Show: On My block Starring: Sierra Capri, Brett Gray, Diego Tinoco, Jason Genao, Ronni Hawk Director: Lauren Lungerich, Steven K Tsuchida, Ryan Shiraki Streaming: netflex Review: Klep Napier Rating: 3.5X's out of 5X's The coming of age teen drama seems to be the new kick these days [The Chi, Everything Sucks, Stranger Things]. Ever since Nickelodeon stuck it to teens with "the real" back in the early to mid-2000's, it's almost impossible to find anything that can stand with the realness of teen adolescence television brought to us by Teen Nick. But the bar continues to rise through newer and modern channels. "On My Block" follows 4 friends in South Central L.A. just coming off summer vacation as they begin to experience the changes that occur within friendship, relationships, and life all while starting their freshman year of high school.
The 10 episode series plays with its characters like an afternoon Disney channel series that drops them in the middle of a #RickFamuyiwa film (ie. #TheWood and #Dope). What we mean is, as light-hearted as it seems, the first 6 or 7 episodes, turn dark faster than you can wrap your head around its premise and tone. You're not sure what to expect while watching, but you'll possibly just keep watching. Its humor is corky, geeky, and almost blinds you from the reality that these kids actually live a rough neighborhood. Reality occasionally checks you back in and you're supposed to remember there are real threats surrounding their lives. Trust us, the more you watch the less you may understand, but what I took from the story was no matter how complicated the situation, loyalty always wins. It wasn't until the last 2 episodes that something real kicked in. You're left with consequences and emotions but even this feels out of left field because the whole time you're tricked into thinking this is supposed to be a comedy. I honestly think where season 1 starts and ends, could've easily have been a two-season storyline. There is just too much of a dramatic twist in this one season for me to swallow. Overall this one could be a hit or miss for some audiences. Discretion advised, but parents feel free to watch this one with your tweens.
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