Doctor Leslie Berkowitz is one of the nicest characters on One Day at a Time, one of the best family sitcoms in recent times. Unfortunately, his compassion is often taken advantage of by others. He's an incredible, encouraging boss for Penelope, as well as caring friend for Lydia, but his family history is another matter entirely.
It's sad that Leslie only rarely catches a break because he sure needs one more than everybody else. His daughters despise him, his wife has forgotten him, but at least his relationship with the Alvarez family offers some amount of succor in his otherwise empty life. More importantly, as depressing as he tends to be, a few things about him don't hold up to close scrutiny.
Accepts Death By Allergy For Lydia
During the Valentine's Day episode, Leslie is invited to the Alvarez household, which he ecstatically accepts, hoping for what he always hopes for: private time with Lydia. She asks if he would "share a kiss" with him, which excites him even more until it is revealed that she means a Hershey's Kiss.
Leslie's motivation is hardly dented by this revelation, as he offers to do it anyway, regardless of the fact that he's "deathly allergic." What sort of doctor would do something this silly, even for love?
Tries To Get Over Lydia Through Esme
Leslie, after Lydia point-blank informs him that there can be no man in her life other than Berto, her dearly departed husband, decides to try his luck with other women.
He meets Esme, and goes to the opera with her, which inexplicably makes Lydia jealous (because she may be harboring some affection for him.) In any case, the whole date is a bust, because Leslie breaks up with Esme to preserve his friendship with Lydia. This isn't fair at all, is it?
Keeps Catering To His Daughters' Whims
Leslie's two daughters, Rachel and Katie, clearly do not want to have any direct association with him, for reasons that haven't been explained. However, what they do desire is being financially funded by their father, which he agrees to, even though he doesn't get to meet them.
In fact, he mentions that he didn't even know one of his children was married until he received the bill for the wedding. Elena attempts to get him to make amends with Rachel, but the only thing that happens is she takes all of his money. At some point, Leslie ought to take a stand.
Doesn't Know How To Flirt (At All)
For a man of his age, it's strange that Leslie doesn't know how flirting works. He shamefully confesses that he has tried to pick up women "at the synagogue," an endeavor that resulted in failure.
How did he end up marrying his ex-wife, Sophie, then? At some point in his life, Leslie should have picked up at least the basics of romantic banter, but apparently not.
Pays Scott More Than Penelope
When Penelope learns that her less proficient and more unpleasant colleague, Scott, earns more per hour than she does, she flat-out quits working for Dr. Berkowitz.
Now, her reaction might have been fueled by fury, but she has a point — How on earth could Leslie pay her less, knowing how much she brings to his clinic? Does it have to get to such a drastic situation for the error to be rectified? In any case, Penelope returns to work after being promised a rate of $33 per hour.
Is His Career Going Anywhere?
The details pertaining to Leslie's job are ambiguous; suffice it to say, he's a medical doctor. The question, however, is: does he have plans to further his career in any way?
In one episode, he mentions that he wants to work together with Penelope after she becomes a Nurse Practitioner, but does this mean his profession will also advance? Or does Leslie Berkowitz plan to stagnate in his career as he has in his entire life? Much clarity is required.
Destroys His Gift To Lydia
When Leslie gifts Lydia an arm-extender device, she is incredibly grateful, which pleases him more than anything. However, when she mentions that she would no longer need to invite him over to help her pick items from the top shelves, he decides to break the arm-extender.
First of all, it's evident that Lydia is joking as if she's going to ever stop meeting him! Second, why would such a generally compassionate man destroy his own present?
Can't Even Ask Alex What He Wants Clearly
Penelope has Alex working at Dr. Berkowitz's office, so Leslie has the kid over to explain how to accurately note down a patient's history. He requests that he roleplay his grandmother, which he grudgingly accepts, but when the doctor starts asking peculiarly personal questions, Alex realizes that he just wants more information about Lydia.
He then proceeds to help Leslie figure out the best way to approach the subject, but why couldn't he simply ask Alex instead of resorting to silly games?
Doesn't Think About Lydia's Safety
After Lydia breaks her ankle, Elena demands that she not wear heels, at least until she has healed. Abuelita is not one to avoid making a fashion statement, so she secretly brings a pair without telling anyone, except Leslie.
He is happy to indulge in her reckless behavior, simply because it would mean getting to be around her. For someone who actually cares about Lydia (and a lot), his irresponsibility towards her health is downright unbelievable.
Takes Lydia To Cuba
When the time comes for their first "noniversary", Leslie decides that the best way he can show his affection for Lydia is by flying her to her homeland, Cuba, so that she can finally inter her husband's ashes where he had always wanted.
He claims that there is no romantic notion hidden behind this gift, but the whole scenario screams of unrequited love. Why else would Leslie take so much effort into doing something this extreme, especially when he's not at all the type to take chances?