On My Block S3 SPOILERS

thoughts on sex education season 3

two episodes in

im so here for otis & ruby, the relationship makes both characters more interesting and less unbearable, plus they are so much better than maeve & otis, i can actually ship them.

i love cal. i want to see more of them. it was heartbreaking to see the bathrooms aka their safe space being demolished.

since season one adam has been my favorite character (after maeve), and i’m so happy to see his development. he makes me go 🥺 every time he’s on screen.

eric and adam are so cute. i really hope they work out.

i’m glad isaac told maeve the truth, and while i like isaac i don’t think maeve will be with him. i don’t think maeve needs a love interest this season tbh.

i hope we get an aimee centered episode.

episode 3

sorry viv and jackson, i used to really ship you last season but now i’m cal and jackson all the way

viv is kinda annoying this season so far. it’s in character but like she used to be one of my favorites

i want to fight hope

why do i love ruby now

episode 4

okay i do like otis and ruby but why did this turn into their show? i want to see other characters more!!!

i can’t wait to see hope’s downfall. istg if she’s not gone by the end of the season i will riot.

i’m really liking maeve with isaac. their scene was so sensual and beautiful.

i just really hope otis and maeve both move on separately like they’re doing rn, and never get together. i don’t think they’re right for each other, and they’re just boring together.

ready for paris adventures yessss

episode 5

jean is a queen

jackson on a trip is hilarious

flying feces whyyy

i love adam sm

oh no the girls are fighting

not ola and lilly having a fight over aliens

oh no don’t tell me maeve and otis are gonna find some motel and there will only be one bed

i’m living for adam and rahim becoming buddies

jackson and cal 💔

maeve’s not here? kevin’s not here. KEVIN!

you tell him, maeve. otis sucked last season.

nononono. NOOO. disgusting. don’t kiss. stupid paris.

poor ruby 😭

episode 6

lilly backstory yesssss

vagina cupcakes I WANT

why is aimee the sweetest human being

i wonder if the season will end with maeve going away to the us

i’m so glad we’re seeing more of eric’s family

hope can die in a ditch. she would be a terrible parent considering how she treats her students. *me imagining violently smashing hope’s car to cope* who made this bitch an educator? is this allowed? IS THAT ALLOWED?! poor kids, they’re legit traumatized now

i’m sorry but with this crisis going on, i can’t care about some silly maeve and otis drama

otis DOES make everything worse. fuck otis. i don’t want to see him anymore either.

hell yeah viv. fuck that millennial bitch up.

no, eric, don’t just go away with some stranger. i’m scared.

why is everyone fucking cheating?! is it so hard to keep your tongue in your mouth?

episode 7

ahhh i love everyone working together

omg this bitch is absolutely unhinged

“sex free campus? people fuck in the bushes” is my favorite quote, thank you eric

ruby matthews is officially THAT bitch, she did what i wanted to do the whole season

sucking on my titties is the best anthem. i love this show.

cal and jackson are definitely my favorite ship this season, i really hope they work everything out

the way connor swindells portrays adam is incredible

i need jean to be okay

they’re each other’s mums stop i’m crying

i wish mr groff cared more about his son than about getting back with his wife, like he hasn’t even talked to adam this whole time or made any sort of effort

lmao not A RAIN KISS i can’t believe a ship i don’t care about actually get a rain kiss

the finale episode 8 let’s gooooo

lmao what is this mean girls moment

adam and rahim being besties is hilarious

i’m sad cal and jackson didn’t work out but i get it, i’m glad they’ll still be friends

the maureen and aimee goat adventures

my baby adam i’m- i can’t, why is he getting hurt

why did adam and eric have to break up

not otis building up this absolute bitch that should be in jail

SHUT UP he’s not the father?!

seeing adam happy is everything

proud of maureen for ditching michael

eric third wheeling in the tree house lmao

i feel like this season left everything disheveled, and i’m left feeling empty. it felt more like a mid season finale than a season finale. i enjoyed season 3 but i think i prefer season 2.

i did trin lovell’s list, and thought i’d post it. 

tbh i was debating to put tvd in the death row bc i hate sm about it, but it was one of the first shows i ever watched and seasons 2&3 are genuinely good.

 regarding the 100, i actually think the show itself is pretty great (seasons 1-4) but i just have too much pent up hatred towards it bc of bellarke (they literally made me wait 7 years for nothing) and b*liza (clarke and bellamy were my favorite characters and i can’t look at their faces anymore).

some of these rankings are probably gonna be surprising but i stand by them.

it's not your fault, they're identical.. look at them.

ELITE S3

SPOILER WARNING

Okay, was this season the best or am I so addicted to this show that every time it comes back I love it even more?

First and foremost. Polo deserved to rot in jail for the rest of his life, not to escape his agony by dying and get forgiveness from Guzmán. Just because he‘s dead he’s not any less of a murderer. Polo apologists can F off. You can like him as a character but do not excuse his actions. Marina’s murder was not an accident. Polo made a choice, and we saw how he wanted to hurt Ander the same way in S2. He could kill again... Well, at least now he won’t.

Now on to my favorite characters.

Rebeka continues to be the best. I’m glad she got more of a storyline this season. She’s definitely a character who you’d want to be best friends with. The scenes of her supporting Ander and coming out to him were beautiful. A lot of people - me included - wanted Rebe to be non-straight. When she admitted her feelings for Carla, I couldn’t believe we actually got the possibility of Rebeka and Carla ditching Samuel to be together. Sadly, I was right not to believe it. These «feelings» sank into oblivion just after they were revealed. We got no interaction (besides Rebe giving Carla drugs and apologizing about it), no longing looks, no development (even one-sided). Instead Rebeka was stuck in a forced romance with no chemistry, showcasing only jealousy over Samu towards Carla. As for Samu, he seemed to love Rebe as a friend, much like Marina loved him in S1. After all, Rebeka truly deserves someone who will reciprocate her feelings and a better crimeless life, which I really hope she will get in S4.

Samuel has done the impossible in S2 by becoming my favorite character. He used to embody “the good guy” trope which I hate, but he developed from this perfect-innocent-annoying character to a protagonist you can actually cheer for. Some people may argue that he’s still irritating and doesn’t deserve Carla. Nonetheless, I believe he balances off La Marquesa very well and I totally supported him on his quest for justice over two seasons.

Guzmán didn’t really shine that much in this season, yet he managed to returne into my top favorite characters. He still struggles to control his anger and grief, but he’s already more mature than he ever was, which is mostly visible in his behavior towards Nadia and Lucrecia.

Guzmán’s friendship with Samuel was the best this season, alongside Lú and Nadia’s, and I hope to see more of it next season.

Carla. The character I didn’t care about in S1, didn’t trust in S2, and finally loved in S3. Her story this season was heartbreaking, and getting more of her family dynamic helped to understand how her mind works. She’s used to being a kid acting as an adult, manipulating, simulating feelings, taking care of business and people who threaten her family’s image, because that’s the only model of behavior she’s ever had. That’s why her obtaining freedom from drugs, parents, and social expectations at the end couldn’t be more satisfying.

Lú and Ander. The only characters that made me cry this season. Two characters I like a lot, each with one flaw that I can’t forgive. Lú’s one being incest which is a choice not a part of love-is-love formula, and I hate the show for romanticizing it. And Ander’s - being friends with Polo.

Lú has always been an interesting character for me (resembling Blair from Gossip Girl). She obviously hid all her insecurities under a bitchy exterior, and I wanted to see more of her emotional side, which was given in her beautiful friendship with Nadia. Lú and Nadia are two sides of the same coin, and them becoming frenemies was long-overdue. Them supporting, comforting each other, and going to study abroad together was a dream come true. (Their friendship reminds me of Santana&Rachel from Glee, let’s hope this one’ll work out).

Lú was expected to be a hbic when the show came out, but eventually that slot was taken by Carla. Lú wasn’t really involved in the main plot until this season. That’s why her killing Polo was unexpected to say the least. Towards the end of the last episode I thought that whoever killed Polo must be someone who you wouldn’t even think of. Sweeping aside the obvious Guzmán and Samuel, I determined Ander, Nadia and Lú as my suspects. Still when Lú went after Polo with the bottle until the very killing I thought it was a decoy. Lú becoming a murderer was in fact an accident even though she probably went in with an intention to hurt him. Her feeling remorse was truly heartbreaking, and I hope we’ll see more of the aftermath this all had on her.

In such a murderous show it‘s valuable to have a different perspective on life and death through Ander’s character. His journey this season made the concepts of justice and resentment shine in another light.

The part of Ander’s story that I didn’t like was his romantic relationship and it wasn’t even his fault. That’s why we’re moving on to the character who disappointed me the most.

THE DOWNFALL OF OMAR

By this point Omar has collected so many flaws that I hate his character.

Let’s start from S2 when him being friendly with Lú was cute and all but also meant betraying his sister, who shall I mention has never done any harm to him, only helped and supported him.

Then he certainly crossed the line this season by cheating on Ander with Nadia’s boyfriend. Continuously. Nadia was quick to forgive Omar which was so infuriating. Not only did he not prevent his sister from falling for a liar, but he also kept sleeping with him. Furthermore, when confronted about it instead of apologizing he turned the situation on Nadia.

Needless to say, Ander did not deserve to be cheated on AND being lied to. Omar still hasn’t told he cheated. When Ander pushed him away by lying that he cheated, Omar seemed more concerned with where would he live now rather than the break up itself.

At this point Omar and Ander didn’t seem like a good match, and I was begging for them to break up. How happy was I when they actually did. It felt necessary and realistic for this relationship to come to an end. Unfortunately, I was early to celebrate. They had to go and ruin this perfect ending. I am mad Omar went back to Ander. I can’t believe this relationship will be dragged on for another season. I hate the fact that Omar will go to Las Encinas now. May I ask how could Omar even get a scholarship with his low grades???

There’re a few relationships left to discuss.

There was a lot of everybody-sleeping-with-everybody going on, but not much deep connections.

Guznadia and Carmuel didn’t get a lot of screen time, even though the few scenes they got were sweet.

Carla’s enslavement of a relationship was truly toxic and appalling.

Malick and Nadia’s relationship was hard to get on board with since the beginning and of course disappointing by the end in both the ship and Malick’s character.

Malick and Yeray were not captivating nor charming. Overall, S3 failed to introduce new characters especially compared to S2.

It was cool to see that the show didn’t abandon polyamory representation. Valerio, Polo and Cayetana getting together was unpredictable. I expected Valerio to get with Rebeka, and even her mom, but those rendezvous blew over like they never happened, and left Valerio to the psychos.

Do you know what would be even cooler than this threesome? A thruple consisting of actually likable characters. When will we get Rebeka with Samu and Carla? That would be quality representation.

With all my impressions laid out I have to say that this show is amazing. It keeps the audience in suspense with an intriguing plot while also developing numerous multidimensional characters and tackling serious societal issues and philosophical questions.

my favorite “controlled chaos” tv shows

TOP 10 TV SHOWS I WATCHED IN 2023

1. GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES

this prequel to grease tells the story of how the “pink ladies” gang was created. it follows new original characters, although the younger versions of some movie characters are also shown/mentioned. it is a beautiful musical about feminism, love, friendship, racial relationships and queerness in the 50s. the songs stuck in my head & my heart. and it quickly became one of my favorite shows ever. incredibly devastating that it only got one season, because it was very unique and important.

2. FREERIDGE

on my block’s spin-off. it’s just as unhinged, dripped in magic and ridiculousness. less violent than its predecessor, it follows a group of four friends who come into possession of a “cursed” box, and as they try to get rid of it, shenanigans ensue. you’ll see a few familiar faces from omb and fall in love with the new ones. experience this block’s craziness again or for the first time. be gnomes ahead.

3. EVERYTHING NOW

tells the story of mia as she returns from rehab for ed, and tries to catch up on her teenage experiences. secret hookups, betrayals, love triangles, lying and pretty people. similar in tone to heartbreak high & genera+ion.

4. VAMPIRE ACADEMY

it’s about a royal vampire and her half-vampire protector, as they navigate their duties after a tragic event changes their lives.

rose and demitri’s love story certainly carries the show. the cast is great and it’s a fun watch. definitely a step up from the movie.

5. SHRINKING

jason segel plays a therapist who starts telling his patients what he really thinks, while trying to maintain a relationship with his daughter (lukita maxwell) and estranged friends.

it just felt very fun and warm to watch.

6. CITY ON FIRE

a girl is shot in the central park. and it intertwines lives of a boy who’s in love with her, a rock band and a rich powerful family. in trying to figure out what happened to sam, charlie realizes the girl of his dreams had more secrets than he suspected.

the cast is perfect and billy is the best character, that’s all i have to say. this show’s exciting, dramatic, in parts reminded me of gossip girl, succession, 13rw and grand army.

7. HIGH SCHOOL

twin sisters in the 90s grow closer as they learn how to write music. they experience first love, make new friends and deal with family issues.

the true story of how tegan&sara became the musical duo that they are.

8. HARLAN COBEN’S SHELTER

after a traumatic accident mickey moves to his dad’s childhood home, where he uncovers mysteries connected to his parents’ work.

reminded me of teen wolf, because the storyline is dark but the friendship and humor of the main characters shine through.

9. YEAR OF

a group of classmates try to overcome the loss of their friend. heartbreak high made me interested in aussie shows. and this had similar energy.

10. QUEEN CHARLOTTE

a fictional story of a young queen’s marriage to the king of england. bridgerton’s spin off which imo was better made than the original show.

tv shows i watched this april (ranked)

Reasons Why Ani’s Character Failed

     Season 3 of «13 reasons why» has been out for a long while, but with the 4th and final season approaching my thoughts circle back to one drawback that last season had. Now, this show is badmouthed enough as it is, and it’s not my intention here. I love «13 reasons why», that’s why I care so much about the subject. I’d also like to point out that there’s no hate towards the actress who portrayed Ani. If anything, this is directed at the writers as feedback from a fan of the show.

     The reasons why Ani’s character was brought into the story are understandable. Yes, she’s a plot device for Bryce’s storyline, and she’s the new narrator. On top of that, she’s supposed to be the audience surrogate. She’s the new girl coming into this group of kids, and just like us she tries to figure out Bryce’s murder and all the personal drama that comes along. However, this concept obviously fails (seriously, after season 3 all people could talk about was how much they hated Ani). So where did it all go wrong, exactly?

    The biggest problem with Ani’s character is by far her annoying personality. She’s nosy, spying on everyone and interfering with their lives. Surprisingly this reserved group of teenagers actually opens up to her. After everything that went on you would expect them to be more picky with who they trust. Characters don’t just confide in her, they feel obligated to justify themselves in her eyes. Like she’s some sort of angel.

Ani’s the one demanding the truth from everyone, yet she’s the one who keeps secrets. Her relationship with Bryce was meant to paint Bryce as a human being. In no way did Bryce deserve any redemption for his crimes, but it was essential to recognize him as a human, not a monster. Because once we see somebody as a monster, it becomes impossible to destroy them, they start to seem stronger than we are.

No matter how important it was to send this message, it didn’t do any favors to Ani’s character. She sleeps with Bryce knowing that he’s a rapist. She defends him in front of Clay, like a true rapist apologist. Ani with her hero complex wants to fix everyone, that’s why she’s all up in their business, that’s why she gets involved with Bryce. Unfortunately, she refuses to admit her own imperfection. She is a hypocrite. Even though at the end she acknowledges that sleeping with Bryce was the worst thing she’d ever done, it doesn’t excuse her actions.

   Introducing a new character into an existing dynamic is quite tricky. Over the seasons the audience grew to love the established characters. So when you let someone new share screen time with the beloved cast, the newbie should be captivating enough. Moreover, it is unfair for a new character to take away too much screen time from the numerous preexisting cast. It is especially irritating when this character is condescending towards the ones who’ve been there since day one and comes with no character development. That again raises the question: why would you make such a dislikable character (not presented as an antagonist) a main one?

    The significant part of Ani’s character is the narration of the season. It’s one of the reasons for introducing her character at all… But was narration even necessary in season 3?

Season 1 had Hannah’s voiceover via tapes because the plot revolved around her, we were seeing life through her eyes. She was the one telling the story. The plot couldn’t go on without it. Narration in season 2 could’ve been avoided, however that season already had a different feel to it, so the writers didn’t want to shock the audience completely by the absence of a voiceover. The narration helped to concentrate on particular parts of the story, and ramifications that the tapes left on each character. We got to see events from different perspectives, not just Clay and Hannah’s.

Nevertheless, narration in season 3 was unnecessary and poorly done. It is annoying as it is, when somebody tells the audience everything that’s going on when we can clearly see that for ourselves, but when it comes from a dislikable character it is twice as bad. Narration brings something to the story when it makes the story more interesting, when it’s revealing something new. (That’s why inner monologues actually work, when written well). On the contrary, Ani’s never-ending story, full of lies and vague pretentious phrases, is boring and distracting from the plot.

    Finally, let’s touch upon the whole – Ani being Clay’s love interest – thing. Since Hannah’s gone (and her ghost manifested by Clay as well) the main character needs another sidekick who’ll follow him around, because the audience needs Clay to communicate his feelings and theories at all times (which could be avoided, were Clay the narrator), and apparently Justin and Tony weren’t worthy enough to fit the part of his confidant.

Anyway, Clay and Ani being friends was fine, but where did this forceful romantic plotline come from? Dear writers, your main character does not always have to be in a relationship! We won’t respect Clay less just because he doesn’t get the girl. Honestly, most people will relate to him even more. Furthermore, it is important to show viewers, especially younger ones, that it is normal not to have a crush or date. The majority of teens doesn’t date in high school, and it’s frustrating to see characters always end up with somebody, like without that they can’t be complete or happy.

To be candid, Clay and Ani didn’t seem to have any chemistry. Both, their kiss and Ani telling her mom they’re dating, were unanticipated and out of place. There was no natural progression for them to be together at the end. After Clay finally sees Ani the way the viewers did all this time (ep 7), it’s difficult to find the moment where he starts to like her again or forgives her… Just because Ani comes up with the plan to save Alex from jail, it means Clay is in love with her? Clay? Angsty Clay who holds grudges and wants to take revenge on people (e.g. see season 1)? It’s hard to buy it.

    There was a theory that S3 was actually supposed to be narrated by Sheri. Unfortunately, Ajiona Alexus left the show. But could you imagine how much better would Sheri be instead of Ani. Sheri is a well developed character since season 1, who is liked by a lot of viewers. She has preexisting relationships with all the main characters, so it would be natural of them to confide in her. Not to mention her and Clay already had a thing in S1, so them ending up together in S3 would be logical and satisfying. Even if the concept of Sheri being the narrator couldn’t be brought to life, the next choice for that role would certainly be Clay aka the main character, not just a random new girl.

     Taking into account the upcoming season 4, what can there be done to repair the damage? Even though some may argue it’s the easiest decision, I doubt that Ani’s character will be just written off (no matter how much I want it). I see only two possible outcomes. Either her character gets way less screen time, or she gets outstanding character development, although I have no idea what there could be done for the audience to like her. At last, it is vital that the writers get rid of her narration.

I hope the flaws of the last season will be fixed, because I’m excited to see where the story takes us next, and I don’t want to suffer through Ani’s character to find out.

peak teen tv

shows to watch if you loved IANOWT

Desperately need another season of I Am Not Okay with This? Here’s 5 shows to enjoy while you wait for season 2 announcement!

1. The End of the F***ing World

Okay, it’s an obvious one, given that it’s the same creators behind both shows. It’s even been stated that both stories take place in the same universe. Nonetheless, if you haven’t seen TEOTFW yet, what are you waiting for? There’re a lot of resemblances between characters, many parallels, and the show overall gives off a very familiar vibe. Relatable angsty teenagers, love, friendship, blood and crime. The only thing missing is perhaps superpowers.

2. Sex education

This show can totally fill the void in your heart left by ianowt. Sex education is an homage to John Hughes’ films. That’s why just like with ianowt at first you’re not sure whether the show is set in modern times or in the 80s. You can expect to see a lot of bright clothing, high school clichés, beautiful friendships, well rounded characters. Besides, the show has amazing lgbtq+ representation, well written poc characters, actual female empowerment. This show is definitely everything our generation needs. Not to mention, it is hilarious.

3. Everything sucks

This show unfortunately won’t entertain you for long as it was canceled after one season. However, if you want to watch a wlw relationship, this one’s for you. It’s a coming of age show, set in the 90s, about nerds and theatre kids coming together, and trying to figure out themselves and their place in the world.

4. Freaks and Geeks

Well, this is an underrated classic about outcasts in the 80s, that was also unfairly canceled after one season run. The plot is right there in the title. You follow the lives of Sam and his geeky friends, and his older sister Lindsay who’s trying to fit in with cool misfits. Ultimately, it’s a story about growing up (shocker), battling social norms and searching for your identity.

5. Stranger Things

With the same people producing both shows it’s no wonder they get compared. Stranger things has the same throwback aesthetic, although that might have something to do with the fact ST is actually set in the 80s. And even though scenery is what can attract ianowt audience to this show, the most evident similarity would have to be the girl with super powers. So if you liked ianowt for the supernatural aspect, stranger things has to be first on your watch list.