On My Block: Season 2, Episode 4 “Chapter Fourteen” – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

With Jasmine’s help, Ruby tries to pursue normalcy as Oscar gives Monse an ultimatum.

You’ve Got Options: Ruby, Jasmine, Monse, Monty, Julia

Despite all the chasing that Jasmine did in season 1, Ruby walks into school and learns she has 10 girls she wants to try to set him up with. All of them are pretty, probably the kind Ruby had wet dreams about. Yet, he picks Jasmine.

Now, before you can get giddy about that, he notes it is to win the dance but baby steps. As Ruby said to Olivia, they have their whole lives ahead of them.

But while Ruby’s choice was easy, Monse has a much more difficult decision. One in which she is given the option to live with her mom in the suburbs, with her two younger siblings, or stay in Freeridge. A difficult decision for with her dad having no one but her, it would mean he has nothing to come home to. However, going to Brentwood means getting to know Julia, her siblings, and maybe going to a better school. Thus setting her up life to really be on the right path.

An Ultimatum: Cesar, Monse, Jamal

However, one major issue, besides Monty, is also Cesar. He has become a bit dependent on Monse, and it makes her wanting to leave feel like abandonment. For even though he is learning to deal with Jamal’s eccentricities, seeing Monse, talking to her face to face, that is keeping him engaged and balanced. So, playing his hand, he gives her an ultimatum in which if she leaves, they are done. Leading her to decide to end their relationship and this leaves Cesar crying on Jamal’s shoulder.

You’ve Got A Friend In Me: Ruby, Jasmine

Cesar isn’t the only one left crying that night. While Ruby and Jasmine have a good time, with “Caution” playing, it triggers Ruby and sends him into a panic. Thus leading to him needing to get outside and while his friends try to help, Jasmine tags them out and consoles Ruby. Once again aiding him in trying to craft a new normal but not necessarily forcing him to accept he has to craft that yet.

Collected Quote(s) & .Gifs

You need to lean out of the frustration and into the gratitude.
— Monse

Highlights

Ruby Choosing Jasmine

You know how sometimes characters seem to have a change of heart but then backtrack the next episode? I’m glad that didn’t happen with Ruby. Call it truly making Jasmine his friend or slowly falling in love with her, either way, I think he is taking notice that she is willing to do for him as he has done for others. I mean, over the course of a month, she found 10 girls who want Ruby, including sexually, paid for his tickets, and pretty much he’d just have to show up.

But here is the kicker: despite that, and the girls fitting what he likes on Instagram and what we’ve seen him ogle at, he wanted Jasmine. Supposedly for the dance contest but let’s note that he kissed her on the lips after they won. Then, when she kissed him back for a longer period, he didn’t push away, wipe his lips off, nothing. He truly chose her.

Which is important for a handful of reasons, but the main one that needs to be brought up is Ruby chose her because they were a good match. Yeah, the other girls were in line with what he has previously liked physically and probably was geared to want, but they don’t match the love and drive Jasmine has to give. Pushing the idea that you should seek out who you have chemistry with, who is good to you, and you know you can be good to as well rather than chase the girl who looks like what most of us are programmed to like and be shallow.

Monse Likely Going To Live With Her Mom

Let me say, I don’t want the crew to break up, but it’s clear that they are evolving to the point that they aren’t going to be as interconnected as they once were. Which, all things considered, is good for the crew. Monse wishes to be a writer and after being separated from her mom for a decade, and her dad away all the time, what better place to be than with her mom? After all, with Cesar no longer affiliated, that means Monse doesn’t get protection by proxy. So with her dad not around, who is to say a Santo aware of the situation, or a Prophet even, wouldn’t try something?

Add in she broke up with Cesar and puts her on the market and that could be dangerous for her. So better leave now than deal with thirsty guys or predators like Oscar who think age ain’t nothing but a number and a short jail sentence.

On The Fence

Jamal and Cesar

I gotta admit, I’m worried about what Cesar can do without being attached to Monse. As noted in a previous recap, only certain characters have been made to click with others, and neither Jamal nor Cesar are versatile characters. Unlike Monse and Ruby, they can’t have multiple characters they interact with and have good scenes. Either they seem lopsided or awkward for whatever reason. So here is hoping if Jamal and Cesar are becoming like brothers, due to a shared living space, will cause their relationship to grow stronger.

If not, taking things another way, we see Cesar enjoy that two-parent household situation and him tapping into that shows a different side to him. Since, clearly, Monse triggered his abandonment issues.

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Cast & Characters

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Season Reviews: Season 1

Season/ Episode	Synopsis	Episode Information	Topics & Focused Characters
Season 2, Episode 10 “Chapter Twenty”	Like season 1, we’re left on a cliffhanger, but that’s just the icing to a rather gourmet cake.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/29/2019	When The Adults Step In: Oscar, Cesar An Ultimatum: Monse, Cesar, Ruby, Jasmine, Jamal And Then There Was Darkness: Monse, Cesar, Ruby, Jamal
Season 2, Episode 9 “Chapter Nineteen”	Cesar does what he believes he has to so that he’ll stay alive, Monse is safe, and the rest of the crew aren’t haunted by Prophet$ for the rest of their lives.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/29/2019 Introduced This Episode Ruben Sr. Eric Neil Gutierrez	On The Run Again: Latrelle, Cesar, Oscar You Got To Move On: Ruben Sr., Ruby, Geny Desperate Choices: Oscar, Ruby, Jamal, Cesar, Monse
Season 2, Episode 8 “Chapter Eighteen”	Chivo reveals the meaning behind his gnomes and with Latrelle’s return, and the truce over, comes an increased fear of The Prophets.	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Adam Starks Air Date 3/29/2019	A New Way To Protect Cesar: Chivo, Jasmine, Monse, Cesar, Ruby, Jamal Money Bunny: Jamal, Jasmine, Monse, Jasmine, Ruby Sometimes You Have To Make A Hard Choice: Cesar, Ruby, Monse
Season 2, Episode 4 “Chapter Fourteen”	With Jasmine’s help, Ruby tries to pursue normalcy as Oscar gives Monse an ultimatum.	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Christopher Encell Air Date 3/29/2019	You’ve Got Options: Ruby, Jasmine, Monse, Monty, Julia An Ultimatum: Cesar, Monse, Jamal You’ve Got A Friend In Me: Ruby, Jasmine
Season 2, Episode 5 “Chapter Fifteen”	Oscar tries to be the saint Ruby expects him to be, until Ruby says something to incite the Santos and Cesar makes a mistake.	Director(s) Jeremy Haft Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/29/2019 Introduced This Episode Angelica Kendra Michelle Rosario Belita Moreno Paula Maleah Ann Goldberg	Someone Has To Worry About Your Health: Jamal, Marisol (Abuelita), Rosario It’s Been A Month: Paula, Cesar, Monse The Return of Ruben – With The Big Mouth: Ruby, Mario, Angelica, Oscar
Season 2, Episode 6 “Chapter Sixteen”	Monse’s new life in Brentwood is comfortable, but does she want to stay permanently? Ruby and Jamal, as well as new friends, help her make a decision.	Director(s) Erica Watson Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/29/2019 Introduced This Episode Sahara Dana Gaier Jane Brooke Sorenson	The End of the Truce: Cesar, Dwayne, Monty M.I.A.M.I: Ruby, Marisol, Jamal The Answer To All Your Problems:Monse, Jamal, Julia, Ruby, Monty, Cesar, Jasmine, Sahara, Jane
Season 2, Episode 7 “Chapter Seventeen”	Major and minor secrets are revealed as Amber’s baby shower comes about. Also, an old problem resurfaces.	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Sonia Kharkar Air Date 3/29/2019	I Want Her Back: Chivo, Jamal Baby Shower Drama: Mario, Amber, Geny, Ruby, Jasmine, Monse, Cesar Free From The Curse, But Still In Freeridge: Abuelita, Jamal, Cesar
Season 2, Episode 3 “Chapter Thirteen”	For those who wondered about Jasmine’s backstory, you have to watch Chapter Thirteen.	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Jamie Uyeshiro Air Date 3/29/2019	Reunited & It Feels So Good: Abuelita, Jamal, Cesar Selena: Julia, Monse You Are Your Own Universe: Jasmine, Ruby
Season 2, Episode 1 “Chapter Eleven”	It’s New Year’s Eve and months have passed since the tragedy in the season 1 finale. Leading to the question of how is everyone?	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/29/19 Introduced This Episode Amber Shoshana Bush	Mario Has Some News: Amber, Mario, Geny A Party With Very Little To Celebrate: Caesar, Oscar, Monse, Ruby, Jamal, Geny, Abuelita, Monty What Could Have Changed It All: Jamal, Abuelita, Caesar, Ruby, Monse
Season 2, Episode 2 “Chapter Twelve”	Ruby and Oscar, of all people, have a heart to heart, as Jamal tries to get his money back – from a cop.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/29/19 Introduced This Episode Office Hamill Brent Werzner	Spending The Day With Oscar & Evening With Geny: Oscar, Geny, Ruby, Amber The Money and Explorer Program: Officer Hamill, Jasmine, Cesar, Monse, Jamal Communication Is Key: Monse, Cesar, Jamal, Dwayne, Coach, Jamal’s Mom
Season 1/ Episode 10 “Chapter 10”	For the last few recaps I questioned whether the ending was going to be ideal or realistic and, well I got my answer… which ends up being both.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/16/2018	Never Gonna Give You Up: Jamal, Chivo Changing Places: Cesar, Ruby, Monse, Olivia, Jasmine Bittersweet Tragedy: Latrelle, Cesar, Jamal, Ruby, Monse, Olivia
Season 1/ Episode 9 “Chapter 9”	The treasures of Rollerworld are finally found and just when Cesar needs them the most.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/16/2018	In Search of Gold: Cesar, Olivia, Ruby, Monse, Abuelita, Jamal, Latrelle Halves Cannot Revoke Wholes
Season 1/ Episode 8 “Chapter 8”	Cesar learns what it will take to keep having precious moments with his brother as Monse takes an opportunity to get to know Julia better.	Director(s) Steven Tsuchida Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft, Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/16/2018	Dress Freakout: Monse, Cesar, Olivia, Abuelita, Ruby In Pursuit of a Better Life: Cesar, Oscar, Jamal, Chivo Is She or Isn’t She?: Monse, Cesar, Julia
Season 1/ Episode 7 “Chapter 7”	Ruben continues to prove he is husband material for Olivia, despite her dating Cesar, as abuelita gets Jamal another clue which could lead to the money.	Director(s) Steven Tsuchida Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/16/2018 Characters Introduced Chivo Emilio Rivera	Julia Whitman & The Boy Fresh Out of Prison: Monse, Cesar, Latrelle Cesar Is Just My Placeholder: Ruby, Cesar, Monse, Olivia The Gnome Holds All The Secrets: Jamal, Abuelita
Season 1/ Episode 6 “Chapter 6”	With the secret dropped, now comes the question of how to move forward. Though for Jamal, it becomes time to reveal his secret as well.	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Adam Starks, Francesca Gailes Air Date 3/16/2018 Characters Introduced Jamal’s Mom Raushanah Simmons Coach Rob Murat Monty (Monse’s Dad) Reggie Austin	I Can’t Live A Lie… Unless You Help Me: Ruby, Jamal, Olivia Nobody Wins When The Family Feuds: Ruby, Jamal, Olivia, Cesar, Monse Ending Things On Top: Jamal, Oscar
Season 1/ Episode 5 “Chapter 5”	Just as Monse is finally coming around to wanting to be official, this Olivia kiss could ruin everything. Will she find out and if so, because of who?	Director(s) Ryan Shiraki Writer(s) Jamie Uyeshiro Air Date 3/16/2018	Secrets Are Deadly: Jamal, Cesar, Ruby My Girlfriends: Jasmine, Olivia, Monse Lockdown: Oscar, Cesar, Olivia, Ruby, Jasmine, Jamal
Season 1/ Episode 4 “Chapter 4”	Jamal’s relationship with Abuelita gets him one step further to Rollerwood fortune and with tagging along with Jamal, Monse sees a ghost.	Director(s) Steven Tsuchida Writer(s) Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/16/2018 Characters Introduced Rosé Angela E. Gibbs Julia Lisa Marcos	Get You an Abuelita: Jamal, Monse, Ruby, Olivia, Cesar, Abuelita Straight Outta Brentwood: Olivia, Ruby, Cesar, Oscar Can You See Me?: Monse, Cesar, Ruby, Olivia
Season 1/ Episode 3 “Chapter 3”	Objectification is the issue of the episode and it ruins Ruby’s chances with Olivia and might be the final straw for Cesar.	Director(s) Steven Tsuchida Writer(s) Robert Sudduth Air Date 3/16/18	Don’t Worry, Abuelita Believes In You: Jamal, Abuelita I Feel So Objectified: Cesar, Ruby, Monse, Olivia This Isn’t Fun Anymore: Cesar, Ruby, Monse, Olivia, Oscar
Season 1/ Episode 2 “Chapter 2”	As a fourth member is added to the squad, Monse has to deal with Cesar manipulating her and Ruby has a date with Oscar.	Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich Air Date 3/16/2018 Characters Introduced Olivia Ronni Hawk Abuelita Peggy Ann Blow Geny Paula Garces	The New Girl In Town: Olivia, Monse, Ruby, Cesar Digging A Deeper Hole: Oscar, Cesar, Monse, Ruby, Jamal Jealous?: Monse, Cesar, Olivia
Season 1/ Episode 1 “Chapter 1”	On My Block has an almost Friday vibe to it. It’s comedic yet, with its urban setting and gunshots, you know things can go left in any moment.	Creator(s) Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Director(s) Lauren Iungerich Writer(s) Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft Air Date 3/16/2018 Noted Cast Cesar Diego Tinoco Monse Sierra Capri Ruby Jason Genao Mario Danny Ramirez Oscar Julio Macias Dwayne Eme Ikwuakor Latrelle Jahking Guillory Jasmine Jessica Marie Garcia Jamal Brett Gray