Episode 2 of My Brilliant Friend's Season 4 dawns with Elena and Nino in their prospective abode, a setting that unveils a long-suppressed confrontation. Elena, her patience frayed, confronts Nino head-on about his lingering ties to his wife. He confesses, with a heavy heart, that her threats of self-harm kept him bound to an untenable union. Elena, sensing a pattern of manipulation for personal gain, severs their ties, her decision final.
The rift extends to Adele's abode, where another fiery exchange erupts, prompting Elena and her children to flee, seeking refuge elsewhere. Initially, Elena's intent was to confront Nino, to make him atone for her anguish, yet love for him, a force stronger than her maternal bonds, stays her hand. Thus, they find solace under the roof of Mariarosa and Franco in Milan.
As days pass, Elena's connection with Nino persists, a tenuous thread that he clings to, pleading for her to rejoin him, though his resolve to leave his wife wavers. Amidst this emotional turmoil, Mariarosa and Elena host a poignant discussion on motherhood's evolving narrative, only to be interrupted by the police, who reassure themselves of the household's well-being before departing.
Pietro's arrival at Mariarosa's doorstep ushers in a new wave of concern. He confronts the adults, lamenting the children's absence from school and the unsuitability of their surroundings. He passionately advocates for their education, arguing that it's the key to socialization and resilience. Elena, swayed by his words, concurs, and soon, Dede and Elsa find themselves immersed in the world of academics.
Nino's unexpected visit to Mariarosa's home brings fresh heartache. He reveals a new obstacle: his wife's pregnancy, now seven months along, binding him to a future he cannot escape. His plea to keep Elena by his side, despite the impossibility of their union, tears at her heartstrings. Elena, shattered, watches him depart, her future as uncertain as the ever-changing Milanese skyline.
As time progressed, an unsettling shift in Franco's demeanor emerged, as he gradually retreated into his solitude. One evening, while Elena and the girls shared a meal, Franco emerged from his retreat, his presence heavy with unspoken emotions. Elena poured her heart out, confessing her dilemma about relocating to Naples to reunite with Nino, yet struggling to commit to the decision. Franco's response resonated deeply, "If Nino holds your heart above all else, embrace him wholeheartedly, flaws and all. For in love, the journey ends only when you reclaim your true self, unburdened by fear or revulsion." His words echoed a hint of lingering affection for Elena before he withdrew once more.
The following day, Elsa stumbled upon a poignant note from Franco, taped outside his door, imploring Elena to refrain from disturbing him with the girls. When Elena ventured inside, she was met with a heartbreaking sight—Franco, lying lifeless on the floor, having taken his own life.
In the depths of her grief, Elena's dreams were haunted by visions of Nino's demise, mirroring the turmoil within her soul. Circumstances had forced her hand, and she found herself residing with Nino, the aftermath of Mariarosa's escalating hostility after Franco's tragic passing serving as the catalyst. By then, Nino's daughter had already graced the world, their love rekindled amidst life's complexities.
Yet, Elena's heart was heavy. She felt a profound sense of unease, realizing that she had allowed Nino's needs to overshadow her own and those of her daughters. The episode culminated in a pivotal moment, as Elena steeled herself to confront the dawn of a new chapter, determined to forge a path that honored her own desires and the wellbeing of her family.
