‘Primo’ Recap: ‘Big Eyes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Primo’.
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While there has been progress when it comes to proper representation in film and television, we still have a long way to go. Because for every story about how the world actually looks, there are ten more that don’t showcase that in the slightest. But slowly, and surely, it is getting better, and those stories are finally having the conversations and feature the moments that we have been waiting for. The kind that allows for the LGBTQIA+ community to be seen and heard, and the same goes for women and BIPOC individuals. But alas, one area where television and film continue to struggle is showcasing the life and culture of Latino/Latinx individuals. For Latinos are still portrayed in a negative light in film and television, if portrayed at all.
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But those unfortunate realities are also starting to change in this current climate, after all George Lopez’s return to prime time on NBC via Lopez vs Lopez has helped to provide better representation for Latino individuals and Latino culture and it just so happens that a powerful series that does the same made its debut on Amazon Freevee this past weekend. For Primo is now streaming on the network and well, this is one that we absolutely need to spend a little time discussing today, because of what it accomplishes from a representation standpoint. For this is a story that takes us inside a Latino family in San Antonio, to chronicle their lives and showcase, the beauty and wonder of Latino culture whilst educating us on what it is like to grow up Latino.  

A feat ‘Big Eyes’ accomplishes by introducing us to young Rafa, who is at a crossroads in his youth. For his big family, one consisting of his mother and his four uncles, knows that soon he must decide what to do with his life. Wherein he either needs to look at college or look at heading into the everyday world to work and live and this is where the story does an incredible job of exploring what it means to grow up Latino. Since Rafa doesn’t know what path to take and finds himself receiving advice from everyone in his family regarding what his path should be. Which is a fairly common trait of Latino/Latinx families, since they are so close knit and rely upon one another to make the right decision in life. Not to mention, there’s a powerful moment here where Rafa ponders upon skipping school to work and help his mother pay the bills.

Which is another poignant moment regarding Latino/Latinx culture, since taking care of familia in that manner is also commonplace, out of the belief that family should always have one another’s backs and make sacrifices to ensure that everyone is okay. All of which… makes for some powerful representation and education regarding the richness of Latino culture. But what matters more, is that this journey also manages to remove a lot of stigma and stereotype surrounding Latinos. Because while there is a deep Latinx foundation to this story, what Rafa must decide in this tale, is a crossroads that all teenagers face at his age. Wherein they simply don’t know if they want to go to college or try something else, and that removes stigma because that is a supremely American experience, and those are moments that deeply matter from a representation standpoint and that’s wonderful to see play out on screen as well. 

If anything, this is just… a brilliant series premiere. One that really does plunge us into everyday life in America, by way of a family that truly represents the average American, and it also doesn’t hurt… how this story is presented. Because in between commentary on growing up in America and learning about the inner workings of Latino/Latinx families, is a lot of heart and a lot of comedy. Much of which is brought forth by the uncles in this tale. Because each of them is so dynamically different and quirky, and eager to be heard that we are treated to some impressive riffing and some impressive comedy, and really… all of these elements compel us to continue the journey. To learn more about this family, and what makes them tick, and to enjoy an honest slice of life story about what it means to grow up in Modern America as a Latino. Until next time.

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