‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs In-Laws’

11/3/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs In-Laws" Episode 303 -- Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Tobolowsky as Sam Van Bryan, Matt Shively as Quinten -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.

Over the course of the past three seasons, the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, has offered up some incredible lessons regarding how a parent and a child can heal their fractured relationship. Courtesy of some powerful moments between George and Mayan Lopez, many of which are inspired by their own real-life journey. Since it is no secret that their relationship was strained for many years, and well, seeing them grow together through storytelling, has added real gravity to this show and its lessons. To the point where anything family related now holds our attention and that likely helped in the decision to expand the show’s explorations on family matters, during this week’s episode.

Because there are others in the Lopez-Van Bryan household that have parental issues that need to be healed, such as Quinten, who we learned has some deep-rooted issues with his father in ‘Lopez vs In-Laws’. For in this particular tale, Sam and Ruthie Van Bryant dropped by to check in, and see what was happening with the wedding, and while Quinten has spoken before about some friction with his dad, the extent of it was laid out in here in detail. In that, Quinten had never received the approval of his father but was expected to constantly impress him and wow him. All so he could receive silence when he needed more, and that made Quinten, a tad reserved around his father. To the point where he was afraid to properly communicate his feelings and needs.

Which was problematic here, mainly because… mom and dad were bringing a bunch of people to the wedding, and costs were ballooning and scaring George and well, he was hoping that maybe the Van Bryan side, and their riches would help out. That of course, put Quinten in a pickle. Because then he would have to tell his father he needed help, which would make him vulnerable and that was unacceptable. So, he took some sour advice from Oscar and just plain lied and set in motion a bevy of the jokes and a lot of the chaos in this tale, as he tried to appease all sides. But eventually, his lie was revealed and forgiven, and it also brought forth confrontation. Wherein Ruthie stepped in and made it clear that Sam had to stop with those traditionally stoic values and embrace his son, embrace his success and be there for him in ways he hadn’t before.

Because that… is the only way a family moves forward and truly, support is what is really manly and strong, thankfully Quinten received that, and that brought forth, just an amazing story. One that explored how generational trauma, and toxic masculinity has many different forms. Which in this case, involved ‘tough love’ and pride, and all the silly ‘be strong’ stuff that men are fed from a young age, and of course… how we overcome it. Which involves calling it out, putting a stop to it and coming to understand what others need, and it was just great to see another family lesson come into play. One that was once again relatable and important, since so many men are in Quinten’s shoes and caught between two worlds because of their parents’ strange attitudes regarding how we should present ourselves.

Which brought forth, a brilliant story in the end. One that once again reminded us of the majesty of this show and how it is truly about healing, and it was one… that really was quite hilarious. Because the food tasting scene was some top-tier comedy for certain, and Oscar’s journey here was the stuff of legend. Especially that end around that he pulled at the end of the story. Plus, the whole peace sign gag from Chance, and Oscar was downright amazing and well… all this episode does is leave us eager for more. More of the comedy, more of the lessons, and more of a show… that simply gets it. That simply knows how to teach us about life and the things we are afraid to talk about and confront, and it will be fascinating to see what amazing lessons and moments await us come next week. Until then.

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