Ep 5. The Son

The show Little America follows the stories of immigrants in America as they navigate their new lives and the challenges they face. Season 1 episode 5, titled "The Son," features the story of a young man named Rafiq who is caught between two worlds.

Rafiq is the son of Pakistani immigrants who own a small motel in rural Utah. He is torn between his family's conservative expectations and his own desires for a different life. Rafiq dreams of becoming a photographer and attending an art school in New York City, but his family does not support his aspirations.

In the episode, we see Rafiq struggle to find a balance between his family and his own ambitions. He feels guilty for wanting to pursue his own dreams, knowing that it will disappoint his parents and go against their cultural traditions. His father, who is a devout Muslim, wants Rafiq to follow in his footsteps and take over the motel business.

As Rafiq tries to figure out his path in life, he meets a young woman named Alicia who shares his love for photography. They bond over their passion and eventually start dating, but Rafiq's parents do not approve of Alicia because she is not Pakistani.

The episode highlights the complexities of immigrant families and the difficulty of balancing cultural traditions with personal aspirations. Rafiq's struggle is relatable to anyone who has felt torn between their family's expectations and their own desires.

Throughout the episode, we see Rafiq try to bridge the gap between his two worlds. He attends his sister's wedding, which is a traditional Pakistani celebration, but also sneaks off to take photographs of the surrounding scenery. He tries to explain his dreams to his father, but is met with disappointment and anger.

In the end, Rafiq must make a difficult decision about his future. He must choose between following his own passions or staying true to his family's expectations. The episode ends on a poignant note as Rafiq comes to a realization about what truly matters to him.

Overall, "The Son" is a moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the complexities of immigrant identity and the struggle to find one's own path in life. The character of Rafiq is relatable and sympathetic, and viewers will root for him as he struggles to navigate his way through life. The episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse perspectives in media.