On My Block bids farewell to the core four and all of us watching in its final season. There was an abundance of laughs, tears, descending jaws, and of course, gnomes, sorry, “gnomies”. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it’s inevitable, you might as well make the most of it, especially if you live somewhere like Freeridge.
Season 4 Synopsis
This season picks up the pieces from last season’s bitter cliffhanger two years later after Monse left for Mayfield Academy. While Monse was away, many things changed, and unfortunately not for the better, as the core four parted ways. Jamal became a shallow jock(yes, seriously), Ruby became entangled in an unhealthy co-dependent relationship with Jasmine, and Cesar’s self-fulfilling prophecy caught up to him as he became the leader of the Santos. They eventually found their way back to each other through fate, love, forgiveness, redemption, but sadly the circumstances that led to reforging their bonds came at a tragic cost.
Initial Thoughts Of On My Block Season 4
Seeing how the foursome drifted away from each other with so much animosity among them was insufferable, yet also quite relatable. Seeing how the group of four disconnected individuals eventually find their way back to being four best friends, otherwise known by fans as the Core Four was satisfying and heartwarming. There’s familiarity in the ending of friendships, or relationships in general, whether it be to growing apart or falling out. Should we be able to reconcile our differences and reconnect with people we lost, we’d be lucky, many people aren’t afforded that opportunity.
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Throughout this season there’s a pendulum swinging between comedy and drama back and forth, however, there are strong somber undertones that remain consistent. On My Block may be a teen-oriented comedy, but one thing it does not do is shy away from reality. Freeridge is a dangerous neighborhood to live in as it is infested with gang violence and on top of that, we’re reminded of how immensely fragile life can be.
If you’re familiar with my work, you’d know that I don’t give any spoilers whatsoever, but I will say that the happy ending is not one where they go off into the sunset. There is a happy ending but it’s very bittersweet.
Let’s Talk about On My Block’s Cast
In regards to the performances, Brett Gray’s Jamal steals the show as usual. His story arc always leaves us guessing what he wants and what direction the writers want to take him. Jamal’s transition from being a curious nerd, to narcissistic jock to his authentic self is well-rounded, and Brett portrays his character with his unique flair.
Jason Genao’s Ruby was round up way too tightly, after all, he was in a smothering relationship with Jasmine, so I understand, however he’s not without fault at all as he was way too possessive, obsessive and neurotic. What Jason manages to do with grace, is find a balance between his persona’s layers, and transition between them effortlessly. He’s a very flawed character, but he’s far from boring to watch.
Sierra Capri’s Monse has the most growth out of everyone in the cast, she’s more independent, mature and compassionate, most of all, she’s gain a stronger sense of who she is, and what she’s worth. Sierra is a magnificent beast of an actor, she makes sure to show the audience how much she’s grown with her character.
Now on to my least favorite character, Diego Tinoco’s Cesar. Diego Tinoco is a very good actor, he portrays Cesar with an intensity and fury that hits you with his eyes, though I found it hard to sympathize with his character due to Cesar’s lengthy spree of moronic decisions. Diego Tinoco is so talented at making me love hating his character, I almost forgot to mention his growth/redemption which warranted a sigh of relief.
Finally, there’s Jessica Marie Garcia’s Jasmine, whenever she’s around, The Core Four quietly becomes the high five. In all honesty, she’s my second least favorite character but she has come a long way, she learns about independence and finds the strength to detach herself from Ruby, which was quite satisfying to watch, due to the energy Jessica imbues into her character.
Final Words For On My Block
On My Block‘s farewell season is one worth watching. For many of us, Netflix allowed us to welcome these kids into homes for four years, so naturally, they do feel like family. It is never easy to say goodbye, but all good things come to an end, but the most valuable things will always live in our hearts and minds, while we make room for new beginnings.
Stars: Sierra Capri, Brett Gray, Jason Genao, Diego Tinoco, Jessica Marie Garcia, Julio Macias, Nikki Rodriguez
Creators: Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft, Lauren Iungerich
Writers: Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft, Lauren Iungerich, Adam Starks, Jamie Uyeshiro, Sonia Kharkar, Vivian Huang
Directors: Lauren Iungerich, Jeremy Haft, Valerie Finkel, Paula Garcés, Eli Gonda, Alexi Gonzalez, Arlyn Richardson
Synopsis
A coming-of-age story about four bright, street-savvy friends navigating their way through high school in gritty South Central Los Angeles, trying to get their friend out of a gang, and having friendship turn into something more.
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