‘Party of Five’ Episode 3: Javier’s old debt to Louis puts additional burden on Emilio

In the previous episode of ‘Party of Five’, we saw Emilio (Brandon Larracuente) step forward to take over the family business, bidding goodbye to his possible career in music. 

Despite his thorough dislike for his new role in the restaurant, Emilio tries to be efficient, only to ensure his family his siblings can lead a rather normal life, following their parents Gloria (Fernanda Urrejola) and Javier’s (Bruno Bichir) deportation. 

While looking into the restaurant’s accounts, Emilio realizes that his father, for over 16 years has been paying thirty percent of the total bills to his close friend Louis, who had initially helped Javier acquire a liquor license for the restaurant. 

Although Emilio is well-aware of the illicit deal between his father and Louis and its role in keeping the business going, the eldest of the Acosta siblings decides to cut ties with Louis. 

However, this doesn’t go so well with Louis or Javier, who consider each other as best friends. When Javier learns about Emilio’s disapproval of Louis’ involvement in the family business, he blames the latter for letting the business go down the drain with his morality. 

Episode 3 aside from focusing on the difficulties the Acosta siblings are facing to adapt to their new lives, also throws light on Emilio’s drastically changing behavior. 

He who was once seen performing gigs at bars and bringing home a new woman every night afterward is now serving as a voice to the family business. It is also surprising to see his display of affection for Vannesa. 

Now that Emilio has made up his mind about getting rid of Louis, he may have to stand defiant against several more odds. Louis has already begun to reciprocate to Emilio’s war with his fake threats about the Immigration officers raiding the block, which had all the undocumented employees of the restaurant running around anxiously looking for a hideout in the midst of business hours. 

This makes us wonder if Emilio is prepared to face the consequences of his actions, despite knowing very well the risk it puts his siblings in. Or, will Emilio go by father’s word and continue maintaining a formal relationship with Louis, considering his family situation?