Must-watch TV show of the month | One Day At A Time
So at the beginning of April I took a three-day trip to visit my pal in Norwich, and not once when I thought about going did I think we'd see most of the sights in the first 36 hours, leaving us a whole evening to binge watch a new series on Netflix called One Day At A Time. To be fair, we're both horrendously talented at binge watching anything so I don't know why I was so surprised when we were given the chance.
Anyway, One Day At A Time is a modern version of the classic sitcom from the 1970s about a Cuban-American family with three generations living under one roof. Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado), the mother, has recently separated from her husband and is in the middle of figuring out her new life in raising her teenage kids Elena (Isabella Gomez) and Alex (Marcel Ruiz). This is all the while living with and being under the watchful eye of her own mother, Lydia (Rita Moreno).
Just watch the trailer below. If you're a binge-watcher and you start episode one, I guarantee you won't stop:
Nowadays there are so many reboots of TV shows and films from the past several decades that have a massive hype in the build-up to their release, but when the time comes it turns out to be disappointing. Well this is one show that actually has it right.
While the show is a reboot of Norman Lear's 1975 'classic', it is undoubtedly a stand-out show in itself. Full of wit and humour, it should pride itself on achieving the perfect balance between comedic relief while addressing some of the serious issues of every day life. Even more so for a Cuban-American family predominantly of women. Producing duo Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce approached the themes, messages and hard-hitting issues with such great understanding all the while ensuring that it is a show that fills the viewer with warmth while watching.
Despite being described by Netflix as "Wacky, Feel-good", it touches upon sensitive areas such as sexism, the gender wage-gap, feminism, PTSD, women in combat, post-war and war veterans, mental health and counselling, drug and alcohol addiction, porn and a wonderfully written coming-out that remains one of the show's best written scenes. And that's not all - it covers so much more and is still hilarious. I've learnt so many life lessons and appreciated so much from just 13 half hour episodes. It's a show that will have you in tears for more reasons than just because it was funny. This will obviously have something to do with Norman Lear's input on the rebooted show.
It is the first time in a long while that a multicamera sitcom (one which has been filmed on a set with studio-audience laughter built-in) has been so refreshingly comfortable to watch. It just feels confident portraying itself and is a genuine joy to watch. The track laughter more often goes unnoticeable - I was crying with laughter over the top of it to properly notice it anyway. The only other TV show that has drawn a similar reaction from me is Grace and Frankie, another Netflix show, and One Day At A Time beat that.
Along with the brilliant writing and production, the cast are obviously the other main reason as to why this show is just so good.
Just as you have a play-maker in sports, Justina Machado is the unstoppable play-making machine that's driving the chaotic family forward. Dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, going through a divorce, having conflicted feelings towards the church, having difficulty in coming to terms with her daughter being gay, Machado takes each storyline and embraces it so you feel like you have a direct connection with the character. You instantaneously love her Penelope because of Machado's approach to her. Also she's incredibly beautiful.
The show beautifully delves into two different Latino mother-daughter relationships; that of Penelope and Lydia, and Penelope and Elena. It takes you on a roller coaster of laughs and tears as Penelope and her daughter (along with her own mother) each come to terms with their own struggles before confiding in each other and realising the importance of being there for the other.
Rita Moreno as Lydia has become my favourite on-screen grandma. Sassy, dramatic and full of Cuban pride, she is everything to love about the show. Moreno ensures you don't underestimate the older generations of a family, treating the viewer to some slick dance moves from her larger-than-life character. Moreno has some of the best one-liners of the season, and will leaving you wishing you could hear that delivery again for the first time.
Now for the siblings. Isabella Gomez. I can't express my love for this girl enough. Playing Elena, a feisty feminist who is dealing with the struggles of being a teenage girl on top of trying to understand her sexuality, she has some of the best scenes in the show. The way she acts throughout her coming out story is breathtakingly heart-wrenching. Not only having to deal with a raw and difficult storyline, her delivery and comedic timing is truly fantastic.
Then there's Marcel Ruiz who plays Elena's brother Alex. Playing the cheeky, youngest and only boy in the family, Ruiz's charm entices the viewer immediately. Confidently playing his part in such a strong female-led cast, he makes his presence known. You can't not love him.
Stephen Tobolowsky and Todd Grinnell are also well-deserved of a mention. Playing Dr Berkowitz and Schneider, both actors bring an element of masculinity. Tobolowsky plays Penelope's boss, but portrays his character with a gentle approach of a man who is quite in touch with his emotions. Grinnell plays a slightly similar character in nature; Schnieder is spoiled and entitled but everything he does is with a well-meant thought. He's practically part of the family, while Dr Berkowitz gradually works his way up there over the course of the season. One of the final scenes at Elena's Quinceañera is so heart-warming, you will cry a river.
One Day At A Time should definitely be on your must-watch TV show lists for April. It's been renewed for a second season now, so expect hysteria for it to hit soon. This review really does not do it justice, so go watch it - NOW! 10/10 show, honestly.
