‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs Moving On’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Moving On" Episode 202 -- Pictured: (l-r) Mayan Lopez as Mayan, George Lopez as George -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
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There was a time in American culture, where one particular expectation befell the children of this land. In that, parents genuinely wanted their little ones to follow in their footsteps career wise or take over the family business, and it makes sense as to why that was so important. Because at that period in time, there was real gravity to having a family member carry on the family business or to see another generation take over a job that was held and performed well by a parent. For it truly spoke to the wonder of the American Dream and its staying power, and the importance of what people were building. But as the years rolled along, that perception changed, and that expectation is no longer the priority it once was.

Mainly because people began to understand, that this particular expectation, while novel in nature, really didn’t fulfill every single individual that took part in it. Because not everyone in America wants to be the successor to the family business, nor do they want to get into the same career field as their parents. They want their own path, their own passions, and that reality and the push to follow that edict, finally brought that old tradition to a close. To the point where we now ask… is it feasible or comfortable for children to follow in their parents’ footsteps in 2024? And it just so happens that the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC takes the time to answer that question. A feat that ‘Lopez vs Moving On’ accomplishes by offering up quite the surprise.

In that, the family learned early on in this episode, that Mayan lost her job as a vet tech and was keeping that revelation quiet to not bring about panic from her mother and because she was convinced, she would quickly find a new job. But alas, the 2024 market in the show resembles the real one, and that left Mayan in a tough place. Wherein her only opportunity to provide for her family, was to join the family business and help it grow and well, this segment really did explain why this old tradition died. Simply because the old guard and the new guard clashed often about what path was the right path, and how best to run the business, making it seem as though… this particular path was nothing more than a bad idea in Modern America.

But after things cooled down, and Mayan was able to showcase what innovation could do for Lop E.Z. Movers, specifically… the kind of money they could make through adding technology… it became apparent that Mayan would be a valuable addition to the business and could in fact, work with her father. But what mattered more here, was that this journey made it clear… that yes, it is still possible for children to follow an ancient edict, provided of course… they are allowed to do more than keep the status quo. For if a child can innovate and grow the business and make it more, than it used to be, they can find value in it, own it in their own special way and enjoy a sense of fulfillment. All of which made for a unique episode for certain… one that explored a new avenue for this series.

Since it really hasn’t explored tradition in this manner, but this examination was welcome none the less. Because this is something that pops up in American life, and by going this route, the show further hammers home that this is a story about the American experience we share in. In fact, this episode went above and beyond in such matters since it also pondered upon having trust and faith in our loved ones, as evidenced by the journey that Rosie and Quinten went upon here and well… it’s important to point out why that matters. For this is a show designed to demystify stereotypes and show how we all are one, and what better way to do that, than with a story that is steeped in American traditions and challenges. The kind we have all experienced, or will experience, in some form or fashion. Until next time.

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