Did All American season 8 complete everyone's journeys?

All American season 8 felt different than the previous seasons. If you haven't finished bingeing it, then avoid these spoilers. The first six seasons of All American focused on family, football, and friendships. It was one of the best series because it balanced those and the characters' arcs. Spencer's journey and legacy were important, but Billy Baker left an incredible legacy for Jordan and Olivia, and their friends lived incredible lives, too.

The new class formed an entertaining new vortex in season 7, but the format changed in All American season 8. Football no longer ruled the episodes. Personal arcs did instead, which only partially worked since All American is a sports-drama. Some of the characters fulfilled their journeys by the end of the series, while others were lost in the shuffle.

Spencer and Olivia Have the next generation

Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled Spencer and Olivia had twins and raised them in Crenshaw. However, Olivia’s pregnancy-scare arc didn’t reach its full emotional capacity without Spencer there, and it would have been better if Spencer’s longing to return home had been drawn out over multiple episodes.

I loved their ending, especially because we saw that, besides each other, their moms were still their biggest champions. Grace James and Laura Baker were welcome additions, since they’d do anything to keep their children safe and happy. I love that Olivia ended up with fraternal twins, and Mary was as fierce and snarky as ever. It was wonderful to see Spencer play one last game and pass the baton to the next generation.

Jordan and Layla work through their distance

All American season 8 was a rough one for Jordan and Layla. She struggled, wondering if she managed things too independently, while Jordan also made some solo decisions while she was on tour. They had to learn how to reconnect and lean on each other, and then Olivia went into early labor, which panicked Jordan. He couldn’t lose anyone else, yet the crisis brought him closer to his wife again.

Again, I’m thrilled that Jordan and Layla succeeded in ways their parents didn’t, as shown by the number of trophies in the Baker home. But I wish we could have watched them become parents and seen their daughter interact with Spencer and Olivia’s kids. Spin-off, anyone? It would be the true next generation.

Khalil and KJ Came out on Top, but didn’t get enough focus in the future

One of the best parts of All American season 8 was that Khalil and KJ became closer friends as they prepared for the football showcase. The downside was that the showcase didn’t occur until the end of the season, and Khalil missed most of it since he was traumatized after saving Olivia. KJ showed his leadership on the field, even while injured, and both guys got college offers.

It seemed fitting that Spencer would pass the football legacy to KJ. I wish we could have seen them play together, but what an honor. However, we never got any teasers about whether KJ and Amina would still be together after waiting nearly two seasons to date. Inquiring minds need to know. The series committed the same mistake with Khalil. It’s impressive that he learned from his experience saving Olivia and went to med school, but he didn't run into Tori again until six years later. Romance isn’t everything, but it was a massive part of the show.

All American season 8 showcased Coop and Amina, but what about Preach?

While I appreciated that Coop returned to her roots after the ICE raid, Preach was the one most affected besides Amina, and it felt like this story focused more on the women. I get it. Amina has always looked up to “Auntie Coop," and those two were made for speaking their mind.

Coop never fit in as a corporate lawyer, so I’m thrilled she returned to making Crenshaw a better place. It felt like a complete journey to see Laura Baker at her swearing-in ceremony. I only wish the series had shown how Preach decided to go into politics. He deserved some air time.

Did that ending bring it all together?

Watching Spencer and Jordan reminisce was the perfect way to bring All American full circle. Those two have been like brothers since the series began, and I can’t imagine a better ending than Billy watchng his “boys” in pride. Billy Baker will always be a huge part of the show since he brought them together, and he motivated Jordan and Spencer to be the men they are today. It was nice to see the show bring Taye Diggs back for that surprise cameo to close out the show.

While it’s the end of an era, you can re-watch all eight seasons of All American on Netflix now.

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