Ep 14. Dad Comes Back, Pt. 1

Dad Comes Back, Pt. 1: In this emotional episode of One Day at a Time, the Alvarez family is faced with a major turning point as their patriarch, Victor Alvarez, makes an unexpected return after years of absence.

As the episode begins, we find Penelope (Justina Machado) at work, excitedly discussing her upcoming date with Max (Ed Quinn), her romantic interest. Meanwhile, Elena (Isabella Gomez) and Alex (Marcel Ruiz) are both preoccupied with their own teenage struggles; Elena is preparing for her debate team finals, while Alex deals with the stress of school and puberty. Things seem relatively calm and harmonious for the Alvarez family until a shocking phone call changes everything.

Penelope receives a call from Schneider (Todd Grinnell), their eccentric landlord and family friend, who informs her that Victor (James Martinez) is back in town. Victor is Penelope's ex-husband and the children's father, who left the family many years ago. This unexpected news sends the Alvarez household into a whirlwind of mixed emotions.

Penelope, torn between her desire to protect her children from their father's previous abandonment and her curiosity about Victor's motives for returning, finds herself in a state of internal conflict. Worried about the impact Victor's presence might have on her children, she seeks advice from her mother, Lydia (Rita Moreno), who tries to provide comfort and guidance.

Upon hearing the news, Elena and Alex have differing reactions. While Elena is angry and resentful towards her father for leaving their family, Alex appears happy and excited, longing for a connection with his absent father figure. Their conflicting emotions create tension within the siblings, leading to a series of heated discussions and emotional confrontations.

As the episode progresses, Penelope begins to contemplate the idea of rekindling the relationship with Victor. She seeks support from her therapist, Dr. Leslie Berkowitz (Stephen Tobolowsky), who helps her navigate her emotions and encourages her to communicate openly with Victor about her concerns.

Elena, determined to advocate for herself and her siblings, decides to confront Victor directly. The two have a heartfelt conversation where Victor attempts to express his regrets and reconnect with his daughter. Elena, initially guarded and defensive, reluctantly listens to her father's explanations, but remains skeptical about his true intentions.

Meanwhile, Alex secretly arranges a meeting with Victor, eager to spend time with the father he barely remembers. Their bonding time at a baseball game allows Alex to discover a new side of Victor and experience the joy of having a father figure in his life, albeit temporarily.

Throughout the episode, the delicate balance between resentment, forgiveness, and the longing for connection is beautifully explored. The writers masterfully delve into the complexities of a broken family and the impact of absent parents on children's lives. The performances from the cast, particularly Justina Machado and Marcel Ruiz, capture the raw emotions and journey of healing that the Alvarez family embarks on.

As the episode comes to a close, the Alvarez family finds themselves at a crossroads. Penelope must make a decision about whether or not to let Victor back into their lives, while Elena and Alex grapple with their conflicting emotions and the desire for a meaningful relationship with their father. The stage is set for an emotional continuation in Part 2 of this deeply moving story.