Saagar Kote
APPLE TV+’s ‘Acapulco’ is a comedy drama series that weaves together the past and present of the Las Colinas resort, through the life and experiences of the protagonist, Máximo. The previous episode ended with Máximo in the present narrating his past to a new set of people, who come into the under-renovation Las Colinas looking for jobs. He talks about how he and the other staff members walked out of the ancient Roman-themed 49th birthday party of Alejandro Vera, after finding out that he hadn’t changed any of his new rules, and had also cut employee benefits like overtime. Esteban and Nora break into their recently deceased neighbor Juan’s apartment to investigate whether or not he was murdered. At the residence, they see a mysterious note that says, “I’m going to kill you.” In pursuit of revenge, Diane moves into one of the resort’s beachfront villas, and the workers stage a protest against Alejandro Vera. SPOILERS AHEAD.
The Brave Protesters of Las Colinas
The episode begins with Paloma and Máximo in the present talking about Gustavo, Paloma’s husband, who has been given an opportunity to paint a mural at the Las Colinas resort for its relaunch. The young girl requests her father to intervene and make him paint the wall, which has been left empty so far. The protagonist is shocked since Gustavo has been there for weeks, but finds him doing weird antics, which the young man says give him creative ideas. Paloma asks Máximo to inspire her husband with one of his stories, and leaves. The lead character begins to narrate the past to his son-in-law, reminiscing about the year 1986. The younger Máximo finds it difficult to sleep after staging a walk-out from the resort during Vera’s birthday bash.
Meanwhile, Sara discreetly tries to apply to NYU, using an application form she got from Aida, who was on a college tour in the US. In the absence of his staff, Vera is forced to work with a skeleton crew and perform duties below his pay grade. He runs into Diane at the resort, who claims she is on a long-overdue holiday. The owner suspects something, but tells her he will treat her well. The staff stage a protest, even joined by Julia. The Head of Operations tries to talk to the staff, but finds most of them struggling to stand in the sun outside the resort. Esteban and Nora continue their Agatha Christie-like investigation at Juan’s house, but are interrupted by a little boy asking for a contribution to an orphanage.
The Intervention of Sara Changes the Tide
Esteban comes up with a plan to stage a fake petition to collect signatures and match the handwriting to the death threat on the paper they found. The staff continue to protest, as Chad and Máximo try to boost the morale of the protesters by coming up with slogans, but hilariously fail to do so. The Head of Operations desperately goes to his sister for help, who takes him into Juan’s apartment to prepare a strategy for the resort staff’s protest. She asks her brother to fuel up the team and asks them to send a loud and clear message to Vera. Meanwhile, Nora and her partner start a fake petition for a new speed bump on the street, using which they start to collect signatures and photos from potential suspects.
The protesters switch to a musical protest, and Alejandro is handed a list of demands by the Head of Operations. The owner finds it difficult to manage the guests without his staff, which eventually leads to Diane suggesting that he should sell her back the establishment. Máximo informs the “revolutionaries” that he has contacted a reporter from “Red Nacional Siete” to cover their protests on the following day, which he believes will change Alejandro’s stance. Memo continues to worry about his yet-to-be-born baby with Lorena. The protagonist finally manages to get into everyone’s good graces after his recent troubles. Minerva Luz Cruz, the reporter, interviews Máximo the next day in front of the resort, during which he says that his team will not give up, and that they have the resolve to fight till the end.
During the recording, Vera sends his response on a sheet of paper through one of his bodyguards. However, in a hilarious moment, the HOO tears it up without even reading it, to project strength. In the present, Gustavo continues to be inspired by the stories of Máximo, who takes him back to the past again. The protesters appear unhappy with Máximo’s act, and are pushed into greater trouble when a bus full of replacement staff lands at the resort. At Lorena’s sonogram, Memo and she connect on a deeper emotional level, and hope to make their baby proud by continuing to protest for the future.
A Tale of Victory Inspires Gustavo
The Agatha Christie couple go further into their investigation, and start suspecting Señor Cabrera, who was the only one who refused to sign their petition. Doña Rosita deepens their suspicion by claiming that he often used to fight with Juan over a parking spot. Máximo starts worrying about the replacement staff and realizes that it was all his fault. However, Memo tells him that they will never surrender, and the two of them go to Vera’s office to talk to him. Memo emotionally appeals to the owner, telling him how the staff are a family, and that the joy they bring to the resort can never be replaced by others.
Vera agrees to all their demands, leading to jubilation among the workers. Vera tells Máximo that he needs the experience of the team, and also talks about how the resort has suffered in the hotel rankings ever since the protests began. Diane offers to buy back the resort, but the owner tells her that he will never sell it to her, despite her best offer. Sara continues to apply to NYU, as she is inspired by the success of the protest. In the present, Gustavo finally realizes what he has to paint on the wall, and hopes to impress his father-in-law. Máximo hugs his son-in-law and expresses gratitude for staying with his daughter when she needed it the most.
Read More: Acapulco Season 4 Episode 1 and 2 Recap
