Ep 4. Hermanos

Elena and Alex's parents come to visit in the fourth episode of One Day at a Time season 3 titled Hermanos. As soon as they arrive, it's obvious that their visit is going to be a bit of a challenge. When they come over, it becomes apparent that Penelope's mother has been telling her husband secrets about her daughter that she wasn't supposed to share. Meanwhile, Schneider wants to impress Avery's dad, and Elena's attempts to spend quality time with her father are unsuccessful. In this episode, we see the various family dynamics at play between each character, as they try to navigate the complicated relationships they have with their parents.

First, we see the heated relationship between Penelope and her mother, Lydia. It's clear from the moment Lydia walks into the apartment that she's going to be difficult. She immediately begins criticizing Penelope's parenting skills, her house, and her job. It becomes apparent that Lydia has been sharing details about Penelope's life with her husband, which makes it hard for Penelope to trust her. This tension leads to some moments of intense conflict, as Penelope tries to set boundaries with her mother while still maintaining a relationship with her.

At the same time, Schneider is trying to impress Avery's dad when he comes to visit. He goes out of his way to cook a fancy meal and even dresses up in a suit. However, things don't go according to plan when Avery's dad shows up dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. Schneider realizes that he's been trying too hard to impress him, and that maybe he needs to relax and be himself instead.

Finally, Elena is trying to connect with her father, Victor, who has been absent from her life for a long time. She's excited to spend time with him and show him around Los Angeles, but it quickly becomes clear that they have different interests and don't really know how to connect with each other. Despite her efforts, their conversations are awkward, and it's obvious that there's a lot of tension between them.

Throughout the episode, we see how each character is dealing with the challenges presented by their parents' visit. Penelope tries to stand up for herself while also trying to maintain a relationship with her mother. Schneider learns that he needs to be himself and not worry so much about impressing others. And Elena tries to connect with her father despite the challenges they face.

Overall, Hermanos is a powerful episode that explores the complexities of family dynamics. Each character is dealing with their own struggles, and by the end of the episode, they've all learned something important about themselves and their families. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the emotional complexities of family relationships, and it's sure to leave viewers feeling both moved and inspired.