Grand Hotel Review: Where the Sun Don’t Shine (Season 1 Episode 7)

Gigi is far from perfect and her flaws are tenderly on display on Grand Hotel Season 1 Episode 7, “Where The Sun Don’t Shine.” Yoli has every right to be upset by how her mom has continually pushed her away. 

Marisa grounds us in the reality of how difficult it can be coming out to your parents. 

MARISA: When I came out to my parents all they gave me was a copy of the New Testament.

The show gets us emotionally primed by leading us to believe that Yoli is crying because of her mom’s beautiful speech, but then pulling out the tablecloth to reveal she’s emotional because her mom told the story about the wrong daughter!

Oof, Grand Hotel, oof. 

I am tearing up right now thinking Yoli’s admission that she wishes the reason Gigi has always pushed her away is her queerness, because the alternative, it’s just her, is too painful.

Being overlooked and less-loved as a daughter is deeply relatable.

Gigi has treated Yoli like she has because her daughter reminds her of her ex-husband and there still a big puddle of grief and anger there. This is also deeply relatable.

Parents’ love for their children is complicated. Just look at the impact of Santiago’s guilt and judgment on Javi! 

Perhaps the most special thing about the climactic scene between the mother and daughter is that they admit their wrongs. They don’t just say why they made certain choices, they apologize, they empathize.

Yoli’s debrief with Caro on how the conversation went and how she feels about it is a special treat. On sleek shows like this one, we don’t usually get a deep level of unpacking. We even more rarely get that level of insight for supporting characters!

I really want to shout it from a rooftop (not a balcony though, yikes) how wonderfully Grand Hotel is nailing Yoli and Gigi’s storylines. 

I sincerely hope the show continues the trend of focusing on Yoli, Caro, and Gigi and all three become equal leads with Javi and Alicia. 

It pains me to say it because it is obvious there is a lot of effort and joy put into the storylines, but ALciia’s romantic arcs are just not working.

Denyse Tontz as Alicia Mendoza is strongest when she is supporting the other characters. I loved her interactions with Yoli and Javi on Grand Hotel Season 1 Episode 5, “You’ve Got Blackmail.”

I am all about cheese. It’s the best part of a cheeseburger and a staple on any breakfast sandwich or salad. But, it belongs in my mouth, not on my screen. 

Alicia’s romantic story is too cheesy. The way she is flaunting her relationship with Oliver doesn’t make much sense.

The almost goofy way the story develops, including the battles between the different hotels, undermines the seriousness of the underlying feelings and relationships. 

Javi and Ingrid’s angst matches the gravity of the outcomes and surrounding story on the show. 

Sky is still missing and could be dead. Javi lost his leg and is now again in great harm. These are serious issues. The stakes and weight of the main romances need to match. 

Speaking of romance, Javi and Ingrid pulverize my heart in the best way on “Where the Sun Don’t Shine.”  

The actors absolutely nail the chemistry and anguished heartache. Ingrid didn’t know that she would fall for Javi. And Javi didn’t know how much he would love the idea of becoming a responsible and monogamous person. 

Javi arriving at Ingrid’s job to tell her that she had no right to take away a life that had unexpectedly filled his heart with joy.

They are in pain and living in the wake of Ingrid’s lie, both of them. 

I am one hundred percent on board this ship. I trust Grand Hotel to take us through the rocky seas and get to smooth sailing. 

Room Service

• The fashion on this episode is flawless. Only Roselyn Sanchez could make a red sweater and pink pants look so fly. Caro’s gorgeous white dress with the tan underlay is breathtaking! 
• I hate to break it to you, Mrs. P, but Spring Break is not just about booze and sun. There’s the banging. Don’t forget the banging!
• Mrs. P’s short speech about why she won’t bring charges for sexual assault is powerful. Strong women don’t always fight in courts. 
• El Rey is on my ish list. I truly thought he would be more loyal. 
• Lincoln Younes is bringing the heat with his eyes. The story should match that temperature. 
• Team Yoli forever. 

What did you think of this episode of Grand Hotel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Grand Hotel airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.

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