the first place, sacrificing his job in the name of integrity.). 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. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Simone has a rough start to life at Bringston. This seemed to be a clear move to set up Simone going off on her own forAll American: Homecoming. Simone hears about the event and everyone's aversion to throwing a party for Keisha. Spooorts baa-aar". Cooper Hood is a news and feature writer for Screen Rant. Simone's All American spinoff was clearly set up through her story in this episode. 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. Cory Hardrict is also set to play a major role inAll American: Homecoming, as he returns as Marcus Turner. In need of a break from Bringston University mainly Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith) Simone heads back to see her friends and boyfriend on the west coast for fall break on the latest episode of All American. Simone is raised in Beverly Hills, she comes from a well-off family, and goes to a great school. Here's who appears in theAll American spinoff. She's carefree, self-fulling in mind, body, and spirit, she's diligent to her dream and to her voice. The original football drama based on Spencer Paysinger's pre-NFL careerhas become an incredibly popular series for The CW, as a wider continues to find it on Netflix. By the end of the hour, though, Simone is surrounded by what looks like will be her college tribe. But as a character notes a couple of episodes into its brand-new spinoff, All American: Homecoming, college is a different ballgame, honey. Or is that just a really good friend whos there for you? she asks. Amara is unapologetic in her desire to report the truth, which puts her at odds with the administration. Simone wants to get back to practicing, so Thea reminds her that real practice starts tomorrow and since the NCAA limits coaches hours, shell be running the drills, and her opinion does matter. But Amara calls out his cowardice right away, and the prez swiftly moves to open an investigation, while the baseball teams coaching duo resigns immediately. 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. 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 career at college in Atlanta. Its just that life is messy. Simone knows shes messed up but she needs Loni to know shell never see Simone like that again. In addition to makingAll American season 4, the network also began developing a spinoff for Simone Hicks. Whether they are friends, love interests, or foes,All American: Homecoming's cast includes plenty of recognizable characters from the backdoor pilot. They decided to stay together and try a long-distance relationship, despite the pressures theyre both facing. So why was her perspective not at the forefront? At Bringston, Simone has an instant connection with Damon (Peyton Alex Smith) so, what does that mean for her and Jordan? 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. "Everyone's driven and ready to bring Bringston Univeristy to life and bring the characters to life.". Her mother refuses to pay for housing, so she moves in with her aunt, Amara Patterson (Kelly Jenrette), and a night of partying costs her a strong start to her collegiate tennis career. Peyton Alex Smith did appear inAll American: Homecoming's backdoor pilot, but viewers also might recognize him from his recurring role onLegacies asRafael Waithe. All American: Simone deserved a bigger part in season 4 - Culturess From your perspective, what is going through Simone's head? Tennis is such a beautiful sport that I have respect for. The network confirmed on Monday that it's moving forward with a potential spinoff of the football drama, to be focused on Geffri Maya . Related:All American: What [SPOILER]'s Survival Means For Season 4. ET. Being able to be exposed to an environment of people that look like her and come from different backgrounds opens her eye to life, to Black excellence. The audacity for her to even be catching and attitude with Laura is outta pocket and disrespectful. As she, Olivia, Spencer and Jordan prepare to leave campus and return home, Jordan notes that his wife looks happy though when Simone gets in the car, Jordans now the one looking anxious about his and Simones future. However, Damon also has a little-known connection to the HBCU, as his birth parents attended the university before giving him up for adoption. 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. Simone's rough start includes getting on the tennis team. 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. WGA Tells Members to Get Ready to Picket If a Deal Isnt Reached, Saint X Review: Hulus Adaptation of Acclaimed Alexis Schaitkin Novel Comes Up Short, Love & Death Review: Elizabeth Olsen and David E. Kelley Struggle to Shed Fresh Light on the Candy Montgomery Case, Mrs. The dancers and our choreographers, Nico and Rhapsody, were amazing. You want your relationship with your scene partner to be secure enough to depend on that person, and having that moment with [Peyton] really secured our positions. She doesnt care about either of them, even ignoring Damon's attempts to introduce himself, as she only cares about getting an A. Thea cancels their lunchtime sessions as she went ahead and picked out the book they would be reading, and assigns each of them a role in the presentation. Love, friends, happiness, and joy. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. That night, Simone runs to the elevators as Thea passes. PMC Entertainment. While she gets to see Spencer James (Daniel Ezra), Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan) and Layla Keating (Greta Onieogou), the shift she has felt in her relationship with Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling) takes up a large chunk of the trip home. 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? 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. In addition to making All American season 4, the network also began developing a . It isn't an easy transition for Simone as she misses her life in Beverly and is challenged in various ways upon her arrival at Bringston, including her parents not paying for room and board. Thea makes a point of telling Simone that four other girls are striving for a spot on her team. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Black women are judged on everything the moment they set foot on a court, Thea says, and Simone cant get psyched out so easily if she wants to be a serious contender. Related:All American Season 4 News & Updates: Everything We Know. I was classically trained in that part, and once you're a dancer, it doesn't go anywhere, especially if you keep up with it. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . What was shooting that emotional scene about Simone and Jordan's relationship with Michael like? But all of this scheming comes to a halt when Amara is tipped off about a cheating scandal within the athletics department: Bringstons head baseball coach has been knowingly enrolling his players in paper classes, or courses that dont actually exist, so they can remain academically eligible to play baseball at the school while acing their classes. (Several similar scandals have happened in real life, most notably at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. What did you think ofAll American: Homecomings first episode? What types of obstacles will she face as an athlete? Shes in a relationship with Michael Evans Behlings Jordan (and hes smitten! It's pretty exciting. They play for different reasons, their fight is different reasons, so I'm excited to maybe even tap into a little bit of that. ET on The CW. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. All Americans third season is currently airing Mondays at 8/7c; theres no word yet on when the plantedHomecoming pilot will debut. The most important factor is that the boundaries of Jordan and Simone's relationship is definitely going to be tested and I don't only mean romantically, I mean in terms of growing up. Simone is practicing tennis on the court when Thea and her friend intervene. It's a testament to something [creator Nkechi Okoro Carroll] wanted to talk about, because she is young and trying to figure herself out. What happened to Layla's dad? Did the 'All American' actor get recast? Cast: Geffri Maya, Peyton Alex Smith, Kelly Jenrette, Cory Hardrict, Sylvester Powell, Camille Hyde, Mitchell Edwards, Netta Walker Marcus is a former professional baseball player who had his career ended by an injury. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was it like to return to All American and reunite with the cast? Since Simone's introduction inAll American season 2, she's been an integral part of Jordan Baker's story. The trajectory we see with Simone from season 2 [of All American] to All American: Homecoming is a lot of her decisions have always been made with someone else in mind. OK, your turn. Simone wants to find Coach Loni but Thea knows the coach has seen enough today. The only thing I can and will always say is Black people should never be made to feel like they need permission to be who they are and to showcase their talents, dreams, and visions for themselves, and for their community. She is portrayed by Camille Hyde . America So She Could Breastfeed Privately, Michael J. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Sorry. As long as Jordan and Simone stay together, though, the odds of Jordan appearing inAll American: Homecoming remains fairly high. " Thea to Simone [source] Thea Mays is a main character in "All American: Homecoming". I can easily say the most challenging part of the tennis, but I want to honor the sport, my form, train, take care of my body. 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. 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. Thea's birthday is approaching, with Keisha McCalla making a gift bag for her as she does with all the girls in the dorm. Also, how much fun was that big dance sequence to shoot? It is going to be a huge test of the genuine friendship that we believe Thea and Simone have created with each other. But, instead, she receded to the background. It was just an exciting feeling to know Peyton and I are at the helm of this show and are able to see that and really fulfill a vision of bringing a universe together with so much love and so much fun. Simone starts to crack but finds motivation from a group assignment with Damon and Thea. Jordan is one of the main characters ofAll American andhas continued to be involved in the show's fourth season. I cannot wait until this is normalized and we're simply sharing what the world looks like, and what Black excellence looks like. Simone Hicks is at the center ofAll American: Homecoming, with Geffri Maya returning to play herrole. Thea arrives having heard about the party. She walks off and Thea nods a bit impressed.[1]. Thea admits that shes always watching, showing her a series of text messages in which Loni admonishes Simone for sloppy footwork and unacceptable training. It really did feel like a breakup. The show will be co-led by a Chicago baseball player, Damon Sims. Thea knew that no one would show at her party and thats why she didnt want one. It's very empowering that she's able to step into that world of Blackness and Black joy. Thought you could hang, Thea taunts, when Simone asks if all of her warm-ups are typically that intense. Coach Loni believes in actions and not words, but Simone plans to show it to her every day to prove shes an asset. Camille Hyde previously appeared onAmerican Vandal and played the Pink Dino Charge Ranger inPower Rangers Dino Charge. Instead, Simones part inAll American is reduced drastically. In the meantime, the two leads balance academics, athletics and the squishier project of self-discovery with the help of new friends and adult mentors, and in defiance of unfriendly teammates or disapproving parental figures. The love is still there. All Rights Reserved. She is queen-bee sophomore that gives off slight mean girl tendencies. A backdoor pilot for the spinoff wasincluded in season 3that set up Simone for her college adventure. Rebecca Iannucci / Simone gives Loni her clearance note from President Allen, making it in time for Queen of the Court. I remember being extremely emotional and just channeling loss and [what] it means to lose something. 'All American' Spinoff Eyed by The CW - Deadline 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. Simone insists shes only spending the weekend to see her aunt but the school clearly grows on her while shes there, too. How are you feeling about getting to tell the story of a Black tennis player? Thea stops her as Coach Loni has seen enough and is sending her home. However,All American season 3 concluded with a reversal of Jordan and Simone's marriage. Its hard finding something that fits who I am when I feel like Im a work in progress, minus the progress, Simone sighs to her friends while picking out school outfits in the second episode. Its teammate versus teammate in a series of single-elimination matches. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. We don't know what's going to be in store for Jordan and Simone's futures, whether together or apart. Simone's relationship with Amara is different from what we've seen from her family. A successful journalist-turned-journalism professor, Amara is Simone's aunt and the most popular professor on campus.

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