Netflix’s ‘The Get Down’ Tests Mylene and Books’ Relationship as Characters Experience Major Transitions

Char Little

Mega-popular series “The Get Down” returned to Netflix for part two of its debut season, and it certainly fulfilled the high level of expectation that was built during its brief hiatus. But there is a question of whether the show will return for season two.

While the show takes place a year after part one ends, the show does a good job of filling fans in on what they missed and proving why it was worth the wait, thanks to Ezekiel Figuero, also known as Books.

We learn much more about Ezekiel (Justice Smith) this time around; from the younger version applying to Yale University, to the older version continuing his rap career as Rod Serling. Books also gets closer to Claudia, the daughter of his internship boss, despite his relationship with Mylene (Herizen F. Guardiola). But even the beloved romance between Mylene and Books takes a hit. Cadillac doesn’t help and shows his secret motives with Mylene.

The couple’s ups and downs are a major part of the new episodes, and their drama pulls in viewers who hope they’ll work things out eventually. By the end of the season, it’s clear that the connection they made in the first half is enough to keep them together. Plus, Mylene’s issues with her father almost served as a healthy distraction from worrying about what would happen with her and Books. But at the same time, it almost brought more attention to it, considering Books would normally be there to get her through the tough moments with her religious dad.

While Cadillac has a transition of his own, he at times proves to be the same Cadillac from the first half. Still, his pursuit of his own endeavors this season – like changing a deserted building into the new “it” nightclub, and bringing forth a new space for Books, Dizzee, and Ra-Ra, and Boo-Boo to hang out at consistently.

Shaolin and Boo-Boo come to a moment of redemption in the second half. But it’s Shaolin who tries to get Boo-Boo to stop dealing drugs for him. He reminds him of how much he has to lose if he continues going down this path. But Boo-Boo refuses to stop and even tells his brother that he’ll just find another dealer if he needs to.

Viewers see a change with Dizzee as well. He matures as an artist and opts for drawing on paper instead of on buildings while expressing the struggle with his sexuality in the new episodes.

It’s not clear what the future holds for the series, but Dizzee’s character might have offered a hint as he describes the last episode “the final chapter.”

“The Get Down” is available on Netflix April 7.