‘Lopez vs Lopez’ Recap: ‘Lopez vs Pride’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LOPEZ VS LOPEZ -- "Lopez vs Pride" Episode 108 -- Pictured: (l-r) George Lopez as George, Mayan Lopez as Mayan -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of Latino and Latinx culture that we’ve discussed at length regarding the NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, is the machismo and bravado that is prevalent among Latino males, and it makes sense as to why this topic has come up often in said discussions. Simply because, this series has captured the essence of it perfectly. For it has put how that machismo drives a lot of Latino men and how it pushes them to be brave and strong in the face of any adversity on display often, and in doing so, we’ve come to learn how that impacts others and how it can cause toxic moments to take place within a family. But what these explorations have yet to do, is explain why this exists. Because there has to be a reason as to why this behavior is such a standard and well, the next episode of this series took the time to do just that.
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For ‘Lopez vs Pride’ is an episode that saw Mayan enjoy quite the accomplishment. In that, her amazing skills as a TikTok artist, had netted her a sponsorship contract with a dog treat/dog food company. Something she was extremely proud of, and rightfully so, but alas… when she let everyone know about this news in the company of her father… things got a little weird. Mainly because George slipped into that machismo and prideful mode, puffing up his chest about his own accomplishments and quite frankly, looking down upon Mayan and her own and at first, she thought nothing of that. Because that was what she grew up with, and that was the culture. But her boss and Brookie pointed out, that wasn’t healthy behavior at all. For he tried to steal her thunder and ripped on her accomplishments and that wasn’t right.

Which in turn, prompted Mayan to call George to the carpet on such matters, to no avail. Because he saw what he did as nothing wrong, as though he was pushing her to be better and that she should be proud of her own work. But she disagreed and wanted him to try out saying something nice for a change in moments such as this, something that was honest and raw and informed her that he was proud of her. And she got that… the long way round of course. Because she was signed up to do a live stream at the office to sell those products and well, she had quite the plan to make this a success. Because this company touted its food as human and animal edible, but the flavor was gross and she was going to sneak a little turkey into her mouth and Brookie, her volunteer, to make this seem palatable. But Brookie went MIA when her lizard went MIA and that prompted George to step in and help his little girl, since he wasn’t going to let her struggle. Which led to disaster. Since George ate the real treats and puked live and went viral for it. 

But… he was proud of his little girl for standing up in front of the internet and doing this live, and he also kind of dug that she was sneaky in selling it, and that brought forth the moment she wanted and the little moments leading up to this, explained why this machismo exists. Because in a super subtle and impactful manner, George’s journey informed us that Latino men are engrained with the concept that as men, they should be tough and brave and stand out from the crowd. And that means they need to flex their chest and accomplishments and never once speak to the accomplishments of others. Simply because, they are also taught from an early age that such outside feedback is nonsense, a man should know when he’s done a great job and take pride in his own work and that is… a hollow way of thinking, and toxic. Since people DO need to hear that and it does lead to insults and unnecessary pushing out of the false belief that what they were taught is the right way to motivate others. 

Which brought forth quite the brilliant episode, one that really dug deep into these origins and deconstructed something that is rarely discussed in a television setting, much less in the everyday world or Latino and Latinx culture. So, this episode deserves a round of applause for finally calling this out and exploring its genesis so maybe, a better way can come to life. Plus, it also deserves a round of applause for pondering upon how mixed families could and should deal with the possibility that mixed children might be ashamed with one aspect of their heritage, since that was a concern here regarding Chance. One that was resolved in a brilliant and smooth manner. If anything, this show just continues to impress through and through, and it keeps tackling incredible topics and it keeps putting every aspect of Latino and Latinx culture on display be it positive or negative. And it will be fascinating to see what else we are going to learn as season one of this incredible series continues along. Until next time.

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