Ep 3. Benefit with Friends

On the third episode of the third season of the hit Netflix series One Day at a Time, titled "Benefit with Friends", the Alvarez family is forced to face some tough financial times. Penelope (Justina Machado) is struggling to make ends meet and has to deal with a health insurance technicality that leaves her without coverage. Alex (Marcel Ruiz) discovers that he has been overcharged for his textbooks and has to find a way to return them and get a refund.

Amidst all of this, Penelope receives an invite to a benefit for her friend's non-profit organization. She initially turns it down due to her financial situation, but her friend insists that she come and brings the family along. Throughout the course of the episode, the Alvarez family is challenged to navigate the event and their own personal struggles with grace and dignity.

The episode also delves into some deeper themes, such as the importance of community in times of struggle and the value of standing by your loved ones. Lydia (Rita Moreno) learns a valuable lesson about humility and patience, while Schneider (Todd Grinnell) grapples with his own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy.

The writing in "Benefit with Friends" is sharp and witty, with plenty of laughs to balance out the more serious moments. The acting is top-notch as always, with Machado and Moreno delivering standout performances. The episode also features some touching moments between the younger members of the cast, as they navigate their own struggles and come together to support one another.

Overall, "Benefit with Friends" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking episode that highlights the strengths of One Day at a Time as a series. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and a great jumping on point for those who are new to the series. So, this episode is a worth watch.