United States of Al

Pilot

Marine veteran Riley, home at last after serving in Afghanistan, is happily reunited with his friend Awalmir, who goes by Al, the interpreter with his unit, after a long struggle to get him a visa to travel to the United States from Afghanistan.

Repair / Tarmim

Al uses his skills as a translator to try and repair the tense relationship between Riley and his estranged wife, Vanessa. Also, Lizzie is heartbroken when she is at a party and loses her late fiancé’s dogtags.

Shorts / Neykar

Al becomes flustered when he goes to the DMV to take his driver's license test and the female instructor is wearing shorts, something he is unaccustomed to seeing.

Spinach / Sabzi

Exasperated by Riley’s parenting style with Hazel, Al attempts to teach her to be more deferential to her elders. Meanwhile, Riley contemplates taking over the family business from his father.

Homesick / Deghyat

Riley, Art and Vanessa attempt to help Al feel better when he becomes homesick for his family and traditions.

Fundraiser / Baspana Towlawal

When Art asks Riley and Al to make speeches at a fundraiser for interpreters that are waiting for visas, Riley has a hard time accepting the attention. Riley also comes face-to-face with Vanessa’s boyfriend.

Car / Motar

After Al and Riley negotiate a deal for Al’s new car, they learn the hard way that they are not adept at finances and contracts

Roht / Sweet Bread

Al meets Ariana, an Afghan woman he wants to date, but is dismayed to learn she has a negative opinion of Afghan interpreters who worked for the United States.

Birthday / Kaleeza

When Hazel starts planning her 11th birthday party, she learns that Al doesn't know when his birthday is so she invites him to share the day with her. Also, Riley tries to find a way to deal with Vanessa's new boyfriend.

Matchmaker / Roybar

Al and Riley get the sense that Art might be lonely and missing his late wife so they play matchmaker for him.

Blackout / Parchawl

Al fears the worst when he doesn't hear from his family in Afghanistan for a few days. Also, Riley realizes how hard it must have been for his own family while he was deployed.

Dog / Spai

Riley and Hazel bring home a lost dog with the hope of keeping him, which doesn't sit well with Al. Also, Art goes on his first date with Lois.

Help / Komak

Al and Vanessa team up to convince Riley to accept the help and benefits he earned for his military service so he can be in good health and embrace the next chapter in his life with his.