One Day at a Time Season 1 Episode 1 This Is It

In the first episode of One Day at a Time, entitled "This Is It," we are introduced to Penelope Alvarez, a divorced Army veteran and mother of two, as she navigates the challenges of daily life with her Cuban-American family. We first meet Penelope in the midst of a mild panic attack as she tries to prepare breakfast for her children while rushing to get ready for work. Her overbearing mother Lydia, who lives with the family, tries to convince Penelope to wear a "sexy" dress to work to attract a man, causing further stress for Penelope.

At work, Penelope's boss pressures her to switch to a less demanding schedule, which would result in a significant pay cut. Penelope is hesitant to make the change, as she is financially responsible for her family and her ex-husband's child support payments. Meanwhile, her teenage daughter Elena is preparing for her quinceañera, a traditional Latin American celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, but is struggling to find a man to dance with at the party.

Back at home, Penelope's son, Alex, is upset that his father has canceled their visitation plans for the weekend. Penelope tries to comfort him, but is also frustrated with her ex-husband's lack of involvement in their children's lives. Throughout the episode, we see Penelope battling symptoms of anxiety and PTSD, brought on by her time in the military and her difficult divorce.

Despite the challenges she faces, Penelope is fiercely dedicated to her family and deeply proud of her Cuban heritage. She shares stories with her children about her own quinceañera and her experiences growing up with her grandmother in Cuba. She also seeks the support of her friend and landlord, Schneider, who offers her a shoulder to lean on and helps her prepare for Elena's party.

The episode climaxes with Elena's quinceañera, which is a beautiful and emotional celebration of her transition into womanhood. Penelope watches proudly as her daughter dances with a family friend, and we see glimpses of the strong bond between the members of this close-knit family.

Ultimately, "This Is It" sets the stage for a series that explores the complex dynamics of a modern family, with a focus on Latinx culture and the experiences of a veteran struggling to rebuild her life. The episode is filled with heartwarming moments and touches of humor, but also tackles serious issues such as mental health, financial instability, and the challenges faced by single mothers. It sets up a compelling and relatable cast of characters, and leaves the viewer eager to see where their stories will go next.