He is recording the history of his family. The movie then moves to the past and brings us up to the present in a straight forward chronological sequence. This historical footnote is an effect way of reminding American viewers that the real California natives are Mexicans and the immigrants are the actually the Americans who took over California and redefined the social structure. As someone who grew up an only child, it is always a delight to live a vicarious life with many siblings to know and love. The acting by Esai Morales and Elpidia Carrillo was the best.
Morales gives a performance full of life.
His performance was the most interesting to me although Jimmy Smits had the character with the most anger and potential. For a small role, Elpidia Carrillo won over my heart. As you watch the show, you wanted to kick Jimmy for not liking Isabel sooner. The best part of the show was the set decoration by Barry Robison. He recreated East Los Angeles with careful attention to everything from perfect condition old low riders to the cornfields the people had in back of their homes.