Ep 3. Boundaries

After a long wait, One Day at a Time is back with its fourth season and fans couldn't be happier. The latest episode from season 4, 'Boundaries', is another emotional ride, just like its earlier episodes. Directed by Gloria Calderón Kellett, the show deals with the everyday problems of a Cuban-American family called Alvarez and their struggles to stick together amid difficult times.

The premise of One Day at a Time's season 4 is the revolving two plotlines- first the relatable problems faced by the Alvarez family and second the exploration of their Cuban roots. In this episode, the family is trying to set boundaries for the overly enthusiastic contractors hired by Penelope to remodel the kitchen. The contractors, who are friends of Schneider, are comically intrusive, pushing the boundaries with the family members.

The episode begins with the Alvarez family in all their glory. Penelope, the former military nurse, is dealing with anxiety about the new work environment while trying to focus on her dissertation. On the other hand, Elena is still trying to gain acceptance from her dad with her passionate ‘vagina’ monologues. Alex and Lydia are having dating issues and Schneider introduces his new friends to help Penelope with her kitchen remodeling. This sets the premise of the episode as the Alvarez family tries to navigate through these different issues.

As the day progresses, the contractors become increasingly invasive in their approach. They make themselves at home, making sandwiches, and accessing every part of the house without consent. The situation seems to be spiraling out of control, which causes the Alvarez family to come together to set boundaries. Penelope puts her foot down, which leads to an argument but eventually results in the contractors beginning to respect the family’s wishes.

The rest of the episode deals with the lighter issues that the family is facing. Schneider’s friend’s dog, Tabasco, is staying with the family, and Alex, Lydia, and Elena are having a great time with him. Penelope is easing back into the dating game after her divorce, but with a little confusion as her partner turns out to be someone she already knew. Meanwhile, Schneider is trying to convince the family to regulate his caffeine intake.

The episode has a light-hearted tone despite dealing with serious issues concerning boundaries. The conversation around boundaries is an important one, particularly within a family. It not only helps to establish the limits of what is acceptable behavior, but it also strengthens the relationship between family members by showing respect for each other’s needs.

The cast delivers knockout performances in this episode, particularly Justina Machado, who plays Penelope, and Isabella Gomez, who plays Elena. Machado’s portrayal of a mother dealing with the aftermath of divorce and anxiety, while maintaining control over her hyperactive contractors, is commendable. Gomez’s Elena is in a different headspace this season, having come out of the closet and taken on activist roles in her community. Her character is bold and fierce, and her monologue about the exploitation of underprivileged minorities in the episode is thought-provoking.

Overall, the episode is a blend of humor and heart. The biggest strength of One Day at a Time is its portrayal of a family dealing with universal issues like anxiety, dating, and coming out, while also presenting the culture and traditions unique to the Cuban-American community. This episode, 'Boundaries', adds another layer to the show's narrative, making it a heartfelt and relatable series for all.