Ep 2. Chapter Twelve

After a season filled with various challenges, tragedies, and personal growth, the beloved characters of On My Block are back in Chapter Twelve, the second episode of the show's much-awaited second season. In this episode, the group is still dealing with the aftermath of their harrowing experiences. They are trying their best to pick up the pieces and resume their lives as normal teenagers while still grappling with inner turmoil and tension.

The episode opens with a recap of the last season's finale, where we saw the group scatter and flee after they witnessed the sudden drive-by shooting of Latrelle, who had been after them for a while. The aftermath of that incident is still being addressed, and we see the group begin to come to terms with the tragedy, as they deal with the aftermath of losing someone they knew, albeit not necessarily mourned.

We find out that in this episode, the group discovers that some of them might be more susceptible to PTSD than others. Ruby's younger brother, whom the group had been taking care of in response to the trauma that befell him during Latrelle's reign of terror, seems to be especially affected. As a result of his condition, Ruby and the group as a whole begin to explore ways to help him, but they quickly realize that things are more complicated than they had initially thought.

Meanwhile, Jasmine, the streetwise and opinionated friend of the group, tries to find solace in her mother's birthday. As we have seen in past episodes, Jasmine's relationship with her mother has been strained, and as such, she is surprisingly apprehensive about joining the group as they celebrate this momentous occasion. However, things do not go according to plan, and the group soon learns that even the best plans can go awry.

In another corner of the story, Monse has moved in with her newfound father, which adds another layer of complexity to her already complex life. While living with him might be a positive step, Monse soon discovers that her father has been keeping some secrets of his own. These secrets threaten to expose Monse to some of the harsher and more difficult realities of life in the city, and she is left to grapple with what they might mean for her future.

In a similar vein, Cesar, the show's resident gangster, is trying to find his way back to his old life. However, he quickly realizes that things aren't as simple as they used to be, and he is left to grapple with the ramifications of his past actions and decisions. Meanwhile, Jamal is trying to find a way to return to the happy-go-lucky teenager he once was, after experiencing some of the most traumatizing events of his young life.

Throughout the episode, we see the group bond and come together in the ways that only they can. They laugh, they cry, they vent, and they share the burdens of life. The show does a great job of highlighting the very real struggles that these characters face, while still maintaining a sense of humor and levity when appropriate.

Overall, Chapter Twelve is a great continuation of a beloved series. It offers a nuanced and unflinching look at the complexities of teenage life, all while remaining true to the heart and humor of the show. The show's writing is sharp and witty, and the performances are all uniformly excellent. For fans of the show, this episode is a must-watch.