Ep 1. Episode 1
- June 27, 2017
Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio is a biographical television series that tells the life story of Jenni Rivera, one of the most successful Mexican-American singers of all time. The show follows her early beginnings in Long Beach, California, where she struggled to make a living as a single mother, to her rise to fame and fortune as a Grammy-nominated artist.
Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Episode 1," begins with a young Jenni, played by child actress Yareli Arizmendi, singing in a talent show at her school. She performs a rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, impressing the judges and the audience with her powerful voice. Her mother, Rosa (played by Rosalinda Rodriguez), and her siblings cheer her on from the crowd, proud of her talent.
After the show, Jenni and her family return to their small home in Long Beach, where they struggle to make ends meet. Her mother works long hours at a factory while her father, Pedro (played by Julio Bracho), is often absent, either working at a construction site or spending time with his mistress.
Jenni, however, dreams of something bigger. She spends her free time singing in local clubs and recording studios, hoping to catch the attention of a music producer. Her persistence pays off when she meets a producer named Pepe Garza (played by Marco Treviño), who offers her a record deal.
Excited at the opportunity to make it in the music industry, Jenni begins recording her first album, but soon realizes that being a successful singer is not as easy as it seems. She faces many obstacles along the way, including systemic racism, sexist attitudes, and the challenges of being a single mother.
Despite the challenges, Jenni refuses to give up on her dreams. She continues to work hard, performing at every opportunity she gets and making sacrifices for her family. Her hard work pays off when she releases her first hit single, "Las Malandrinas," which catapults her to success and makes her a household name in the Mexican-American community.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into Jenni's personal life and the struggles she faced while trying to balance her career with her responsibilities as a mother and a daughter. We see her deal with the challenges of being a single mother of three young children, including the pain of leaving them behind while touring.
We also see her navigate her tumultuous relationship with her father, who is jealous of her success and often tries to sabotage her career. Despite their rocky relationship, Jenni remains close to her father and tries to understand his perspective, even when he is hurtful and dismissive of her dreams.
Overall, Season 1 Episode 1 of Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio offers a compelling and emotional look into the life of one of the most iconic Mexican-American singers of all time. With its poignant storytelling and excellent performances, the episode sets the stage for an exciting and dramatic series that celebrates the legacy of Jenni Rivera.