Ep 3. Ann's Friend

In One Day at a Time Season 4 Episode 3, entitled "Ann's Friend," the Alvarez family must come to terms with the fact that their elderly neighbor, Ann, has made a new friend who is a bit younger and more vibrant. The episode tackles themes of aging, loneliness, and the fear of being forgotten as each member of the family confronts their own feelings about getting older.

The episode opens with Ann introducing the Alvarez family to her new friend, Stephanie, who is significantly younger and more energetic than Ann's old friends. At first, the Alvarez family is happy to see Ann making new connections, but they soon begin to feel threatened by Stephanie's presence. Alex is worried that Stephanie will try to take advantage of Ann, while Penelope is afraid that Ann will start to prioritize Stephanie over her own family.

As the episode progresses, each member of the family deals with their own fear of growing old. Lydia spends the day baking, lamenting the loss of her youth and her inability to do the things she used to do. Schneider becomes obsessed with finding a cure for baldness after realizing that his hairline is receding. Meanwhile, Penelope worries that she is turning into her own mother, who she sees as a resentful and unhappy old woman.

Despite these issues, the family begins to realize that they are the only ones who can truly support Ann in her time of need. When Ann falls and hurts herself, Stephanie proves to be unreliable, leaving Ann alone. It is then up to the Alvarez family to step in and help Ann, reminding her that she is a valuable part of their community. In a poignant moment, Penelope tells Ann, "I love that you're not like Stephanie. I love that you're my neighbor and you've been here forever and you know everything there is to know about this neighborhood. I don't know what I would do without you."

The episode ends with the family coming together to support Ann and each other. Lydia teaches Alex how to make her famous Christmas tamales, while Schneider embraces his baldness and becomes a source of support for Penelope. The Alvarez family learns that growing old doesn't have to be scary or isolating as long as they are there for each other.

Overall, "Ann's Friend" is a heartwarming episode that tackles important issues around aging and loneliness. The show explores the fear of being forgotten and the desire for meaningful connections as we grow older. Through its portrayal of the Alvarez family, the episode also reminds us of the importance of family and community in helping us to face these challenges.