The premiere episode of Season 1 of "My Family" kicks off with Fausto awakening from slumber and meticulously leaving a heartfelt message for his cherished circle: his friends and family. In his dreamscape, he glimpsed their flourishing futures, painting a vivid picture of prosperity for each one. As Fausto's voice resonates through the message, we catch glimpses of Mari, Demetrio, Valeria, and his doting mother, all integral parts of his inner sanctum.
Post-message, Fausto attends to his two sons, Libero and Ercole, preparing them for the school day ahead. Mari pops in to lend a hand, gently reminding him of their upcoming lunch rendezvous and pleading for a reprieve from his morning missives. Yet, Fausto, steadfast in his routine, declines her request. With tender kisses bidding farewell to his boys, he returns home, only to be grappled by a sudden struggle to breathe. Reaching out desperately, his fingers grasp the oxygen machine nestled in his bedroom, and the narrative leaps back in time, thirteen years hence.
We are transported to 2011, where a vigorous Fausto crosses paths with a radiant foreign woman at a quaint café. Sarah, enchanted by his presence yet put off by his beard, strikes a deal: a day together in exchange for his facial scruff. Fausto, surprisingly amenable, chooses love over labor, abandoning his work duties for an idyllic day intertwined with Sarah. Their connection deepens, leading to a night of intimacy amidst the knowledge that she would depart in five days.
Present day, Fausto arrives tardy to his lunch appointment with Mari, a meeting crucial for discussing custody arrangements with a judge regarding his children. Mari's frustration boils over; she fears the worst—Fausto passing before entrusting his kids to their grandmother through legal means. Mari's harsh words strike a chord, prompting Fausto to reluctantly agree to sign the necessary papers.
Hastily, he dashes to greet his younger brother, Valerio, at the bus stop. Valerio, battling addiction but striving for sobriety, finds himself in Fausto's humorous crosshairs as they share a laugh over prank calls to their mother. Fausto encourages Valerio to delve deeper into Roman culture, hinting at a future partnership in his business and urging him to tackle a driving test. Valerio, sensing coercion towards responsibility, expresses a desire to strike out on his own once the exam is passed. Tempers flare, and as Fausto's breath catches, he leans on his oxygen machine for relief.
Later, in a playful moment, Fausto whisks Valerio away in his van, orchestrating another prank that lightens the mood.
Elsewhere, Demetrio grapples with a difficult client, while Mari insists on an intervention. She implores Demetrio to visit Fausto, emphasizing the importance of being present for his ailing friend. However, Demetrio, unwilling to confront mortality, continues to indulge the obstinate client, leaving Mari disappointed and departing in frustration.
She subsequently reconvenes with Fausto over a shared meal, lunchtime sunshine casting a warm glow over their encounter. Fausto delves into their shared history, pondering aloud why their paths hadn't converged into a shared future. As they embark on a spontaneous dance, the momentum carries them into a clothing boutique. In the privacy of a dressing room, they attempt to rekindle their intimacy, but Fausto's frailty halts their efforts. He pleads with Mari to vow she'll stand by their children's side, a request that leaves her feeling trapped and uncertain about embracing such a weighty responsibility. Frustrated, she storms away.
Fausto's journey reverses to 2011, revisiting his inaugural night with Sarah, a tapestry of lovemaking and dreams interwoven with conversations about their future, even naming their prospective offspring. Afterward, he extols Sarah's virtues to Mari and Demetrio, grappling with the impending separation and seeking counsel from his friends. Mari, pining for Fausto, is dismayed and abruptly exits the vehicle. Demetrio chases after her into the downpour, just as a lightning strike topples an electric pole onto their car—miraculously, Fausto emerges unscathed. Viewing this as a divine omen, he resolves to embrace bravery and battle for his love.
Presently, Fausto is hastily conveyed to the hospital, surrounded by loved ones striving to maintain composure. Valerio gently prepares their mother for the sight of Fausto's weakened state, while Fausto requests clean clothes from her and insists that his children not witness his hospital-bound vulnerability. He entrusts his mother with his wish for her to nurture his sons, confessing to months of prank calls that elicit shared laughter.
The narrative shifts once again to 2011, recalling the poignant moment when Fausto pursued Sarah to the airport, persuading her to remain in Rome. In the hospital's hallway, Fausto's mother converses with Dr. Sergio, marveling at his indomitable spirit. Demetrio, eventually visiting, weeps openly as they bid each other farewell. Fausto confesses his exhaustion, unable to continue the fight. Demetrio offers him his earbuds, allowing him to listen to his beloved song one final time.
As the melody plays, Fausto's mind drifts to cherished memories of beach days with his children, a blend of comfort and sorrow. Meanwhile, Mari remains at home with the kids, receiving the heart-wrenching news of Fausto's passing. She chooses to shield their slumber and grieves silently in an adjacent room. The morning after, she gently informs them of their father's demise, permitting them to hear his final message. The children, naturally distressed, ponder their future. Libero inquiries who will inform their mother, prompting him to make the call.
The episode concludes with Mari, Demetrio, Valeria, and Lucia huddled together, listening to Fausto's final message addressed to them. He implores them to unite and nurture his sons, believing them to be the best guardians. He assures them of his eternal presence in spirit, ever watching over them.
