Ep 1. Prototype

George Lopez is an American sitcom television series that premiered on ABC from March 27, 2002, to May 8, 2007. The show features comedian George Lopez portraying a fictionalized version of himself and dealing with his Anglo-American wife, his mother, his daughter, and the neighborhood in which he lives.

In the first season's opening episode named Prototype, George is a plant manager at an aircraft-parts factory somewhere in Los Angeles who is very excited to work for the company. George's prototypical design earns him a promotion to replace his boss. George celebrates his promotion with his family, but things take a twisted turn when George gets the office that belonged once to his predecessor, who apparently committed suicide in the same place.

As George tries to fit in with his new team at work, he realizes that he is no longer just one of the guys. He is the boss now and has to rise to the occasion. Meanwhile, his wife, Angie, is trying to save the world by driving a hybrid car, and her mother, Benny, is always nagging on George's parenting skills. George's daughter, Carmen, is the typical rebel teenage daughter who seems to challenge everyone around her. Her younger brother, Max, is cute and funny but a bit high maintenance.

In the pilot, it’s clear that George is very comfortable with his position in life, but it is important to note that he is not perfect. He has his flaws and is trying to overcome them day in and day out. George loves his family and does his best to provide for them while dealing with the never-ending challenges that life throws his way. He is an everyday man that most of his viewers can relate to.

The show touches upon several social issues in America, like poverty, racism, and cultural identity. George, being a Mexican-American, tries to find his place in the world while dealing with these various issues. The audience is constantly reminded through his struggles that it is not always easy being part of a minority group in America.

Prototype is a remarkable opening episode for the show. It sets the tone and pace for the rest of the show, introducing the main characters and giving the audience a glimpse into their lives. It lays out the underlying theme that it's not easy living the American Dream, especially as a minority.

Overall, the episode is fast-paced and entertaining, with plenty of humor to keep the audience engaged. The audience is introduced to the characters and their personalities, making them feel like they are part of the family. The first episode sets the stage for the rest of the show, and it’s an impressive start to the series, leaving the audience wanting more. The episode finds the right balance between humor and heart, making it an excellent introduction to the George Lopez series.