The fourth episode of "My Brilliant Friend" kicks off with an intimate scene of Elena and Lila engaging in a maternity clothing spree, with Alfonso tagging along. During their little shopping spree, Lila playfully urges Alfonso to try on one of her dresses, and his sheer delight at the prospect fills the air with lightheartedness. However, Elena finds this exchange perplexing, her brow furrowing in confusion.
As they make their way back, Lila extends a warm invitation for Elena to stay over, but Elena politely declines, emphasizing the need to return home early for her children. Their journey is briefly interrupted by an encounter with Gigliola, who vents her frustration about Michele's increasingly erratic behavior, wishing him harm in her exasperation. She hints darkly at some women desiring to delay their babies' arrival, casting a sidelong glance at Lila that fills her with anxiety about her pregnancy.
Visiting a gynecologist soon after, they receive reassuring news about Lila's health. But Lila's mood suddenly darkens when she discovers that the doctor is none other than Nino's friend. She can't help but comment on Nino's penchant for keeping secrets from Elena, a thought that continues to linger in her mind. Later, her encounter with Rino, who seems to be in poor health, and Alfonso at Lila's workplace further adds to her thoughts.
As Elena walks back to Lila's house, she's struck by the palpable sense of power and authority that Lila commands in the neighborhood. She hesitantly asks if Lila could extend a helping hand to her brothers too, but Lila firmly declines, saying that dealing with her own troublesome brother is more than enough. Elena finds herself pondering on how Lila has managed to attain such respect and influence, even to the extent of challenging the Solara brothers' business.
At Lila's house, Elena's curiosity gets the better of her, and she inquiries about Lila's arrangement with the Solara brothers. It transpires that while Marcello still harbors resentment over childhood grievances, Michele is inexplicably obsessed with Lila, having even reached a peculiar truce with Alfonso because of his resemblance to her.
We uncover the revelation that Marcello has introduced drugs into our neighborhood, with Rino succumbing to their allure. Elena, driven by curiosity, finally urges Lila to share with her the intricacies of her relationship with Nino. However, just as Lila begins to speak, a colossal earthquake strikes, rattling the very foundations of our building. In the midst of the tumult, Lila senses an eerie, unsettling aura, while Elena quickly ushers her into Lila's car for safety. From their vantage point, they witness Alfonso, Antonio, and Elena's family fleeing the scene in a panic.
Within the confines of the vehicle, Lila's emotions unravel, confessing her perpetual sense of instability and begging Elena not to abandon her in this chaotic time. As dawn breaks, Elena awakens to the quiet hum of the car. The two friends reach out to their loved ones, with only Pietro answering to reassure Elena of his safety. Nino, however, remains elusive, his phone unanswered. Determined to know his whereabouts, Elena and Lila venture to his wife's apartment, but find it deserted, the entire family having fled.
Upon returning to their neighborhood, Lila's heart leaps as she spots Enzo and her son. She embraces them warmly and, without hesitation, invites Elena to join their refuge, an invitation Elena eagerly accepts. When Elena eventually ventures back to her home, she is greeted by a heartbreaking sight: her house lies in ruins, a gaping crack marring the ceiling like a wound. Nino's call, informing her of his refuge at his wife's family villa, arrives too late to alleviate her solitude. The episode concludes with Elena, tears streaming down her face, staring放空 at the cracks in the ceiling, a poignant symbol of the fragility of her world.
