‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs Ghosts’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Ghosts" Episode 107 -- Pictured: (l-r) Selenis Leyva as Rosie, Laci Moseley as Brookie, Mayan Lopez as Mayan, George Lopez as George, Matt Shively as Quinten -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also discusses generational trauma and emotional abuse, which might be triggering to some individuals.
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Truly one of the best parts about living in our world, is the sheer fact that we can learn about another culture’s richness at any given time. A feat we can accomplish by simply visiting another country via planes, trains, and automobiles, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local community of our destination and learn accordingly. Or… we can use the internet and research what other cultures believe in and practice at our own leisure, and sometimes… popular entertainment can help with that as well. Since a television show, movie, or book, can highlight what makes a culture so amazing and for proof… then look no further than this week’s episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. 
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For last night’s adventure, ‘Lopez vs Ghosts’, took the time to blend powerful commentary once again about personal growth, with a grand exploration of Latino/Latinx Culture. Specifically… how Latino Culture is supremely spiritual in nature. For there is a firm belief that spirits roam the earth in the Latinx community, and that they are with us every step of the way. Wherein they will guide us or punish us depending upon what we need in life or what they need in the afterlife. Which is why holidays such as El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) exist, to celebrate and honor the spirits that came before us and honor the ones we lost along the way, and the show provided this fascinating look into the power of that spirituality and its important to Latino individuals, courtesy of a cultural clash within the Lopez home. 

Because Rosie, and Mayan were working to teach Chance about the spirituality that permeated his family’s history and his cultural past. But Quenten took concern with the stories being told and the actions being taken to honor those spirits and basically butted heads with Rosie about such matters. Deeming them silly and outlandish. That is until Rosie pointed out how his own belief system was no different, and that it wasn’t fair to not be open to all. Which was a beautiful lesson to inject into this story, one that brought peace and understanding to the household. But what mattered more here, is that said spirituality was put on full display, as were hints of the stories that are passed down from generation to generation, such as La Llorona, whom this writer heard about often growing up. All of which made… for some beautiful storytelling and wonderful cultural education.  

However, there was mention of the fact that the show’s trademark commentary on growth was present here as well, and that was handled through George. Who was reminded about his angry grandmother, Dolores, and the abuse she imparted upon him. And all this talk about ghosts, brought the past up and her abuse haunted George. To the point where he had visions, or a possible visit, of and from Dolores. The kind that motivated him… to take a page from his daughter’s teachings. Wherein he needed to confront the past and lay it to rest and lay Dolores to rest as well… because he buried her ashes in the backyard. No es broma. And he went through with all of that, in an incredible manner since he spread her ashes on a video slot machine. But what matters more here, is that this sequence spoke to the fact that ghosts can be real, in the form of the memories and pain we carry with us. And the only way to be free of the ghosts we don’t want in our lives, is to do what George did here. However, maybe not spread the ashes of a loved one on a video slot machine, though, and maybe not… bury your grandmother’s ashes in the backyard. 

But that aside, all of these storylines really made for a brilliant episode when all is said and done. One that really did a phenomenal job of diving into some fascinating lessons about Latino culture and featured some powerful commentary on growth and confronting the past. Plus… it also featured some Latino acting legends. For Cheech Marin swung by this episode as a spiritual healer and cleanser and that was incredible, as was seeing Rita Morena play the part of Dolores. All of which added to the wonder of another incredible episode from this series and once again, we are left counting down the minutes to next week’s tale. To see what other stunning commentary and life lessons and cultural celebrations, await us. Until next time. 

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LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Ghosts" Episode 107 -- Pictured: Rita Moreno as Dolores -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Ghosts" Episode 107 -- Pictured: (l-r) George Lopez as George, Selenis Leyva as Rosie, Cheech Marin as Carlos -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

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