“I’ve been going through changes.”
Probably with one of the catchiest songs as the background to its trailer, “On My Block” has become an addiction for many Netflix users.
Where do I start…on why everyone, including me, is obsessed!?
First, let’s just say that Netflix did it again or in Dj Khaled’s voice, did Another One, when they created “On My Block.” The show has all the elements of a perfectly binge-watching, heart-dropping, and utterly addicting Netflix series. One major fact about the show, is that this show is for the black and brown kids. The show is set in South Central LA, and brings a mixture of the Hispanic and African-American influence. With a mix of spanglish, Hispanic culture, urban references, and family structure of the characters, this show is easily a snapshot of everyday life in South Central L.A. Not saying that it is not a show that everyone can love, but it definitely represents for the culture that black and brown kids can relate to.
So, what do I love about the show?
I love that these characters seem like my little brothers or sisters, or even myself back in high school. I remember going through fights with friends, the awkward stage of puberty, and all the other real-life stuff that the show covers. Maybe I can’t identify what kind of gun gives off a certain sound when shot, like the characters do. Or maybe I never experienced the pressure of feeling like I have to follow after my siblings footsteps…but someone has. That’s the dope part about “On My Block”, that it is unapologetically real for growing up in rough parts of South LA , but also just a real representation of life as a teenager. It has fine balance of the crazy times you have when goofing with friends, but also the seriousness of how, in life, anything can happen and you might not be ready for it.
If I could give this show a rating, I would give it a 4/5. “On My Block” kept me entertained and also kept me on my feet. I felt happy when I watched this show, because I felt it was a show that I could connect to and see my experiences. I fell in love with the strong spirit of Monse, the swagger of Cesar, the extraness of Ruby, and the dorkiness of Jamal. I saw a little bit of myself in everyone of them. Although this series is set where these characters are freshman in High School, I can relate to their struggles as a Junior in college. I have witnessed love triangles amongst friends. I know how it feels when it seems no one believes in you. And I understand the other emotions and problems those characters face. That’s the magic of this show. I feel that it doesn’t overdo the environment the characters are growing up in, but just show it as another factor that makes them who they are. They are just kids from a rough neighborhood going through things that all kids go through, while trying not to be taken out by the issues that life throws at them.
Again, I really recommend this show for everyone. Catch up on the series that has taken over Netflix, and especially do it before season 2 comes out!