Episode 9 of Season 4 of "My Brilliant Friend" kicks off with Nino, a newly minted member of parliament, paying a visit to Imma at Elena's urging. Elena stands anxiously by, observing Nino and Lila's conversation on the street, her concerns for their relationship simmering. Suddenly, the tranquil scene is shattered by the revelation that Tina has vanished, casting a pall of worry over everyone.
Despite numerous searches, Tina remains elusive, as if swallowed by the abyss. Even the Solaras, who come to offer their condolences to Lila and Enzo, are met with a chilly reception before being ushered away. Lila's grief grows into madness, engulfing her as she learns of Rino's fatal overdose. She turns increasingly harsh, not only towards Elena's children but also towards the adults around her, her paranoia about hidden dangers intensifying until it finally tears her bond with Elena's kids, especially Dede.
One day, while accompanying Enzo, Lila and Elena encounter the Solaras again. The encounter ends badly when Michele slanders Lila. Elena stays by Lila's side, nursing her through Enzo's absence as he attends to a sick aunt. Conversations with Lila spark Elena's creativity, and she finds herself lost in writing for hours.
The next day, Elena is dispatched on an errand for Lila, who claims to be in unbearable pain. While out, Elena learns that the Solara brothers have been brutally assassinated by unidentified masked men on the street. She envisions the scene vividly: the masked men arriving in a red car, unloading their wrath as the Solara family enters the church. Upon returning to Lila with the news, Lila utters cryptically that Tina has emerged from her belly once more, seeking vengeance on all. With these chilling words, the episode draws to a close.
