A Few Thoughts On the ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Holiday Episode: ‘Lopez vs Christmas’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Christmas" Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) George Lopez as George, Mayan Lopez as Mayan, Selenis Leyva as Rosie -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Christmas Episode.
​
The year 2002 was an important one when it comes to television. For this is the year that George Lopez (a.k.a The George Lopez Show) made its debut on ABC and what made that so significant and important, was the sheer fact that a show revolving around Latinos and their lives was in prime-time television. A rarity for certain then, and a rarity now... but the significance of that series, which aired for six seasons… cannot be understated. For it was in fact, a grand accomplishment regarding representation in American television, especially when it comes to the Latino community. For this series de-stigmatized the stereotypes that often surround Latinos in popular media and put the richness of Latino culture on display. Which is why it is a shame that this series went off the air in 2007, well before its time.
​
But while there is little that can be done regarding that final decision, this is a series that is of note today… for several reasons. Partly because, it is back in the conversation of popular culture, courtesy of the most recent episode of Lopez vs Lopez. For ‘Lopez vs Christmas’ is a story that reunited series star George Lopez with the entire cast of that show, allowing for a warm and hilarious sequence to take place, filled with perfect fourth wall, meta moments, alongside a wondrous sense of nostalgia. Because the cast was just as important to the show as its storytelling, and it was just a true delight to see George’s old television family alongside his new one in an episode… that prompts us to think deeper on that the significance of that series… and how it quite frankly paved the way for another pertinent series from George.

Because not only did it pave the way to bring Lopez vs Lopez to life, since there was now a precedent and clearly a demand for prime-time entertainment that is Latino-centric, but we would be foolish to not talk about the importance of this new series and this particular episode. Because once again… this is George Lopez starring in a show that puts Latino culture front and center, specifically the Christmas traditions one might find in a Latino household. Which is important to say the least. Because that’s the stuff that further de-stigmatizes stereotypes and helps people to understand the majesty of different cultures and that is prevalent here in a magnificent and sometimes familiar manner. Since there are a bevy of familiar familial quirks that echo in the minds of anyone who grew up in a Latino household, including several that hit home for this Latino writer. 

However, we would be remiss to not point out that much like George’s previous series, this too makes a point to tackle the ties that bind us all. Since the show’s plot revolves around a fractured family structure, something that is commonplace in modern America. Plus, it speaks to how difficult it is for those families to reconcile and the struggles that come with such matters, even when all parties agree to try and make the most of it. Plus, issues such as mental health and alcoholism are even present in this series and this episode. Giving it incredible depth and incredible meaning as well. Since such struggles force this somewhat broken family to really ponder upon the meaning of the season and why it is important to be around family, even when it stresses it out and drives us mad, during the holiday season and that is where this episode truly shines as a holiday episode.

Because at its core, it is designed to lift us up, by reminding us of the fact that despite our differences or regardless, where we have come from… we have been given some important gifts. Our lives, and the people that come into and are part of it from the start. And that is in fact, quite special and should be celebrated on a day where gifts matters. And if by chance, there are some tamales present at that celebration, so much the better. If anything, this is just an important holiday special. One that teaches us so much and is fun and vibrant, and truly… it also speaks to the fact that this series deserves a little more recognition as well, something we at NTG will remedy shortly through upcoming recaps of this series. Because this show, is important and engaging, and it will be fascinating to see where this journey is going to take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

---

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Christmas" Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) Selenis Leyva as Rosie, Constance Marie as Connie, Brice Gonzalez as Chance, Valente Rodriguez as Val, George Lopez as George, Luis Armand Garcia as Louie, Mayan Lopez as Mayan, Al Madrigal as Oscar, Belita Moreno as Bella, Matt Shively as Quinten -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Powered by JustWatch