All American gives Coop and Patience a respectful end

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Regrettably, destiny just wasn’t on our side. After years of trying to keep our love alive amidst the challenges of a long-distance relationship, Coop and I have finally called it quits. In the heat of “Boom I Got Your Boyfriend,” we had that tough conversation that was long overdue, a heart-to-heart that allowed us to be honest with each other and find some much-needed closure.

Coop and I share a rich history spanning many years, one in which we’ve relied on each other for support, encouragement, and growth. We’ve both risen to the success we enjoy today thanks in no small part to our relationship. The lessons we’ve learned together have been instrumental in shaping who we are today.

However, as much as the past holds significance, our visions for the future no longer align. While it’s difficult to let go of all that we’ve shared, I believe that moving forward separately is what’s best for both of us. After all, life is a journey, and sometimes, the paths we walk diverge.

Coop’s understanding that their past won’t work for their future, an insight Patience accidentally hears, marks the unfortunate reality where their relationship comes to an end. They’ve often repeated this pattern in the past, and neither is keen on repeating it again. Both have progressed too much as individuals to slip back into harmful habits. Although they will always cherish the love and respect for what their relationship once was at its best, choosing to part ways before embarking on another long-distance relationship seemed the wiser decision. Their farewell is tenderly marked by memories before Patience departs. It’s regrettable to bid adieu to one of All American’s original romances, as not all teenage relationships survive into maturity and overcome every hurdle. In this instance, the series portrays a sad truth about growing up, which sometimes means growing apart. On a brighter note, Amina proposes that Coop moves in with her and Preach, providing Coop with a secure living arrangement for the future.

During this episode, Jordan is not present, but his absence serves a storyline function. Throughout the season, Jordan and Khalil shared many moments, some even during off-screen football practice. This leaves a void in the Baker household after they bring Khalil to live with them, which gives an opportunity for Layla and Khalil, who aren’t as close, to grow more comfortable around each other. Layla, showing maturity, simply wants Khalil to feel at home and makes efforts to connect with him while Jordan is gone. On the other hand, Khalil, in Jordan’s absence, feels uneasy trying to prove himself worthy of having a room to stay.

In essence, while the characters from All American may have grown beyond their teenage roles, taking Khalil under their care as temporary foster parents was not something they had anticipated beforehand. Regardless, Layla steps up to the plate, aiming to support Khalil, and since she and Jordan are both new to parenting a teenager, Layla seeks guidance from experienced parent Cassius. Despite Cassius being in a state of drunkenness and grappling with his troubled marriage, their conversation remains platonic. All American skillfully avoids introducing unnecessary drama or awkwardness by presenting their discussion as a lonely and heartbroken Cassius finding solace in Layla’s company.

Despite All American’s persistent efforts to establish Coop, Layla, and Patience as significant parental figures for Amina in season seven, the absence of Preach grows increasingly conspicuous with each episode he is not featured. The episode “Boom I Got Your Boyfriend” follows this pattern by depicting Amina’s close ties with Layla, Coop, and Patience, bonds that have mostly been implied rather than shown since Preach’s sudden realization of his daughter. As it stands, it seems as though Coop and Layla are assuming the role of guardians for Amina, with Preach’s frequent and unexplained absences. Even if there is a reason behind Preach’s absence, All American portrays the storylines in such a way that it appears he is never present. One may wonder where Preach was during Amina’s party or why he didn’t attend to celebrate her academic triumph. Moreover, his name is conspicuously absent when Coop and Layla celebrate Amina’s student government victory.

Despite the numerous significant relationships that “Boom I Got Your Boyfriend” seeks to emphasize, such as Coop and Patience‘s romantic struggles, Layla and Khalil’s growing familial bond, and the complex love quadrangle involving Amina, KJ, Khalil, and Tori, there are certain aspects that season seven has failed to manage effectively. One of these elements is Preach’s near-continuous absence, which “All American” should address more thoughtfully. Since Preach is Amina’s parent, it’s not appropriate for Coop or Layla to assume a parental role for her. The prospect of Coop living with Amina and Preach could potentially stir up even more issues in that regard, as Coop’s permanent presence would place her closer to Amina rather than keeping their lives more separate. “Boom I Got Your Boyfriend” manages to advance the relationships between the new and old characters, but “All American” still has work to do in refining its new approach.

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2025-03-19 16:14