Ep 5. Perfect

In One Day at a Time season 4 episode 5 titled "Perfect," the Alvarez family is dealing with various insecurities and flaws. Penelope (played by Justina Machado) is anxious about her dating life, concerned she's not perfect enough for anyone. Meanwhile, Elena (Isabella Gomez) is preoccupied with the perfect college application, which causes her to stress out over every little detail. Alex (Marcel Ruiz) is struggling with his self-esteem and unsure about his new mustache. And Lydia (Rita Moreno) is fixated on achieving the perfect Cuban coffee.

Penelope's insecurities are further amplified when she goes on a date with a man who seems perfect, but who she believes is too good for her. However, her family helps her realize that everyone has their flaws, and that it's important to be true to yourself rather than pretend to be perfect.

Elena's stress over college applications reaches a boiling point when she receives a rejection letter from her dream school. But with the support and encouragement of her family, Elena learns that there are other paths to success and that a rejection doesn't define her worth.

Meanwhile, Alex's struggle with his self-esteem takes a turn when he visits his mom at work and gains a newfound confidence after impressing her with his knowledge.

Throughout the episode, Lydia's pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee provides comedic relief, as she attempts to recreate the coffee made by her beloved abuela (grandmother). Her journey to find the perfect blend ends up bringing her closer to her family, as they help her realize that the key ingredient to the perfect cup of coffee is love.

Overall, "Perfect" explores the theme of acceptance and self-love, highlighting the importance of embracing our flaws and imperfections. The Alvarez family's journey to finding their own versions of perfection is relatable and heartwarming, making for a moving and enjoyable episode.