Top 17 Moments from One Day at a Time Season 2

7. I want to be in America

In case you aren’t caught up on Hollywood royalty, Rita Moreno is one of only twelve EGOT winners, and her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story is where she sang “America.”

With a charming nod to the actress’s history, Lydia proclaims that she wants to live in America and Elena follows up with I know you do — which happens to be the following line from the movie.

8. Elena & Syd first kiss

The set up for Elena and Syd’s first date at a comic convention presents the perfect opportunity to see how nerdy and perfect these two are for each other. Elena’s awkwardness and lack of confidence, however, set off a ton of mixed signals for Syd during One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 5, “Locked Down.”

Luckily, Elena is able to get past her fears, and the two teenagers share their first passionate kiss on the balcony. They are quickly called out by the police helicopter, with a spotlight no less, during the neighborhood lockdown to get back inside. The moment signaled the start of #Sylena and our hearts melted.

9. Old school Schneider

In a tribute to the original series, Elena surprises her family at the end of One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 6, “Work Hard, Play Hard,” dressed up like the original Schneider.

The costume designers matched the look made famous by Pat Harrington Jr. perfectly – down to the denim vest, blue jeans, tool belt, and something rolled in the sleeve of a white T-shirt. The only thing missing was the mustache.

10. Penelope and Max make it official

On the relationship focused One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 7, “Exclusive,” Penelope overcame her fears and finally made things official with Max. This came from the conversation recognizing the balance of how she and Lydia came to the same realization that you can’t own the milk without buying the cow.

The result is good news for Max, who put in the time and effort, including recording Scandal. After making things official, Penelope formally introduces him to her family as her boyfriend. Lydia jokingly refers to him as a stallion and even Elena makes a joke about being able to acknowledge his good looks.

11. Leslie and Lydia

The other side of the coin is the relationship between Lydia and Dr. B. During their heart to heart, Lydia realizes that she needs to let him be free. Dr. Berkowitz enjoys the companionship from Lydia, but he makes it known he wants more.

Sure Dr. B is corny and a bit quirky, and Lydia realizes he should be able to pursue something with Esmee who does want something romantic. Lydia is honest and tells him that she gave her heart away a long time ago to Berto a long time ago, and won’t be able to be what Dr. B deserves.

11. Tough decisions

On the flashback-heavy episode One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 8, “What Happened,” we see the early weeks after Elena’s birth, the family dynamic, and how certain events led to where they are today.

It is a rare look into how Victor was a doting father, even re-enlisting after 9/11 happened for Elena’s freedom, and how much has changed after his puzzling and hurtful rejection on the Season 1 finale.

12. Elena’s Brave Moment

The final minutes of One Day at a Time Season 2 Episode 8, “What Happened,” gives us a powerful monologue from Elena to the father who she hasn’t talked to in almost a year. It shines a light on how devastating a parents rejection can be for LGBTQ youth but does so without vilifying the parent.

Isabella Gomez is outstanding in this emotional and powerful moment. It is rare that someone can capture the depth of heartache that comes from this distressing experience, and she exceeds all expectations.

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