It’s been awhile (fortunately) since we’ve had to call out CW’s sports drama, All American. But (unfortunately) this week's episode, “The Next Episode,” regressed into their old, familiar, divisive race baiting as one character proclaims justice is only served when it’s a person of color being prosecuted.
The storyline centered around main characters Coop (Bre-Z) and her girlfriend Patience (Chelsea Tavares), both of whom are in the music industry. Patience is a singer and Coop is a rapper, and they’re both dealing with the aftermath of Patience being stalked and almost killed by an obsessed fan, Miko (Courtney Bandeko).
Miko’s trial has begun, and when Coop informs Patience that Miko turned down a plea deal, Patience becomes visibly upset. Coop tries to encourage her that justice will be served, but Patience claims, “…justice is only served when it's people like me and you being prosecuted.”
Anchor: …as day 1 of The State of California versus Miko Scott" attempted murder trial begins. What can we expect today...
Coop: We can expect a lot of stress. How you feeling?
Patience: I'm not sure. I'm just ready for all this to be over.
Anchor 2: Jury selection will soon begin with the defense hoping to identify jurors sympathetic to their cause who, perhaps...
Patience: Yeah. I am over this already, ok?
Coop: Look, look. Before we pivot, there's something I need to tell you. Uh, the D.A. offered Miko a plea deal, and she turned it down.
Patience: What does that mean?
Coop: Nothing good for us.
Patience: I hate her. My entire life has been turned upside down. Like, I haven't even been able to set foot in the studio, and she's about to walk free?
Coop: Look. There’s still a very strong chance that justice will be served, and she'll get what's coming to her.
Patience: Oh, come on, Coop. You and I both know that justice is only served when it's people like me and you being prosecuted.
Coop: The best thing we can do is just stay positive, alright? We'll get through this together.
Patience: No, no. I have put so much work into not feeling like a victim, but I know the minute that she's acquitted, I'll have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life.
Coop: Whatever I gotta do to make you feel safe here, I'll do it.
Patience: The safest I've ever felt were those 6 months I lived in New York, so if Miko gets off, I may have to consider moving back.
While I’m sure there have been instances of racism and injustice in the legal system, it’s most certainly not the norm. To claim justice is only served when a person of color is being prosecuted is dangerous hyperbole and only serves to harm race relations in this country by stirring up anger and hostility under false pretenses.
Hopefully this is just a blip, and the show takes a permanent hiatus from race baiting from here on out.
