‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs Corte Caliente’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Corte Caliente" Episode 120 -- Pictured: (l-r) Marilyn Milian as Judge Justicia, George Lopez as George, Selenis Leyva as Rosie -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Twenty of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, is one of the most important television shows on the airwaves right now. Simply because… this series is more than a hilarious comedy about family life in modern America… it really is one of the only shows on television that is taking the time to properly showcase Latino/Latinx culture. For this show has really dug deep into the traditions that Latino families take part in, and shown the world their majesty and their wonder, and it has dealt with powerful cultural conflicts present within the Latino/Latinx community and thankfully, this show is showing no signs of letting up when it comes to such examinations. As evidenced by this week’s wonderful episode.
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For ‘Lopez vs Corte Caliente’ took the time to explore a couple of unique aspect of Latino culture. Such as what kind of entertainment is wildly popular with the culture and the difficulties that come with honoring the legacy of the culture and it explored the first element, through quite the interesting conflict between Rosie and George. For Rosie came to realize she still had her original wedding ring and since the couple was now divorced, she wanted to sell it and move on in life. But George, wanted his cut of the ring since it seemed only fair, and despite both of them getting the suggestion from Mayan to just sell it and split the proceeds, they each wanted a full payout and that led them… to Corte Caliente. A spicy television show where Judge Justicia would decide who would get the ring and its riches. 

Which led… to a hilarious sequence. Wherein George and Rosie pled their case to Judge Justicia, with minimal luck. For she was a no-nonsense judge that put them in their place about a lot of things. Such as how they still cared for one another despite their vitriol and how… they were still married due to oversight on the paperwork. Which gave this duo pause. Since it finally put a lot in perspective about their relationship and led to a beautiful moment of growth for both of them, and the decision to split the very small profits of the fake cubic zirconia in that ring. But that growth and hilarity aside, this really was a great opportunity to explore how sensational entertainment is part of the Latino experience. Be it through a Telenovela (as this writer’s grandmothers and mother adored) or through intense shows like Corte Calinte that bring the chisme, there’s just a real draw to that kind of entertainment and rightfully so. It’s bombastic and fun, and it was great to see this on display in this show. 

As for the exploration regarding the difficulties that come with honoring legacy, that was handled by Mayan and Chance. For Rosie pointed out what an important tradition Folklórico was in the family, which is an understanding and practice of traditional Latino/Latinx dances, often performed in Mexico. Which Mayan took part in when she was young and well… she did indeed try to get Chance to take part in that education… with awful results. Because Chance hated the outfits, and he could not master the dances. And eventually, it was revealed that Mayan stunk at them too and was also pushed into doing it. Which made it clear that it isn’t easy to honor legacies in family life, especially when there is little interest in doing so, and if by chance one really does want to that to happen… then one has to find someone that can honor it all the way the family desires, since Quinten could do it… or one has to figure out a different way to honor the past in a manner that pleases all. 

If anything, this was just… an incredible episode when all is said and done. Because it really did showcase Latino/Latinx culture in a dynamic and informative light. Not to mention, the Folklórico segment was a deep cut to say the least. Since it has been years since that word even crossed the mind of this writer. But it was amazing to see none the less, and it was equally as amazing to see some carefully crafted and exciting chisma through that epic court segment. One that featured Marilyn Milian as Judge Justicia, whom we normally know as Judge Marilyn Milian on The People’s Court, making for a delightful cameo, and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this educational delight, the time has come to wait for next week’s story. One that will undoubtedly be brilliant since this series always finds a way to bring a special story to the table. Until next time.

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LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Corte Caliente" Episode 118 -- Pictured: (l-r) Momo Rodriguez as Momo, Brice Gonzalez as Chance, Mayan Lopez as Mayan -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

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