All American Boys

Quinn explains that fights are pretty common in Springfield, and that he tried to convince himself that what happened at Jerry’s was “no big deal.” However, he couldn’t bring himself to enjoy Jill’s party. He is haunted by the image of Paul beating Rashad; in this moment, Paul was unrecognizable, like an entirely different person. Quinn sleeps badly and wakes up on Saturday with his father’s voice in his head, urging him to push himself. Quinn does so many push-ups and sit-ups that he almost makes himself pass out.

Ma asks what’s wrong, and Quinn tells her it’s nothing. He explains that he needs to head to the basketball court because Coach Carney is picking starters this week. Quinn gets in the shower and thinks about the scouts coming from colleges. His father was given a full ride through ROTC, and Quinn feels that he needs to do even better by getting a full ride at an excellent school through basketball.

Quinn gets out of the shower and runs straight into Ma, who demands to know “the truth.” For the first time, Ma has found out about Quinn stealing her bourbon. She reminds him that alcohol can kill him and that he is breaking the law. Quinn blames Guzzo, which further infuriates Ma. She tells him that “it’s about how the world looks at you” and that, as a senior, he must decide “what kind of man you want to become.” Ma tells Quinn to go to Willy’s soccer game that day and to take him out to pizza after. Quinn agrees.

Willy is unenthused by soccer, but at the game Quinn shouts encouragement. Guzzo texts to say he has a terrible hangover. He adds that Paul is home and that what happened at Jerry’s is “a big deal.” Guzzo’s family are having a barbecue tomorrow and “everybody” is coming. Quinn finds this strange, as the Galluzzos have never hosted a gathering before. He feels nervous about the prospect of seeing Paul. Back at the soccer game, Will unexpectedly lands a “sweet tackle” and is “the momentary hero” of the match. Quinn gives him a high five and thinks that “it’s actually pretty cool having a little brother.” Quinn sees himself in Will, which helps him understand himself better.

Mother’s Pizza is packed. On the wall there is a photo of Quinn’s father at the St. Mary’s soup kitchen, and Quinn always tries to avoid sitting near it. As Quinn is about to order, Jill approaches and asks him to grab an extra slice for her. Quinn shyly agrees; as the son of “Saint Springfield” he always gets a discount, and thus picks up three Cokes as well. The three eat together and Jill accidentally mentions that Quinn must be hungover, which Quinn makes Willy swear to keep a secret. Quinn tries to figure out if Jill and English hooked up, without asking directly. Quinn worries that Jill thinks of him as “more of a brother.” 

Suddenly, a fight breaks out nearby. This is not unusual, considering that Mother’s lies at the border between neighborhoods. People of every race go to eat there, but Quinn notices that the four men being arrested now are white. Quinn suggests they get out of there and walk Jill home. On the way, Jill mentions the barbecue at Guzzo’s house the next day. She also thinks it is strange that they are hosting a “sudden party.” Quinn and Jill agree that they both think they know why the party is happening, but Quinn resists spelling it out explicitly, even in his own mind.