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Who Is Santiago On Home Economics

It’s a tale of two storylines with overused devices on Home Economics Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35,” and one fares better than the other.

Ever since Marina partnered up with the hunky house builder, Santiago, played by Eddie Cibrian on Season 3 Episode 9, “Sunday New York Times, $6,” I’ve been fearing that the old jealousy trope would rear its ugly head. And it does so on this episode.

HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” TOPHER GRACE, KARLA SOUZA
HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” TOPHER GRACE, KARLA SOUZA Photo credit: ABC/Temma Hankin

The storyline is executed just fine with Topher Grace’s signature awkward Tom trying to play it cool vibe. Karla Souza, as always, is on point with her delivery as adorable Marina. And the two together continue to secure their #CoupleGoals status.

If anything, it’s a minor complaint on my part that this unnecessary jealousy plot is in injected into the story and complicating Marina’s budding career as an interior designer. I could see this dastardly detour from a mile away—much like Santiago’s glistening muscles—but I honestly thought Home Economics would be above using such a trivial plot point at this time.

On this episode, the plot starts with an entirely different conflict that could’ve sustained throughout. The girl power bit at the beginning suggests a promising throughline where the jealousy jokes are just added fodder, like Connor’s perfect pun about the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” SHILOH BEARMAN, SASHEER ZAMATA, KARLA SOUZA
HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” SHILOH BEARMAN, SASHEER ZAMATA, KARLA SOUZA Photo credit: ABC/Temma Hankin

Marina’s confrontation with her contractor doesn’t go as planned which allows the jealousy angle to wedge right in. I’m much more interested in hearing about Santiago’s journey through therapy than his marinade recipe that makes Tom feel bland and inadequate.

I’m sure it’s just as easy to exploit Santiago’s sensitivity as it is Tom’s jealousy, which, again, could’ve been avoided all together.

Santiago: The hardest remodel of all is the soul.

Let’s unpack more of that.

Conversely, the Connor/Denise storyline that makes up the other half of the episode is a pure delight from start to finish even though it, too, contains the oft-used plot device of using a fake identity to woo a potential date.

HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” JIMMY TATRO, SASHEER ZAMATA
HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” JIMMY TATRO, SASHEER ZAMATA Photo credit: ABC/Temma Hankin

Jimmy Tatro’s strong comedic abilities are evident as Connor pretends to be anti-rich for the benefit of Nicki (Daniella Pineda). This dynamic leads to Denise playing the wealthy role, which is also a lot of fun.

Even more so when Lupe is roped into the deception. Her quick-draw backstory as a super rich neighbor is absolutely hilarious—as are the others’ reactions to it.

Lupe: My father made his fortune in blood diamonds so I grew up in privilege. But, I always knew our wealth came at a price, which is why I have devoted myself to philanthropy and running my foundation, the Lupe Moreno Initiative, which seeks to repair the damage caused by the unethical harvesting of mine diamonds. Connor: Whoa. Sometimes I forget all that.

Lidia Porto kills in moments like these. I’d like to see more of it.

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Pineda as newcomer Nicki is a welcome addition with intriguing potential. We got a taste of this dating dynamic for Connor on Home Economics Season 2 Episode 2, “Chorizo with Mojo Verde and Chicharrón, $45,” when he starts seeing one of Denise and Sarah’s liberal activist friends.

HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” DANIELLA PINEDA, JIMMY TATRO
HOME ECONOMICS Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35” DANIELLA PINEDA, JIMMY TATRO Photo credit: ABC/Temma Hankin

This is an encouraging development that I’m excited to see going forward; Santiago being an issue between Tom and Marina, not so much.

What did you think of this episode of Home Economics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Home Economics airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

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