One Day at a Time is using their platform yet again to raise awareness to the social issues that the world faces everyday and we are absolutely 👏 loving 👏 it 👏.
Later this evening, the Alvarez family is officially back — in animated form for the first time ever — to address the challenging but necessary conversation that families all over the country are having due to the current political climate and upcoming presidential election.
“It was really, really cool!” says Isabella Gomez, who plays Elena, about coming together for an animated episode. “It was such a needed escape into this world of creativity and characters we already know so well all while being safe and socially distanced. I also really love doing animation because it frees my body up to do whatever it wants without thinking about what it’ll look like on camera, so getting to have that freedom with Elena was pretty special.”
In the special, Penelope’s conservative cousin Estrellita (Melissa Fumero), Tia Mirtha (Gloria Estefan), and Tio Juanito (Lin-Manuel Miranda) come to visit, and the Alvarezes must strategize about how survive the week, because they disagree on so many things.
“These kinds of hard conversations are what our show is based on, so it’s only natural that the political climate would come up for the Alvarez family,” Gomez tells Celeb Secrets. “We did feel it was really important to show families having talks like these regardless of how much their opinions may differ and that you can lead with love and empathy when doing so. I think that’s they key and if we’re going to have these discussions, and I really hope we all do, we might as well make them productive.”
At one point, Lydia suggests they settle their political differences the old fashioned way: with a talent contest. In the clip below, Lydia fantasizes about herself and sister Mirtha having a song battle singing a parody of Gloria Estefan’s hit “Mi Tierra” and it’s so good.
Keep reading to see our full Q&A with Isabella, where she talks more about the special, how she’s having the same conversations with people in real life, and the advice she has for our readers that may be afraid to speak up during this time.
One Day at a Time: The Politics Episode airs on Tuesday, June 16th @ 9:30PM ET/PT on Pop TV and TV Land.
Celeb Secrets: It’s so exciting that we have a new episode of ODAAT coming for so many reasons, with one being that it’s animated. Talk to us about this opportunity! What was it like recording the voice overs at home due to the pandemic?
Isabella Gomez: “It was really, really cool! It was such a needed escape into this world of creativity and characters we already know so well all while being safe and socially distanced. I also really love doing animation because it frees my body up to do whatever it wants without thinking about what it’ll look like on camera, so getting to have that freedom with Elena was pretty special.”
CS: While there were no in-person scenes, how awesome was it to have Gloria Estefan, Melissa Fumero and Lin-Manuel Miranda a part of this?
IG: “The most awesome! We’ve had Gloria and Melissa in physical episodes before so having them back was such a delight. And Lin, I mean, I’ve been screaming about wanting him to guest star on the show since Season 1 so you can imagine my excitement. Do I wish we could have done it in person? Absolutely. Will I take it anyway? 100% yes.”
CS: We love the storyline of it as it’s very relevant in today’s climate. A lot of people are in these situations and are having the same conversations with their loved ones. How important is it to use the show’s platform to showcase something like this?
IG: “These kinds of hard conversations are what our show is based on, so it’s only natural that the political climate would come up for the Alvarez family. We did feel it was really important to show families having talks like these regardless of how much their opinions may differ and that you can lead with love and empathy when doing so. I think that’s they key and if we’re going to have these discussions, and I really hope we all do, we might as well make them productive.”
CS: Have you been in a situation where you had to deal with this like Elena has? If so, how did you tackle it?
IG: “Of course I have. I actually do try to do what Elena does in this episode and try to get in the headspace of the other person. I find it helps me be less aggressive and more rational. And then I try to gather as many facts and visual evidence as possible. If whatever we’re discussing has affected me personally I’ll go ahead and tell them those stories so they can have a real world connection to it instead of it just being a concept.”
CS: What advice would you have for our readers that want to have these conversations with their loved ones that may be afraid to do so?
IG: “I wish I knew exactly what to say here. I think understanding that it’s likely not going to be a pleasant conversation, that there’s a possibility that you won’t come out seeing eye to eye and mentally preparing yourself for that is important. I also find it helpful to make an outline of what I want to say and what my end goal is so I can stay on track and again, try as hard as you can to lead with love and empathy.”
CS: One Day At A Time is known for tackling important issues like the ones seen in “The Politics Episode.” Will we be seeing more of this in the future?
IG: “You can bet on it! It wouldn’t be ODAAT if we didn’t tackle those issues that affect this family or that they feel passionate about. No spoilers though ;)”
CS: What do you hope viewers who watch the episode take away from it?
IG: “This is a loaded question. I think, if nothing else, that when having these kinds of conversations it’s easier and infinitely more productive when it comes from a place of wanting to find common ground and educate instead of a place of wanting to rage.”
