Putazos – The show begins with Luis (Frankie Quinones) describing his Hugs Not Thugs cupcake-baking experience as “therapeutic.” He thanks Julio (Chris Estrada) for getting him into the program. Julio promises to have his back because they are family. Chef Percy Williams (Jamar Malachi Neighbors) calls them “corny.”

Luis confronts Julio for stretching instead of helping them take the cupcakes into the Cali Mex Family Market. Percy scolds them both for not helping. As Luis prepares to lift up several crates of cupcakes, Davonte (Hassan Johnson) asks if he is a “pink cupcake bit**.” Julio informs him that Hugs Not Thugs’ members are called Huggers.” Davonte reminds Luis of when he and his boys beat him up in front of his grandmother’s house. After disputing his story, Luis says he and his boy beat him up at Magic Mountain. Julio assures him it didn’t happen as black people aren’t into Magic Mountain. Luis challenges him to a fight at sunset.

Luis says he is excited to meet up with his boys. Julio asks if he going to go through with it like in high school. Luis reminds him of his promise to have his back. Julio tells him that he’ll only give him a ride to the park. Percy orders them to speed it up to avoid missing Judge Mathis. Julio suggests he start following mean Judge Judy. Percy admits to only following black judges. Luis invites him to join in on the fight at the park. Percy turns his down but quickly changes him mind.

Luis fills Percy in on the fight. Percy tells him that he will only fight for the blacks. Luis suggests he and Julio fight. Julio reminds him that they are co-workers.

Luis, Julio, and Percy stop to pick up Fatass. Veronica (Brenda Banda) greets him before inviting them in. Luis is devastated when he realizes Fatass is dead. Vero offers them Fatass’ favorite food, pizza bagels. they discuss obesity as the cause of death. Vero informs them that he died while texting and driving. Julio suggests Luis take the day to mourn his death instead of fighting. Luis appears to be onboard until Vero claims Fatass had no love for Davonte. Julio pays off Luis’ $20 debt. Percy asks for Vero’s number but she refuses.

Luis, Julio, and Percy stop to pick up Cuete Yeska (Cuete Yeska). Luis informs him of their plan to fight Davonte in the park. Cuete assures him that he would like nothing better but has sciatica. Luis scolds him for using excuses to not fight. Julio and Cuete compare their sciatica pain. Cuete suggests his 12-year-old son, Junior (Kayden Franco) take his place. Junior asks if it is like “West Side Story” before leaving to get dressed. Julio has to pay Luis’ $20-debt to Cuete.

Luis complains of throat and stomach pain. Julio tells him it is probably acid reflux. Junior says Cuete told him it is an old person’s disease. Luis suggests putting off the fight until later. Luis reminds him that’s real life, not “Google Calendar.”

Luis shows Junior how to shoplift some antacids. Junior asks if Cuete shoplifted with him. Luis explains the store’s “no chase” policy while Junior steals a bottle of Cutex nail police remover. On the other side of the store, Percy and Julio peddle their cupcakes. When a customer walks past, Percy forces him to buy a pack. A security guard sees a Baby Rube and a Skaddens fall out of Junior’s jacket. Luis warns them to run. A chase is on. At the store entrance, the security guard watches as they taunt him.

Julio scolds Luis for nearly getting them arrested. Luis tells him that he is only toughening Junior up. While putting on lipstick, Junior says he loves being a gang member.

They continue knocking on Luis’ friends’ doors and coming up empty-handed. Luis continues to pay off Luis debt to his friends. Cyco agrees to join them in taking down Davonte before grabbing his gun. Luis assures him that they are only trying to throw some Putazos. When Cyco offers them a gun, Junior asks for a knife because he wants to feel it. While Cyco goes to retrieve their guns, they split.

Luis asks why they returned to Hugs Not Thugs. Julio tells him that he was sleeping like a “grandpa.” Luis complains about being abandoned by all his boys. Julio assures him that he’s his boy. Luis says he is nothing more than his “bit** a** cousin” when Julio clocks him. Junior asks if it is still on.

Luis, Julio, and Junior are waiting when Davonte and his dog and grandfather arrive. When Junior threatens the dog, the dog grows. Grandpa claims to have no memory when Luis threatens to mess him up. Davonte reminds him that he signed him out of the nursing home to beat up Mexicans. They discuss the death of Bust-a-Nut and Fatass. Junior asks to be taken home if they aren’t going to bust heads when he hears a commotion. They watch as a group of blacks and Mexicans fight.

Fatass and Bust-a-Nut observe from a cloud as the episode comes to an end.

 

This Fool Review

Not much changed from the pilot episode. The cinematography and editing are next to flawless. There is minimal filler to bog down the storyline.

This is a no-holds-barred script. If you are sensitive to social and domestic issues, you may want to avoid altogether. Otherwise, you may find it quite funny.

Luis figures out his neighborhood changed since he had gone to prison. His friends are no longer interested in fighting as they have more important priorities to focus on. The only thing that has remained the same is Julio’s devotion to Luis.

Young Kayden Franco’s performance was impressive. Unfortunately, not everyone will be thrilled with the idea of a young child being exposed to adult content. We need to protect our youth from being forced to grow up too quickly.

The episode deserves a 6. Get more of This Fool recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link.