Mr. Corman Review: Mr. Morales (Season 1 Episode 4)
Arturo Castro is Mr. Morales on Mr. Corman Season 1 Episode 4, “Mr. Morales.”
Castro is Victor Morales in all episodes, but this focuses solely on him the way the series has for Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Josh Corman.
Much of Mr. Corman feels like experimentation, and this episode is a prime example. Moving away from the titular character just four episodes in is a risky move, similar to the many other chances the show takes.
And also similarly, as well as surprisingly, the result is remarkable.
Just as with Josh, we follow Victor as he goes through the motions of his life, including having his daughter for the weekend. Josh makes brief appearances as the side character roommate which is how Victor was introduced, but there is a great callback to the anxiety-ridden Josh from Season 1 Episode 2, “Don’t Panic.”
When Victor comes home, Josh is there staring out the window and that gong/chime sound that succeeded in relaying his uneasiness on “Don’t Panic” is there to provide an anxious throughline.
But Victor’s anxiousness is a different beast. While Josh has anxiety with a dose of pessimism, Victor’s is imbued with optimism and tenacity. He likes his job, loves his daughter, and has a good relationship with his ex; and despite the difficulties of raising a difficult 13 year old over the weekend, once a month, Victor just keeps doing his best.
It’s an interesting juxtaposition from the previous episode, “Happy Birthday,” in which Ruth’s (Debra Winger) parenting is examined.
The bulk of the episode is Victor struggling to connect with his daughter, Gabi, who is young teen angst personified in a very real portrayal from newcomer Miley Delgado. So real that it’s slightly terrifying to me as a mother of an 11 year old.
Amy: Teenage years are hard.
Victor: Oy. Does it get better?
Amy: I wouldn’t know. My daughter lives with her father, her brother lives with me, and he’s the one I really hate.
Victor: Okay.
Amy: Uh, bye, see you later.
Victor: Have a good weekend, okay?
Amy: Uh huh. Hey, Victor, was that too real?
Victor: Oh, you were good. Just the right amount of real.
This is an exchange that Victor has with one of his customers as a UPS delivery driver. It shows how easy-going and good-natured Victor is with everyone he encounters, and makes it a little more heartbreaking every time Gabi shuts him out.
He makes Gabi’s favorite lasagna the night before so he doesn’t waste any of his precious time with her; he sleeps on the sofa so she can have the privacy of his room when she stays over; he takes every biting barb in stride with impressive patience.
While this episode is a departure from what we’ve seen of the series thus far, the connections and themes are there. A dream sequence emphasizes his stress over Gabi. The problematic influencer that Gabi passionately defended earlier makes an unsettling cameo, smearing his special lasagna sauce all over his face.
On Mr. Corman Season 1 Episode 2, “Don’t Panic,” Victor comes up with an alternative to a weighted blanket in an effort to calm Josh. On this episode, he comes up with a crafty solution to not having a heating pad in the house, but it is met with derision from the teenager who wishes she was back at home in her own room.
Despite the troublesome weekend, “Mr. Morales” ends with a smile on Victor’s face, showing a hint of that optimism that keeps him going and keeps him trying his very best.
What did you think of this episode of Mr. Corman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.