"Keep it Together in the Family"

22 October 2009

 by KalikeCA, Esq

Siblings can be a pain the ass sometimes. I should know - I have three. But the great thing about siblings is that they can also be one of your strongest supporters, because the connection that you share with your sibling is a strong one. One of my favorite things upon discovering LHDP was watching the brother-sister relationship that Paco and Pepa shared. While there haven't been enough Miranda sibling moments since Pepa's arrival (in my opinion), there were four moments that exemplified the beauty of their relationship.

To refresh your memory of the Miranda family history: "In 1997, at Sara's first communion, Don Lorenzo, (Pepa's) dad and Paco caught (Pepa) with (her) tongue down Silvia's throat." Paco blamed Pepa for their parents' separation, Pepa left, and seven years passed before Paco and Pepa spoke to each other again. Their first real scene together in the precinct upon Pepa's return to San Antonio is also the first scene that established their relationship as brother and sister. Paco is nervous, as usual, and things are awkward between the two of them. Paco attempts to read Pepa a letter he wrote to her months ago but never found the courage to send. In classic LHDP hilarity, Paco fumbles as he tries to find the right page that describes what he really wants to say until Pepa suggests that they skip to the end of his letter. Upon doing so, we learn that what Paco really wants is "to forget all the bad things that happened and to once again be (Pepa's) brother. The brother that used to take (her) by the hand to school. The one who would go with (her) to the store to buy candy. The one who showed (her) how to fly a kite on the beach of Huelga. (The) brother who loves (her)." It's a beautiful scene, because in that moment, they both remembered the connection and history they shared as siblings, and they decided to forgive each other for the past and rebuild their relationship.

Another great Miranda sibling moment occurred during Season 7, when Pepa is venting to Paco over her drunken promise to Silvia. This scene showed two of the great things about siblings: they listen to you, and they support you no matter what. Pepa's outburst occurred during the middle of an operation, but Paco recognized that what she needed at that moment was someone to listen to her, so he did. He listened, he tried to be understanding, and above all, he never judged her. Paco told Pepa that no matter what happened, "If it comes, we're going to love him so very much." With that little sentence, Paco let Pepa know that while he didn't know how her situation with Silvia would turn out, he would be there to support her and accept any child that she brought into their family.

Paco's message to Pepa and Silvia in their wedding video is the third great example of Paco and Pepa's relationship even though Pepa's not in it. In his message, Paco expresses nothing but genuine happiness over the fact that Pepa is getting married. Paco concludes his message by taking out a puzzle piece from his wallet and reading what is written on it: "My name is Pepa. I am six years old. For my brother, always." It was a simple, little gesture that spoke volumes. It showed the love that little Pepa had for her older brother, and it showed that despite everything that they've been through Paco had always carried a piece of Pepa with him - his own way of staying forever connected to his little sister.

My favorite Miranda sibling moment takes place in Episode 104. Now, I know this episode invokes strong feelings in the PepSiverse, but hear me out. Despite the overwhelming amount of tragedy in this episode, there was a scene that, to me, epitomized the beauty of Paco and Pepa's relationship. The moment I'm referring to occurs when Paco suddenly gets up off the floor, looks around the room at all the dejected faces, says, "It's the wedding of my sister and sister-in-law, so I don't want any sad faces, is that clear?" and then proceeds to lead the hombres in a chant of "We want a kiss." Granted, a part of the reason why Paco did this was to raise the morale of his men. But I also think that Paco was trying to be there for Pepa, during the worst moment of her life, the only way he knew how. Paco couldn't kiss Pepa on the cheek and make everything better, but he could give her that chant. The chant that gave Pepa a moment to smile. A moment to calm her nerves. A moment to feel like a bride. And a moment to share one more kiss with her wife.

One of my hopes for Season 9 is that the writers will "keep it together in the family" and show more of these brother-sister moments between Paco and Pepa. Moments that remind us that even though siblings can be a pain sometimes, they often tend to be one of the few people who will always love you for who you are. And that they will always be there during the darkest moments of your life to comfort you and help you through your pain. Because no matter what happens, siblings will always have a connection. A connection of blood. A connection of family.

kalike

*The title for this lecture is based on lyrics from the song "Keep It Together" by Madonna.

7 Comments:

Dr. Pied Piper said...

Thanks for the lecture, KC. The relationships between the 2 sets of siblings - Pepa / Paco and Lola / Silvia - were key to the overall dynamics of the series.

Lola was Silvia's voice of reason, main critic, fierce defender, and best friend. Paco on the other hand had a lot of lost years to make up for, but the strong tie between him and Pepa somehow made it easier. The PepaForce was also in full display: 1) One look and Paco agreed to pose nude, 2) Another look and a nod (as Pepa was charging up the stairs to confront her bride) to shut Paco up.

swiftlyreloaded said...

GREAT lecture & it's true the bond you share w/ a sibling is unbreakable.

Solete said...

Nice text. I would like to have relationships like that with my brothers.

booker said...

I am so glad you mentioned 104, it is one of my favorite moments not just for paco, but for pepa and silvia. their faces are a story.
great observations, my friend.

Malbeca said...

Great lecture. I have two sisters but I would love to have a big brother like Paco. Non judgemental and loving you no matter what.

bigmarianfan said...

such a good lecture u awsome being! I have that kind of relationship with my brother even though he is the younger one...sibling love is the best!

kalike said...

excellent observations, Dr. P! my older bro and i aren't tight as we used to be when we were kids, but i know that, like Paco, he'd have my back b/c like BMF said, "sibling love is the best!" thanks for the comments guys :)