Spencer learns that Chris may be potentially replaced as South Crenshaw Chargers quarterback by Darnell, a new transfer from Nevada, who has a close relationship with Corey. Coop and Patience's relationship is rocked by the former's refusal to invite them for a dinner with her mother. Jordan, having trouble dealing with the issues within his family, starts neglecting his duties as Beverly High quarterback, irritating both his mother and Asher. Layla is also descending into depression as she shuts herself off from everyone.
Tropes featured in this episode:
- Closet Gay: Patience accuses Coop of self-internalizing how her mother perceives her queerness all so she can please her.
- Dumb Jock: Jordan consciously tries to live in this behavior, as a way to defy his mother for neglecting him. As for JJ, he's always been this way.
- Like Parent, Like Spouse: Jordan's newest girlfriend is a college student named Chanel, who looks just like Laura.
- Morality Chain: Coach Baker looks to be this for the Eagles, as the moment he departed, everything started falling apart.
- Not Blood Siblings: Darnell is not Corey's biological son and therefore not Spencer's half-brother, but he has practically adopted him since he moved to Nevada.
- Offscreen Breakup: When Spencer asks Olivia not to tell Chris about Spencer possibly returning to Crenshaw, Olivia reveals that Chris dumped her, citing her as a ‘distraction’ from his focus on recovering from his football injury
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Layla bluntly tells the student council that she quits being their co-president.
- Sour Outside, Sad Inside: It's obvious that Layla needs help, but she rejects everyone reaching out to her.
- Stepford Smiler: Both Jordan and Olivia note that Laura has been acting as if nothing happened since her separation from Billy. While Olivia is understanding (having seen her privately cry in the previous episode after all), Jordan isn't.
- The Reveal: Spencer learns that Corey raised Darnell for 7 out of the 8 years he abandoned Spencer, Dillon, and Grace. Spencer is heartbroken, feeling that Corey took so long to return because he got a new family instead and didn’t miss them.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Justified. Layla undergoes this big time, as she sinks further into depression. She lashes out at everyone, accentuating flaws no matter how small, and refuses to let them help her go through her issues.
- You Are Grounded!: For his rowdy behavior, Laura grounds Jordan by taking away his phone and wallet, and changes the wi-fi password so he can focus on school only.
