I have to tell you that growing up in Miami when this show was new was kind of freaky as elements of character and certain episodes could have been plucked right out of my life or the life of those around me. Even being Puerto Rican (not Cuban), I felt such a kinship with the Peñas, I felt Cuban by osmosis. If it wasn't the drama of the kids' identity crisis of being American and Hispanic at the same time, it was the insane drama Papa Peña went through when they thought Joe might be gay mirrored my own coming out trauma. Still one of my favorite shows, holding its own alongside some all-time classics, despite its miniscule budget and supposedly limited appeal. I've turned on many a non-Spanish speaker onto the bilingual show and hope that more people outside of South Florida will learn about this show and it's surprisingly universal message.
Review of ¿Qué pasa, U.S.A.?
