My Brilliant Friend

10 Worst Episodes of My Brilliant Friend

When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 06, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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My Brilliant Friend - S1E7

#10 - I Fidanzati (The Fiances) (Season 1 - Episode 7)

Elena returns to Naples to find Lila has made a romantic connection with Stefano, despite the looming presence of Marcello. As Lila embraces a more glamorous life at Stefano's side, Elena warns her about what people are saying around the neighborhood. Later, in hopes of keeping up with her friend, Elena encourages one suitor and rebuffs the advances of another.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 159 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S2E7

#9 - The Secret Notebooks (Season 2 - Episode 7)

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Three years into her time in Pisa, Elena has developed into an elegant and cultured young woman โ€“ but still feels like an outsider. After a consequential breakup, Elena falls ill and is visited by her mother, who has come to nurse her back to health. During the night, Elena takes to reading Lilaโ€™s diaries, which were entrusted to her for safekeeping; in these tomes, Elena discovers Lilaโ€™s dedication to her new role in the face of Stefanoโ€™s increasingly violent behavior.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 143 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E6

#8 - Becoming (Season 3 - Episode 6)

On holiday, Elena grows increasingly exasperated with Gennaro and after receiving shocking news about her sister Elisa, she cuts the family trip short to travel back to Naples. Later, tensions mount at a dinner with the Solaras, and Pietro shares his unvarnished opinion of Lila with Elena.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 85 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S1E1

#7 - Le Bambole (The Dolls) (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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The disappearance of her old friend, Lila Cerrullo, causes 60-year-old author Elena Greco to reflect on the early days of their friendship in 1950s Naples, when Elena and Lila are two very different girls at the top of their class. When the girls discover the lair of Don Achille, a criminal figure who controls the neighborhood, they decide to confront him.

The episode was rated 7.57 from 275 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E1

#6 - Indecencies (Season 3 - Episode 1)

After Nino's unexpected appearance at her book presentation in Milan, Elena realizes her childhood crush never really abandoned her, and doubts begin to form about her fiance Pietro. Later, a scathing review leaves Elena questioning herself as a writer.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 99 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E3

#5 - The Treatment (Season 3 - Episode 3)

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Concerned about Lila's worsening health, Elena seeks advice from her future mother-in-law Adele, who encourages her to write an expose on the Soccavo plant and the mounting unrest between rival unions. After several doctors' visits, Lila becomes determined to move back to the neighborhood despite being viewed as a pariah.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 95 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E7

#4 - Try Again (Season 3 - Episode 7)

Elena's marriage is more and more in crisis, Pietro is distant and she feels treated like a servant. One day, Nino Sarratore shows up at the Airota's door. He and Pietro become friends and say goodbye with the promise to meet again. Elena anxiously awaits their next meeting and finally resumes writing.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 79 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E8

#3 - Those Who Leave, Those Who Stay (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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Elena and Pietro meet Nino's family. Nino gives Elena his feedback on the manuscript, when he discovers that Pietro has not read it he shows hostility towards her, but in a veiled and underhanded way. Pietro's reaction to Nino's passive-aggressive attacks only confirms Elena's doubts about her husband.

The episode was rated 7.43 from 89 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E4

#2 - Cold War (Season 3 - Episode 4)

After a tense argument about plans for a family, Elena and Pietro marry in town hall, and later, are surprised with a reception organized by Adele. Though she had hoped to concentrate on her next book, Elena gives birth to a daughter and struggles to find time to write.

The episode was rated 7.37 from 92 votes.

My Brilliant Friend - S3E5

#1 - Terror (Season 3 - Episode 5)

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Following news of a murder in Naples, Pasquale and Nadia turn up unannounced at Elena's house in Florence, further fuelling discord with her husband. Meanwhile, Elena suspects all is not right with Lila when she's asked to take Gennaro on their summer beach trip.

The episode was rated 7.37 from 87 votes.

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