Life is about making decisions, and all of the little ones can lead you down surprising paths that change your future.
It is official; On My Block Season 3 outdid itself. A thriller was at the start of the season, nevertheless it deserted it. Nonetheless, On My Block Season 3 Episode 7 set issues up properly for On My Block Season 3 Episode 8, which served as each a haunting finish of a chapter and the start of a brand new one.
We do not know if Netflix has renewed the collection. The ultimate installment may simply function a collection finale, however God, it is a painful one.
I sincerely hope the collection returns, so our core 4 will get justice, and Cesar remembers that he was once the boy with an excessive amount of coronary heart for his personal good. It seems the season did not want to finish with the dying of somebody we beloved to interrupt our hearts. It did properly with Cesar’s destiny.
The ultimate hour of the season had the gang fractured. Small fissure traces have cracked the core 4 for a while, however because the stress elevated, it made issues worse.
Monse: Promise me nothing goes to vary.
Everybody: Nothing goes to vary.
All the nice, dangerous, and ugly of their friendship was on full show. Friendships, like most relationships, are difficult. It comes a time once we outgrow a few of them, and everybody faces crossroads.
It is onerous to think about the core 4 by no means being pals once more. They grew up collectively, and so they’re the embodiment of “cradle to the grave.” The issues they’ve endured ought to solidify their bond eternally, but when they have been all destined to go down totally different paths, then what does that imply for his or her friendship?
In hindsight, the collection did a fabulous job of constructing to their inevitable break up. Cesar’s arc is probably the most arresting.
He is child, and he all the time has been, however adults determined who he was earlier than he had an opportunity to himself. Due to his associating with the Santos, to everybody else, he was all the time going to be one other gangbanger.
Cesar: We’ll cope with this earlier than if hits them.
Monse: Wait, what do you imply we will cope with this?
Cesar: She must go.
Jamal: That is not who we’re.
Cesar: You are proper. That is not who you’re. Which is why I’ll do it.
It did not matter if he fought towards it, or he wasn’t making an attempt to be a part of that life. The road world got here for him when he wasn’t in search of it, and it has been chasing him ever since. It did not cease till it had him in its grasp.
And in some unspecified time in the future, for somebody younger, with their hope dwindling, it is in all probability simpler to present in and grow to be the identical factor everybody else ascribes to you.
Cesar in all probability reached a degree the place he did not see the usage of combating anymore. It doesn’t matter what he did, it appeared as if he was certain to Santos life, and escape appeared inconceivable.
Ray checked out his son and somebody hopeful — somebody he aspired to be as a result of when he noticed Cesar, he noticed a child who had a future forward of him.
For a very long time, I did not assume I had a alternative. However after shit did not add up about Ray, I began asking round. Came upon what actually occurred between him and the Santos. They turned on him. She turned on him for no motive. Our household ain’t sacrificing for her no extra.
Oscar
I ponder what Ray has to say about his son now. It has to interrupt his coronary heart, Oscar’s, too.
Because the season progressed, Cesar grew extra jaded, and the turning level needed to be when he advised they kill Cuchillos. He needed to guard his household and pals.
And possibly it will have been a fleeting thought, however then Cuchillos set Oscar up, and Cesar needed to go days with out understanding whether or not or not his brother was alive.
It modified him; it was like one thing clicked — a change turned off, and he embraced every little thing that he tried to keep away from as a lot as doable.
Monse: Are you certain? We’re speaking about taking a life right here.
Oscar: Or yours. Mines. Everybody’s.
Monse: And but you’re employed for her.
Oscar: Labored. Previous tense. She’s uncontrolled. She’s by no means been this dangerous earlier than, and it is all for nothing. placing you youngsters in the course of her loopy vendetta? Shit should cease. She does not give a rattling. She does not give a shit about nobody. Even these most loyal to her. Like our dad. She made him take the autumn again within the day, however her time is up. She’s going to a gathering she ain’t strolling out of.
Cuchillos was the explanation Ray was in jail. She was liable for upending the Diaz boys’ lives, and so they could not reconcile with that.
However then it appeared as if Cuchillos took Oscar out too, and all of the blood household Cesar had recognized was gone from his life, and all he may see was vengeance.
Cesar made a alternative, and for the primary time, he was agency in it. The hour had a lot foreshadowing that it made the season finale suspenseful and nervewracking.
You could not struggle that feeling in your intestine that even when the core 4 made it out alive, all wouldn’t be properly. The whole lot had modified.
Spooky, do not begin with out me.
Cuchillos
Cesar charged to the Santos hangout spot, demanding that they get in search of his brother. He was asserting a type of authority he by no means embraced earlier than, and it was disconcerting. A few of the different members acknowledged it, although, and responded.
The second they uttered the time period “Lil’ Spooky,” it made your coronary heart sink. Cesar’s path was falling into place on this turbulent time of uneasiness with the ability adjustments and coups.
He loaded that gun with a hardened dedication that belied the lack of the remnants of innocence that remained. Tinoco was the powerhouse of the hour.
It was a disquieting second when Monse requested him if this was only a one-time factor, and he by no means truly responded. Her instinct was sending off warning bells, and deep down, she knew that one thing in Cesar shifted.
Hey, that is only a one-time factor, proper?
Monse
The group of pals is keen to die for one another. No matter their fights, they all the time stand shoulder to shoulder when occasions are powerful. They have been in all of this mess collectively.
The 19th Road gang have been wild playing cards, so whereas it was promising when Oscar went into negotiation mode for his life, it would not have been uncharacteristic for them to kill him.
But, once they rolled up on Cesar and gave him the telephone and the place to fulfill up, it felt like Cuchillos was the one who was useless.
However the place was Oscar?
The lengthy trek via the woods had the core 4 airing out every little thing that had been troubling them. The stress was on the highest it has ever been for them.
Jamal: I discovered the cash to assist save Cesar. What did you do?
Ruby: I took a bullet for him.
Cesar: Hey, I did not ask for assist. Then or now. I am unable to imagine how egocentric you all are being when my brother, who was making an attempt to guard all of us, is now in all probability useless due to us. You recognize what? Simply go dwelling. I might moderately do that on my own.
Everybody was terrified; their lives have been on the road once more, and so they had parted methods with their households considering it was the final they’d see of them.
Cesar was getting ready himself for seeing his brother’s useless physique, and whereas they weren’t saying it, the others have been scared for Oscar too.
And everybody was proper about every little thing they mentioned.
Cesar wasn’t improper when he referred to as them out on all the time talking unwell of Oscar and the Santos but in addition looking for their assist all the time.
Nah, you understand what’s not truthful? It is that you simply guys complain about my brother and the gang, however as quickly as you want him, you come begging. Nicely, I am not sitting on my ass whereas Oscar’s on the market saving all of ours.
Cesar
As a lot as they disapproved of Oscar, he all the time protected them and appeared out for them as finest as he may, and it is one thing they relied on once they wanted it.
And Cesar was confused that his brother may’ve died defending them once more, and so they weren’t grateful for it. However he additionally was wrestling with the ultimate phrases he mentioned to his brother. He got here throughout like an ungrateful brat, too.
However Lil’ Spooky had slowly began taking on, and he was treating his pals like his subordinates.
As a result of Ruby and Jamal have been terrified too, and as hurtful because it was to say, being pals with Cesar has price them lots. It made them tied to all the gang mess by affiliation.
Ruby: You are performing such as you’re the one one who ever misplaced something or anybody. You are not the one one who virtually died or watched the love of their life choke on her personal blood. Or who took months to really feel semi-normal as a result of being regular is one thing I am going to by no means get to be. This is not about simply you, Cesar.
Jamal: A few of us are collateral harm in your shit.
Cesar: I do not want your disrespect.
Jamal: Whoa. You do not even get it. Simply being your pal is a legal responsibility. Then do not be.
Monse: Oh. Hey let’s not go there.
Ruby: However we’re there. Look within the mirror and bear in mind who you’re. Trigger we do not give you the results you want. We aren’t the Santos. There isn’t a hierarchy in our friendship the place we work in your respect. You need respect, go hang around with these dudes in your entrance porch. However actual pals name you in your shit.
Cesar: Depart. I launch you. I do not wish to be anyone’s legal responsibility.
It is the explanation Jamal’s innocent Curler World quest took a messy, scary flip, and he had to make use of it to avoid wasting Cesar. Beef with the Prophet$ is the explanation Ruby was a sufferer of an errant bullet, and Olivia is useless.
All of it got here speeding again, and the arguing among the many youngsters was heartwrenching. As common, Monse was making an attempt to be the glue to maintain everybody collectively, and it labored lengthy sufficient for them to make it to the grave.
Cuchillos was useless, not Oscar, and I think about the 19th Road gang needed the core 4 there to see that it was official as they torched her physique.
However how do you count on youngsters to get better from one thing like that? Cesar needed to stick with Monse, and the others went dwelling to decompress.
Cesar: it is a good plan.
Ruby: It is the one plan.
Cesar: You certain about this, compa?
Ruby: Journey or die.
They virtually killed somebody. It rattled them to their core once they processed it.
And Oscar had a gorgeous second with one of many core 4’s different finest allies, Abuelita. Abuelita has loopy tales, and you understand she was a part of some shit again within the day.
She was proper there to stitch Oscar up. He should have been on the receiving finish of Cuchillos’ knives earlier than she died.
Abuelita did not need to say the rest past her “thanks,” and it did not make the second any much less emotional. She is aware of that Oscar has been on the market defending her grandson and his pals and that he is behind making certain that the neighborhood is secure.
Abuelita: Thanks.
Oscar: For what.
Abuelita: You recognize what.
Oscar stole the season, and I can not sing Julio Macias’ praises sufficient.
Oscar was bored with gang life. It isn’t one thing he needed. And he used Cuchillos’ dying to lastly get out. As a lot as he reacted poorly to Ray’s phrases, he knew his father was proper, and he did not wish to give any extra to a life that has solely precipitated them ache.
He noticed how damaging it was. Cuchillos’ dying meant he may take over and do issues the appropriate means.
They could not eradicate crime and illicit actions, however he knew the folks wanted change, and he needed issues to be as peaceable as doable.
Oscar: These are your territories. So long as you keep in your territories, there’s nothing to fret about. You have got my phrase. We have had our head on a swivel too lengthy. No más. We work collectively to clip issues earlier than they grow to be issues. You good?
19th Road gang member: Yeah. I wish to make it to my 16th birthday.
It hit him most when he struck his cope with the 19th Road gang. He gave them territory, and he made them agree that they would not clear up issues with weapons, and every little thing could be safer for everybody.
After which the gang member mentioned one thing that shattered you. He was keen to comply with all of those phrases regardless of spending all of this time being a menace. Why? As a result of he needed to make it to his 16th birthday.
They appeared younger, however bloody hell. He was solely a child like Cesar was one, and Oscar in all probability was when he began. He was no totally different than they have been, doing what he felt he wanted to outlive. It is such a easy hope. All he needed was to see 16 years of age with out dying.
Oscar: Hermano, it is a new day. I do not want this shit. I need grownup issues. Perhaps have a spouse, a child. All I’ve proper now’s resentment and missed alternatives. I do not need that shit no extra. It is time to give it away and begin a brand new chapter.
Cesar: What if somebody takes your energy?
Oscar: Let ’em. You taught me the true energy is all up right here.
If that did not put issues into perspective, then what does?
It confirmed for Oscar that he was doing the appropriate factor. He did not wish to perpetuate this life and keep it up this cycle. It is also fascinating to notice that Oscar turned the brand new Lil’ Ricky.
We by no means came upon what occurred to Lil’ Ricky, and whereas it does really feel like they dropped the storyline for no good motive, possibly this was the purpose.
Lil’ Ricky received into the life hoping to make issues higher for his or her hood, and he received out to avoid wasting himself for a contemporary begin. Wherever he’s, he by no means needed to be discovered. He needed to be joyful.
Oscar did the identical. He listened to his father, and Cesar’s optimism impressed him to make the change and pursue what he all the time needed.
Oscar broke free from the chains of that life that certain him. Sadly, Cesar thought he was a idiot for what he did. He thought his brother was tender.
A hardened Cesar misplaced the visages of hope he had. He is the catalyst for Ray and Oscar making these adjustments, after which he fell into the identical entice. They hoped he could be the one to interrupt their cycle, and he received sucked into it.
The 2-year time soar was good for Oscar. Your coronary heart soars once you notice he received every little thing he needed.
Cesar: Simply go on the market and discover him!
Santos: Hey, we received you lil’ Spooky.
A fuzzy Oscar standing at a grill, his ardour was all the time cooking. And he had a pregnant spouse. He will get the household and life he needed, and you may’t ask for something extra for him.
However the identical cannot be mentioned for Cesar. His jaded response to Oscar’s plan spoke volumes.
He has grow to be the brand new Spooky. He has misplaced his means, and possibly, hopefully, he’ll discover it once more.
Monte’s chopping phrases to Monse about snatching up alternatives once they come and never giving her life up for a gangbanger was harsh.
Monte: Do not waste this chance on some gangbanger. His life is not going wherever, however yours can.
Cesar: Your dad’s proper.
Monte: I am sorry.
Cesar: Do not be. She must go.
Monte: Be at liberty to persuade her. I want a break and a drink.
Nonetheless, it is the kind of factor you’d count on from a father. And he needed the very best for Monte.
However how a lot did Monte’s phrases have an effect on Cesar? It is fascinating how there are all the time individuals who discuss how others ought to’ve gotten out of the gang life and made higher choices, however then they are saying issues like that.
Monte thought his daughter’s entire life was forward of her, however he assumed Cesar was going nowhere. How do you surrender on a child earlier than they even grow to be of age?
It is that kind of hopelessness — like one’s life is about in stone it doesn’t matter what you do, that contributes to this mentality that there is no such thing as a means out.
Simply since you’re from the streets doesn’t suggest you’ll want to keep there.
Monte
Monte may be pleased about Cesar, he all the time had Monse’s finest curiosity at coronary heart, all the time protected her, and she or he by no means would’ve left if he did not encourage her.
She was too afraid of what would occur if she did. If she left, then the group would collapse, and she or he knew she was the glue that stored the core 4 collectively.
Her farewell scene was filled with guarantees. Cesar promised to always remember about her and all the time love her, and he reciprocated.
They promised that they’d all the time be pals, and so they would not drift aside. It is easy to make all of these agreements when you do not know what the longer term holds.
Monse: If I depart you are going to overlook about me.
Cesar: Me? Overlook about you? By no means. We’re not going to overlook about one another. We are able to by no means actually depart one another. You recognize why? As a result of we made one another who we’re. We’re burned into one another’s DNA, and it does not matter the place you’re, or what you do. When your coronary heart beats, mine beats with it.
Monse: I am unable to depart you.
Cesar: You may’t keep for me both. I swear to you I will probably be right here once you come again, regardless of how lengthy it takes.
Monse’s future is vibrant at her personal college. Two years later, she’s having the time of her life along with her new pals. The picture Jasmine gave her was within the again behind others of her new pals, Monte, and her half-siblings.
If Oscar turned Lil’ Ricky, and Cesar turned Lil’ Spooky, then Monse turned a happier Selena/Julia. She turned her again on her outdated hood and by no means appeared again.
She did not perceive how her mom may do it earlier than, nevertheless it’s simpler than one thinks when life will get in the best way. It isn’t improper to maneuver on, and folks change. Life adjustments and folks observe totally different paths.
And one thing tells me she hasn’t considered Cesar in a very long time. She turned the kind of woman she used to criticize, however you can also’t fault her for this. It was her shot to get out, and she or he’s a sensible woman with a lot potential.
Cesar: Thanks.
Monse: For?
Cesar: Tú eres mi vida.
She should not have turned down a chance of a lifetime that everybody within the neighborhood would have taken in a second. Everytime you discover a means out of the hood, you are taking it.
However she broke Cesar’s coronary heart if his damaged heart-shaped cranium tattoo is a sign. He additionally has the Santos tattoo on his again and his official road title “Lil’ Spooky” on his arm.
A hardened, gang chief Cesar was a punch to the intestine. Nobody needed this for him. As soon as upon a time, he did not need it.
And you understand he is now not pals with Ruby, Jamal, and Jasmine.
Ruby, I am unable to think about my life with out your father, with none of you. Households struggle. However it’s a must to struggle for household. You by no means give up on them.
Geny
Jamal should have misplaced his quirks. Perhaps the foreshadowing for that was his response to quirky Kendra. She was unusual — weirder than him.
He turned the jock that his father all the time needed. It was stunning to see him sitting on the athlete desk laughing with new pals.
And it broke your coronary heart when he and Ruby exchanged a glance however did not acknowledge one another. If anybody would’ve survived as finest pals, you’d assume they’d.
However the excellent news is, two years later, Ruby continues to be with Jasmine. He has a brand new look, he and Jasmine each do. He is not as formal along with his bowties and gown shirts, and she or he is not as flashy.
Ruby: Kissing you just isn’t like kissing my abuelita. I used to be making an attempt to–
Jasmine: Crush me?
Ruby: No!
Jasmine: Stab me within the coronary heart?
Ruby: No!
Jasmine: Lower my soul in half after which pee on it?
Ruby: .No! I used to be simply making an attempt to guard you.
Their relationship has been a spotlight of the season. Ruby’s willingness to do something to guard Jasmine, together with breaking her coronary heart and convincing her he did not love her, was an indication of how far they’ve progressed of their relationship.
Their emotions for one another are actual.
It was gratifying when he made up along with her. Jasmine has a lot confidence, however she deserved to listen to how a lot somebody beloved and valued her.
They’re such a cute couple, and I could have squealed once they made out in a extra official capability.
My woman crush on Jessica Maria Garcia continues. Jasmine has been absolute Sunshine all season lengthy, and she or he and Ruby’s union was a very long time coming.
Ruby: Life is fleeting. I’ve had multiple second to know what which means. I haven’t got time to waste. I’ve to go along with my intestine. And my intestine is telling me that I’ve to do what feels proper. And what feels proper is you.
Jasmine: So you bought to do me?
Ruby: Hopefully, in some unspecified time in the future.
Jasmine: I do not know. That is actually ahead of you, Ruby.
Ruby: I feel you’ll be able to deal with it.
Jasmine: I-I do not know if I can. However I am keen to strive.
We have now Ruby and Jasmine. Monse and Cesar are not any extra, however we’ve Jasmine and Ruby, dammit.
After all, if there may be ever hope of saving Cesar from life and himself, then the group wants to come back collectively. They’re household, and it doesn’t matter what, you do not bail on them.
It has been a hell of a season, with a surprising ending. Please, inform me all your ideas and reactions within the feedback to under.
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Jasmine Blu is a senior workers author for TV Fanatic. Observe her on Twitter.