Ep 21. In Blood or Money

Embark on a journey to East Los High, a high school in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood as the drama-filled story continues in season 1 episode 21, titled "In Blood or Money."

The episode picks up following some intense moments in the previous episode. Jacob has just discovered that his father killed Jefferson in the name of the gang. Frustrated, angry, and wanting justice, Jacob storms around the city to gather more information and to try and make sense of it all. However, Jacob finds himself torn between avenging Jefferson's death and pleasing his father, who controls a significant part of the neighborhood's financial sources.

Meanwhile, Jessie is also dealing with her own problems. She has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend Eric has been arrested for stealing from the school. But that doesn't stop her from still being attracted to him. Her best friend, Maya, is worried that Jessie might go back to her old ways and end up throwing away her future.

Back to Jacob, he is keeping to himself and trying to process all the information that has come to light. That is until Ceci comes to him, asking for his help. Her uncle is in trouble again and needs money to get out. She pleads with Jacob to ask his father for help, who has the money and power to do so.

Jacob is conflicted. He doesn't want to be involved in any of the gang activities and just wants to mind his business, but he can't seem to escape it all. Ceci tries to convince him that it's not all bad and that sometimes, you need to do whatever you can to help your family. That seems to resonate with Jacob, and he decides to go to his father to ask for the money.

The situation with Jessie and Maya takes another turn when Jessie is caught trying to steal from the school. That only adds to the stress for Maya, who is sure that Jessie is heading down a dangerous path. Jessie tries to weasel her way out of trouble, but the vice-principal isn't having it.

While all of this is happening, the dance team is preparing for their big competition. Sophia is struggling with her routine, feeling like she's not good enough for the team. But her teammates are there to support her and push her to be her best.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Jacob have a heartfelt talk with his father. He confronts him about the murder of Jefferson and tells him that he can't be involved in any more gang activities. His father, stern as ever, tells him that he needs to choose between blood or money. Jacob ponders this and appears to come to a decision.

Jessie also appears to have made a decision. Despite her best friend's warnings, she goes to visit Eric, who is being held in juvenile detention. She tells him that she still loves him and is willing to do whatever it takes to help him.

As the episode ends, we are left wondering what decisions Jacob and Jessie have made and what their consequences will be. We'll have to tune in to the next episode to find out.