Fans of All American were in for a major treat this week as original cast members Daniel Ezra and Da’Vinchi made their return to the series. The episode, titled Shadowboxin, not only had the return of Spencer James (Ezra) and Darnell Hayes (Da’Vinchi) but was also directed by Ezra himself, making it a full-circle moment for the actor who carried the show’s lead role for six seasons.
Last night’s episode brings Spencer and Darnell back to Crenshaw for what’s supposed to be a carefree night of club-hopping and brotherly bonding. But as with everything in the All American universe, things don’t go exactly as planned.
The duo quickly finds themselves caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the South Crenshaw and Beverly Hills football squads, particularly between the coaches Cassius (Osy Ikhile) and Jordan (Michael Evans Behling). What was intended to be a reunion turns into an intervention, as Spencer and Darnell step up to guide the younger generation through the kind of emotional and cultural clashes they’ve faced themselves.
The episode cleverly balances the characters’ legacy with current storylines. Spencer becomes a voice of reason and reassurance not just for the feuding players, but also for Coop (Bre-Z), who is grappling with unresolved trauma from her past.
As for the new players, particularly Khalil (Antonio J. Bell) and KJ (Nathaniel McIntyre), the pair come to a resolution in their feud, influenced by the return of Spencer and Darnell.
Ezra’s direction in this episode brings a familiar energy to the series. His understanding of the characters, combined with writer Adrien Dukes’ script, delivers an episode that feels both like a homecoming and a passing of the torch.
It was great seeing Ezra and Da’Vinchi guest star in the latest episode. We hope they make more stops to their old stomping grounds.
Photo Credit: The CW
