Ep 8. All the Way

In One Day at a Time season 1 episode 8 titled "All the Way," the Alvarez family is getting ready for a quinceañera, a traditional celebration for a girl's 15th birthday. Penelope (played by Justina Machado) is tasked with overseeing the planning of the party, but she struggles to keep her opinions in check when her feminist beliefs clash with the traditional expectations of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Elena (Isabella Gomez) is excited to be chosen as the quinceañera, but she begins to question the event's purpose and her role in it. She confides in her grandmother Lydia (Rita Moreno), who encourages her to celebrate her coming of age in a way that feels true to her values.

Schneider (Todd Grinnell) also makes an appearance in the episode, trying to convince Penelope to let him invite his wealthy father to the party so he can show off his newfound sobriety and impress his dad. Penelope is hesitant, as she doesn't want the focus of the party to be on Schneider's recovery rather than Elena's special day.

As the day of the quinceañera approaches, tensions rise as Penelope and Elena struggle to balance tradition with their own beliefs. Ultimately, they find a compromise that honors both the cultural significance of the ceremony and their own individuality.

"All the Way" explores themes of cultural expectations, feminism, and coming of age in a heartfelt and humorous way, showcasing the strengths of the show's diverse cast and their ability to navigate complex issues with sensitivity and charm.