On My Block: Season 2, Episode 5 “Chapter Fifteen” – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

Oscar tries to be the saint Ruby expects him to be, until Ruby says something to incite the Santos and Cesar makes a mistake.

Someone Has To Worry About Your Health: Jamal, Marisol (Abuelita), Rosario

Marisol, Abuelita’s revealed name, is getting arthritis and seemingly the only one who may know, or is pushing her to do something, is Jamal. Now, mind you, Geny works, the father we barely see since he likely does as well, and Ruby is in a funk, so he probably doesn’t care. However, between the money and their relationship, Jamal cares. Hence him wanting to take her to a doctor but with her against that, they go to a Curandera, a healer using natural medicine, named Rosario.

Now, let it be known Marisol does not like Rosario ever since she gave her some bad weed in the 80s. However, she respects her work since her family has been doing it for generations. So with her saying, Rosario, that something which entered her life is cursed, Marisol thinks it is the money. Leading to Jamal, who initially denies it, wondering if that’s true and freaking out.

It’s Been A Month: Paula, Cesar, Monse

With Monse going silent for a month, despite Cesar’s calls and texts, he’s feeling a little off. Which leads him to open up to his co-worker Paula and while she, at first, puts the blame on him, then she hears the full story. Leading to, with seeing Cesar all vulnerable, and thinking he is cute, offering to make out with him – if not more.

The problem with that is, even if they are broken up, Monse texts him saying she misses him.

The Return of Ruben – With The Big Mouth: Ruby, Mario, Angelica, Oscar

Since the valentine’s dance it seems, Ruby has gone back into a funk that no one has been able to get him out of. However, when Oscar hears about this from Mario, he decides to use Ruby’s fear of him for good and have him come to a Santos party. Nothing big, just a backyard party and while Ruby originally hates being there, as he gets to organize bottles, and get into event planning mode, he finds himself. He even drinks a bit and starts to loosen up.

However, problems arise when two things happen: The first being Mario and his ex Angelica hook up, and then Ruby, drunk as hell, gets a microphone. Leading to three things actually. The second would be Ruby exposing Mario to Angelica, about him being a dad soon. Following that, the third thing would be Ruby riling up the Santos, with his drunk rapping, and likely ending the truce Oscar made.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Before Oscar dropped out, did he and Mario have a Ruby and Cesar type of friendship?
2. What’s the likelihood that Marisol doesn’t want to see a doctor since she is undocumented?

Highlights

Understanding Cesar

In a way, you can’t damn Paula or Cesar for what happened. Cesar has long relied on his friends to tell him he isn’t wrong, isn’t a bad person, but since they’ve known each other since elementary school, it has lost its effect. It’s like the Ruby and Jasmine situation, an outsider telling you it’s not your fault things are bad, and you aren’t a bad person leaves you in a vulnerable place. One which, okay, maybe Paula took advantage of, but it isn’t like Cesar isn’t single? Not everyone can be like Jasmine.

Vulnerable Men & Boys

The guys on this show have cried so much or have shown themselves to be, if not vulnerable than someone who would be if they could. Not just Ruby, who is an established emotional person. We have his older brother Mario who is regretting getting this white girl pregnant, Cesar who lost multiple people he depended on, and even Oscar. I’d argue Oscar isn’t proud of his decisions but being that he feels so trapped in the few bad ones he made, he suppressed his feelings of suffering. Hence his investment in Ruby since, like his sacrifices for Cesar, that’s his saving grace. That is how he proves he isn’t as bad as he likely thinks he is and is still able to do real good.

For as much as he gave Ruby an eye-opener, I think Ruby did the same for him. So with knowing his power, even if it is helping someone like Ruby not veer from the path he was on, it’s something. May not get him into heaven but give him some comfort in hell.

The Time Jumps

Nearly every episode, thus far, has been jumping ahead weeks, if not a month, and I think it has made it so the actions, or reactions, of characters make sense. Like Monse needing a month to get acclimated to Selena, her family, and new friends, it makes sense. Especially since she grew up in the hood and now has to deal with culture shock. Something I wish we got to see but with it only being a month, I’m sure, even as smart as she is, she hasn’t fully acclimated.

Realizing Jamal Is A Care Free Black Boy, And Marisol Supports That

It’s easy to forget that Jamal is privileged. His parents have a profitable business, and he is an only child who seemingly is appeased since he isn’t a bad kid. A weird one that neither parent necessarily gets, but they accept him. Yet, acceptance isn’t enough. The crew accepts Jamal, but no one gets him but Marisol. And while you could easily have the perspective of seeing him as selfish, when it comes to her getting better, it is also because she is all he has.

Again, noting how everyone is paired up, with us seeing Cesar live with Jamal you are forced to see how many put up with Jamal and accept him despite of. Meanwhile, Marisol actually listens to Jamal and will go out of her way to get help. In season 1, she supported his Rollerworld dreams, and I can’t let go when he said they should shake on it, them dancing instead of shaking hands.

To me, Marisol is the only one who supports Jamal being his fullest self and not watering it down to make other people comfortable. If not making his scream and act even more extra since that might be the only way he knows how to get attention. For while he might be privileged and carefree to a point, being someone carefree without someone else with the same attitude is a lonely experience and makes what feels natural to you seem unnatural if you want to be able to function in society.

On The Fence

Hoping Ruby Doesn’t Develop A Drinking Habit

Luckily, for his arm pain, Ruby didn’t get addicted to drugs to numb his physical pain or emotional. So with drinking being connected to him feeling like his old self, one could only hope that isn’t going to be part of his routine. After all, let’s not forget, damn near every one of the crew is 14 at a minimum, 15 at most.

Add in Ruby’s family may or may not have healthcare, and are religious, it makes the idea of therapy iffy. So in lieu of that, drugs and alcohol are a possibility. Which, admittedly, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the characters got into it, but there is such a need for Ruby to be protected that to see that happen to him would hurt too much. Even if he is a fictional character.

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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