On My Block is back soon with its second season and let’s just say that there is going to be a whole lot of change in store for our favorite characters. Monse (Sierra Capri) is dealing with the aftermath of Ruby (Jason Genao) and Olivia’s (Ronni Hawk) tragic shooting, her relationship with Cesar (Diego Tinoco) and his situation post-Latrelle (Jahking Guillory), and what they’re going to do now that Jamal (Brett Gray) has found the RollerWorld money.
Sierra Capri took some time out to chat about season two of On My Block and what’s in store for Monse. Though she couldn’t reveal very much about the season (because of spoilers, of course), she did tease that there’d be a “glow up” and more development for Monse as an individual. Capri also discussed her favorite Monse moment from season one, fan reaction to the show, and what drew her to her character.
The Young Folks: On My Block is your first major role. What’s that experience been like for you and how did you get started acting?
Sierra Capri: Honestly, it’s been a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew to be on my first project with. I self-submitted myself online and, maybe a couple weeks later, got a call from a producer asking me to fly out for a [chemistry] read. And then a couple weeks after that I was told I got the part and I was so excited. I honestly didn’t think I was going to get it, so it’s just been amazing.
TYF: There’s something so sincere and genuine about On My Block and its characters. And Monse gets to be this hot-headed, multidimensional young woman. What initially drew you to Monse?
SC: Just the fact that I could relate to her in a lot of ways. She grew up in the city, I was born in Maryland, so we have similar environments and when you grow up in the city, you’re kind of forced to grow up faster than a lot of your peers. So there were a lot of experiences that I had that I could relate to my character. Also, I have three brothers, so the fact that I have three male best friends in the show was ironic, but it was also helpful for me because we do get frustrated with the opposite sex [laughs], especially if you consider them family and … the core four, they all consider themselves a family.
TYF: Season one ended on a major cliffhanger. How will Monse be coping in the aftermath of what happened to Ruby and Olivia?
SC: In season two, there is gonna be a lot of changes, which I like to call a glow up as well, but yeah, it’s just gonna be a next step in the show, in the series, and I can’t wait for people to see it. I think they’re gonna be very, very surprised.
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TYF: Monse has a very kind and caring heart and she’s very loyal to her friends, but she also has a lot of personal stuff going on in her life. What can you tell fans about Monse’s journey and development going into season two?
SC: In season one, everyone was just establishing who they were and we only got to see the surface. But in season two, I think we get to dive a little bit more into their individual characters. We just really get to see things that maybe we thought in the first season and we weren’t sure of. Every one of the characters, just… there’s gonna be a lot of things happening and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
TYF: Monse found her mother last season, or someone she thought was her mother. Will she still be dealing with that revelation alone or will she be making an attempt to have a relationship with her mom?
SC: I think she definitely finds herself a little bit more in season two. In season one, she was a little bit all over the place, but she was still just getting acclimated to being in high school, all of them were freshman, and there were trials and tribulations that happened in season one that will definitely affect how they evolve in season two.
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TYF: Monse is really close to her dad, but she didn’t tell him about her mom. Is that something she’s going to keep a secret from him? Is that something you can tease?
SC: I can’t tease it, but I can say that the fans will definitely be surprised.
TYF: The show did a good job of portraying a solid friendship between Monse and Olivia last season. And we’ve seen instances of Jasmine desperately wanting to hang out with the group, too. Is there a chance Monse and Jasmine could grow closer as friends this season?
SC: I hope so. I think female empowerment is so important. I think female friendships are important, especially ones in the environment they grew up in. The fact that they’re inner-city kids, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on. In Monse’s case, she’s just chosen to have male best friends that she’s leaned on, but we’ll see what happens.
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TYF: Monse and Cesar’s relationship grew a lot throughout season one. Will they still be going strong in season two? What kinds of hurdles might they be facing as a couple?
SC: In season one, after everything that’s happened, no one’s gonna be the same after that. I think it will have an effect on everyone and it’ll affect everyone in different ways. Whether or not some relationships will still be there or not, we have no idea. Everyone’s just gonna have to watch, but I cannot wait for everyone to see it. I think they’ll be very surprised with everything that happens in season two.
TYF: I know you can’t spoil much, so without spoiling anything, what would you say is your favorite aspect of season two?
SC: I think the fact that it’s a glow up. We had an amazing cast and crew this year. We had an amazing one last year, but this year… it’s just different. The entire feel of the show is different. The way it looks to the way we look, it’s a glow up [laughs]. That’s why I describe it as that because it truly is one.
TYF: What has fan reaction been like for you in terms of how the show has been received?
SC: Everyone’s reaction to the show has been pretty positive for the most part and I think it’s because they can relate so much to the show. And we prove more shows like this should be out there. I don’t think people realize how much influence shows have, but, to me, this is us doing our part and doing what we can to make sure that we’re progressing as a people. There’s so many issues that we touch on in the show, so I think that’s another reason why people can find it so relatable because, again, there aren’t that many shows like this out there right now. I’m happy that the fans have received it so well up to this point.
TYF: Since you can’t spill much about season two, what was your favorite Monse moment from season one?
SC: My favorite Monse moment? Ooh. Probably the scene with me and Jason [Genao, who plays Ruby] when he was in a dress and we were standing outside of his house and we were talking. That was a very fun scene. I loved filming with him in season one, that was amazing. And the fact that I got to do my own stunts. So, in the following scene after that, I start fighting Cesar, I actually did that. That was very fun and liberating [laughs].
TYF: Are there any upcoming projects that you’re excited about and can discuss?
SC: There are a couple of projects that I’m working on. Nothing I can speak on at the moment, but I will be able to very soon. But yes, I’m very excited about them.
Season two of On My Block will be available to stream on Netflix Friday, March 29.
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