One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 3 The Runaways
- October 12, 1976
- 1h:49m:0s min
Penelope is a single mother raising two kids, Elena and Alex, with the help of her mother, Lydia. The episode begins with Penelope and her friend, Schneider, discussing Elena's upcoming quinceañera. Penelope is trying to plan the perfect party for her daughter, but she is worried that Elena is not taking it seriously enough.
Meanwhile, Elena is struggling with her feelings for her girlfriend, Syd. She is also feeling suffocated by her family's expectations for her quinceañera. When she finds out that Syd's parents are allowing her to move to another state, Elena decides to run away with her.
Penelope and Lydia are devastated when they find out that Elena has left home. They worry about her safety and wonder how they can find her. The episode explores the range of emotions that come with a child running away from home, including guilt, anger, and fear.
While Penelope is frantically trying to find Elena, Alex is dealing with his own issues at school. He is being bullied by a classmate and is too embarrassed to tell anyone. Schneider encourages him to stand up for himself and teaches him some self-defense moves. The storyline sheds light on the impact of bullying and the importance of empowering children to protect themselves.
Throughout the episode, there are light-hearted moments that provide some relief from the heavy subject matter. Lydia's comedic timing and one-liners bring some much-needed humor to the situation. Schneider's quirky personality and unconventional advice also provide some laughs.
In the end, the family comes together to support one another and heal from the experience. The episode highlights the importance of communication and understanding, as well as the power of family and community to overcome adversity.
Overall, "The Runaways" is a poignant and powerful episode that tackles important issues facing families today. It is a reminder of the challenges of parenting and the resilience of the human spirit.