‘American Family’ Visits Mexico

From a plush hotel in Mexico City to the steaming jungles of Chiapas, with even a side trip to the serene countryside of Oaxaca as it appeared half a century ago, the PBS series “American Family” is on the move tonight in the opening installment of an adventurous two-part episode titled, appropriately enough, “The Journey” (KCET, 9 p.m.).

As it has done so skillfully throughout this season, the orphan series that the networks turned their backs on brings a warm unity to disparate plot threads while gliding in and out of flashbacks with a sure-handed ease. Directed by executive producer Gregory Nava from a story by Lorenzo O’Brien and Anna Thomas, tonight’s show casts a soulful eye on issues in the headlines as well as matters of the heart.

A decision by three members of East Los Angeles’ Gonzales clan to travel to Mexico together on individual quests sets things in motion.

For Jess (Edward James Olmos), it’s an opportunity to fulfill a promise to his late wife, Berta. In a note she had written and then tucked away shortly before her death, she had asked her husband to travel to her home state of Oaxaca to hand-deliver a crucifix that turns out to be the key to Berta’s past.

Esteban (Esai Morales) seeks a fresh start with Ofelia (Kate Del Castillo), but first he’ll have to track her down in the most populous metropolis in the world, Mexico City.

And for Nina (Constance Marie), the trip is a mission of mercy, coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid collected in East L.A. for the indigenous Indians in and around Chiapas.

It also turns out to be a mission of great peril, but like all three story threads left swirling in the Mexican breeze tonight, viewers will have to wait a week to see them tied up.