Ep 2. The Runaways

In One Day at a Time season 2 episode 2, titled "The Runaways," the Alvarez family faces a number of challenges as they grapple with the aftermath of Penelope's decision to tell her children about her depression and anxiety. While Alex is convinced that his mother's mental illness is simply a passing phase, Elena struggles to come to terms with the fact that her own behavior may have contributed to her mother's struggles. At the same time, Schneider tries to help the family heal by planning a surprise camping trip, but his efforts are complicated when he discovers that Lydia and Dr. Berkowitz have been hiding a secret from him.

The episode opens with Penelope still struggling to adjust to her new medication, which is causing her to experience unexpected side effects. She confides in Schneider about her concerns, but he is at a loss for how to help her. Meanwhile, Alex is feeling left out and neglected, so he decides to rebel by skipping school. When his behavior becomes increasingly problematic, Penelope decides to confront him about his behavior head-on, which leads to a heated argument between the two of them.

As Penelope and Alex continue to struggle, Elena struggles to come to terms with her own role in her mother's struggle with mental illness. She confides in her grandmother Lydia, who gives her some wise words of advice. At the same time, Schneider is doing his best to make things better for the family by planning a surprise camping trip, which he hopes will bring everyone closer together. However, his plans are complicated when he discovers that Lydia and Dr. Berkowitz have been hiding a secret from him, which causes him to question their motives.

As the episode reaches its climax, the family embarks on their camping trip, which proves to be a disaster from the outset. Alex continues to act out, and Penelope struggles to keep him in line. Elena and Lydia butt heads, and Schneider feels increasingly helpless as he watches the family fall apart around him. However, in the end, the family manages to come together and work through their issues, leading to a heartwarming and uplifting conclusion that demonstrates the power of family and love.

Overall, "The Runaways" is a poignant and nuanced episode that explores a number of complex themes, including mental illness, family dynamics, and the importance of forgiveness. With its expertly crafted script and pitch-perfect performances from its talented cast, this episode is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan of One Day at a Time or a newcomer to the show, "The Runaways" is not to be missed.