netflix series review
Elena taught us that a tiara is a backwards symbol of how women are only valued for their beauty.
one day at a time
Release Date: 24 January 2017
Created by: Mike Royce and Gloria Calderon Kellett
One Day At a Time is one of the best tv shows produced by Netflix. This tv series is inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 version but this time around follows the life of the Cuban-American family, the Alvarez's.
With two seasons produced so far and renewed for a third, One Day At a Time deals with relevant issues such as divorce, racism, acceptance and cross generational issues. I first started to watch this show because my sister puts it on in the lounge room. At first, I thought it would be another of her cheesy teen tv series but as I kept watching I was able to see some really important issues addressed within the episodes. Some of the issues addressed that I am able to connect with the most are acceptance and embracing of heritage. For example, the character Alex goes through a stage where he is embarrassed with his Cuban ancestry because others around him are ignorant and racist, they call him derogatory terms and make fun of him. I empathise with Alex and understand what he is going through.
This issues are presented clearly in the show. We see the Alvarez family come together and talk about issues in a serious manner, but somehow it is still funny and lighthearted. Another thing the tv series deals with is parents-children relationship. Being in high school is tough. One of the things we find really hard at times is dealing with people in authority, like our parents. I feel like it is extremely difficult at times to try getting our parents to hear and understand us. In the show, the Alvarez is a split family since the parents are divorced. We see how hard it can be for children in most split family situations. For example, when the kids are trying their best to keep a healthy and strong relationship with both parents. This can be frustrating!
This show is relatable to any teenager regardless of race or creed. Just because this show is about a Cuban family doesn't mean that you can't watch it if you’re not Latino. You will be able to draw lessons from the Alvarez’s experiences. From dealing with the divorce of your parents, to struggling to find your place in the world, there are always some things you can relate to.
All in all, One Day At a Time is a great tv series that is worth your time. It's totally relatable and it has great humour when it comes to dealing with realistic issues.
-S Taktak, Year 11
Marcel Ruiz as Alex