On My Block

Somewhat unwieldy mix of (generally well done) high school sitcom and (also generally well done) urban gangland drama that bounces dizzyingly between comedic scenes like a girl’s misadventures seeking the perfect Quinceañera dress or a frisky grandma and intense drama scenes like a kid struggling with being forced to do a driveby shooting on his classmates. Undermined by the THIRD element, a bizarre season-spanning Goonies-style clue chasing treasure hunt.

At certain points it felt a bit over acted but it does blend the outlandish humour with the realism of gang violence and it does so effortlessly. Brett Gray as Jamal and Sierra Capri as Monse are the two standouts for actors, as Jamal is the key to most of the comedic narrative and Monse and her relationship with Cesar is the key to the dramatic narrative. It does well to encompass other aspects of teenage life and the lives of their parents and grand parents. Solid series all around.