Episode 8 of Season 4 of "My Brilliant Friend" opens with Elena basking in the accolades showered upon her for her book, particularly during a captivating talk. Immersed in her work, she has inadvertently neglected her children until Lila reaches out, alerting her to Imma's hospitalization with pneumonia.
At the hospital, Elena receives another bombshell: Carmen has filed a lawsuit against her, alleging that her book has tarnished her mother's reputation. However, this is merely a maneuver orchestrated by the Solaras. Desperate to find Carmen, Elena discovers that she has vanished, relocating with distant relatives. Meanwhile, Antonio contemplates his exit, planning to return to Germany under the Solaras' influential shadow.
Back at home, Imma's solitude deepens as she becomes a recluse, endlessly watching Nino on television. During this time, Lila urges Elena with passion to chronicle the Solaras' misdeeds, but Elena hesitates, haunted by the specter of legal repercussions. Additionally, Dede's burgeoning interest in Lila's son adds another layer to the complex tapestry of their lives.
The following morning, the shock of Alfonso's sudden death ripples through their community, leaving Lila devastated and Elena awakening to the profound impact Alfonso had on both of their lives. After the mournful funeral, Lila's fury at the Solara brothers' audacious presence ignites a confrontation with Michele, who responds by publicly slapping her in a fit of rage.
Enraged and empowered by this injustice, Lila persuasively convinces Elena to pen the exposé on the Solaras. With Lila's meticulous documentation, Elena submits the article to her publisher, Enrico, for a legal assessment. Despite Enrico's encouragement to publish, Elena initially declines. However, she later discovers that Lila has given Enrico the go-ahead on her behalf, placing the entire weight of the article's consequences squarely on Elena's shoulders.
Yet, despite its intent, the article fails to significantly impact the Solaras. Pietro arrives to collect Dede and Elsa, further isolating Imma and intensifying her longing for her father's presence. As they prepare to depart, chaos erupts when Lila discovers that her son, Gennaro, has become entangled in drugs—a likely retaliatory move by the Solaras in response to Lila's unwavering attempts to expose them. The episode concludes in a tumultuous whirlwind of emotion and upheaval.
