‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs Let It Go’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Let It Go" Episode 206 -- Pictured: (l-r) Al Madrigal as Oscar, Mayan Lopez as Mayan, Brice Gonzalez as Chance, Matt Shively as Quinten, Tommy Chong as Bryan, Selenis Leyva as Rosie, George Lopez as George, Cheech Marin as Carlos -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is strange belief in our modern world, that once someone commits to recovery from substance abuse, that they will be just fine. Which has some merit to say the least, simply because… they’re obviously putting in the work at that point, and they’re enjoying the spoils of being free of addiction’s grasp. So they must be on the right path, they must be ready to find happiness at every turn. But alas, that’s simply not the case, and nothing more than an easy way to not have to worry about the reality that accompanies this phase of recovery. In that, committed or not, there are not always happy days and joyous epiphanies ahead. Life still goes on, and there are still emotional moments to be had, some of which… come from the fact that one is sober.

For chemicals within the brain are changing, and emotions that were numbed by the power of a drug or other substance… are suddenly present again and that can be a lot for people to deal with. Which means they need a support network, someone who can guide them through the storm. Sometimes, that’s a family member, sometimes… it is a professional and other times… well it’s a special individual that helps us and the person in question understand the need for a professional, as evidenced by the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For ‘Lopez vs Let It Go’ saw George… battling his emotions. For those very reasons mentioned a moment ago, and well… that concerned Mayan greatly, and Rosie as well… and that prompted the two of them to try and find George some help. 

On his terms, however. Since Mayan and Rosie knew that taking George to a therapist would be a disaster, so they settled on a Curandero, or healer, if you will. Who was happy to bring George into his very karmic stead. Wherein George learned about letting things go and the wonder of being in a cult. Because Carlos, wasn’t a very good healer. Sure, he had some decent advice to offer, but he just wanted to keep his practice going and wanted to keep the money rolling in for it. So, he made George feel special enough to hand over his savings and offered him a new home within the group’s community. Which Mayan was not good with, and thanks to her efforts and George’s electric personality, he was freed from the cult’s clutches and learned some valuable lessons. Such as the importance of finding the right help, and the need to process and control his emotions. So that he didn’t make rash decisions in the name of his addictive personality.

But of course, George wasn’t made to feel bad for this, for Mayan made it clear that he did take part in help, and that’s huge because it does take willingness to make that happen. Which made for another powerful episode, one that offered up more raw lessons about the tough nature of the road that is recovery. Since it requires the body and mind to re-learn so much. But while that was incredible to watch play out, as has been tradition this season, there was a secondary plot to offer up a respite from the heavier stuff. One where Rosie and Oscar worked together to keep the other house near her free from tenants. A move that mostly worked until a dude named Bryan refused to be scared off. Prompting Rosie to take a stand and well, buy the property outright to have her own peace and quiet or decide on her own tenants.

All of which brought forth another meaningful and amazing episode from this series. One that truly explored a corner of recovery that few shows have, and it also was host to some amazing guest stars since Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong dropped by to play Carlos and Bryan, respectively, and reminded us once again how they are true comedic geniuses. And since this show is all about respect for the legacy of Latin Americans and the comedians that paved the way for this show, the moment at the end where the cast of this show re-enacted ‘Mexican Americans’ with two legends, was the stuff of legend, and put a perfect bow on a perfect episode. For this one featured everything we love about this series. Since it was as smart as can be, relatable and human, and of course… filled to the brim with respect for Latin American culture and two men who helped bring it into the mainstream. Until next time.

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