One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 8 What Happened

After being left on a cliffhanger in the last episode, "What Happened" is an emotional rollercoaster that takes us deeper into the struggles of the Alvarez family. At the beginning of the episode, we see Elena still reeling from the traumatic experience in the previous episode. She is dealing with the emotional aftermath of witnessing a racist attack on her friend's father and feeling helpless in the face of bigotry. Her struggles are compounded by the fact that she and Syd have broken up.

Penelope, concerned for her daughter's wellbeing, tells her that she has to go back to school and face her fears. But Elena is understandably hesitant. As she walks into school, she begins to flashback to the events of the previous day. Her principal informs her that they are calling in a counsellor and that they are there to support her. Elena is hesitant, not wanting to be seen as a victim but a survivor. This powerful moment highlights the complexities of experiencing microaggressions and the emotional toll it can take on marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Lydia is dealing with her own issues as she struggles to regain control of her life. In the previous episode, her daughter Penelope encouraged her to apply for a job as a cashier at a local grocery store, but Lydia was hesitant, feeling that her age was a barrier to employment. In this episode, we see her not only apply for the job but also attend her first day of training. But things don't go as smoothly as she had hoped. Her trainer, played by guest star Stephen Tobolowsky, is less than helpful and dismissive of her. This leads Lydia to question her own abilities and whether or not she can keep up.

As with every episode of One Day at a Time, there are plenty of comedic moments that provide relief from the heavier subject matter. We see Alex struggling to put on deodorant, much to the amusement of the rest of the family, and also a hilarious misunderstanding between Penelope and her boss that leads to a needle being stuck in her arm. These moments of levity are well-timed and much-needed.

But the heart of the episode lies in the family's closeness and their ability to support each other through difficult times. In one poignant scene, we see Penelope offering words of encouragement to Lydia after her difficult day at work. It's a touching moment that reminds us of the strength of family bonds.

Overall, "What Happened" is an emotionally-charged episode that tackles important issues of racism, ageism, and mental health. The talented cast delivers powerful performances that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. This is yet another example of the show's ability to blend dramatic and comedic elements in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt. Whether you're a fan of the show or just tuning in for the first time, this episode is not to be missed.