8.1/10921 votes#1 - The Dolls
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/27/2018
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.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: Saverio Costanzo, Laura Paolucci, Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante
8.6/10786 votes#2 - The Money
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/27/2018
As fourth grade draws to an end, Elena and Lila fight with their families for the chance to continue their education. Later, a trip out of town becomes a day Elena will never forget, and a death changes things in the neighborhood forever.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: Saverio Costanzo, Laura Paolucci, Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante
8.3/10661 votes#3 - The Metamorphoses
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 12/4/2018
Now a teenager, Elena grapples with the onset of puberty, her studies, and her friendship with Lila, who now works in her family's shoe-repair store. After a library awards ceremony reveals what Lila has been keeping secret, Elena learns what her friend's grand plans might be. Lila takes a stand against the dangerous Solara brothers.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
8.4/10652 votes#4 - Dissolving Margins
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 12/4/2018
Entering high school, Elena vows to stay ahead of Lila, academically and romantically. Lila eschews a parade of suitors vying for her affection, choosing instead to focus on her ambitions in the shoe shop. Promising a better future for the neighborhood, Stefano Carracci invites Elena, Lila and their families over for New Year's Eve, but things take a dark turn.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
8.1/10599 votes#5 - The Shoes
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 12/11/2018
Elena grows tired of Gino, while Lila rejects two potential suitors at a cost. A rare outing into the city turns violent. Elena worries about not being there for Lila after accepting an invitation to spend the summer away from the neighborhood and her family.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
8.8/10670 votes#6 - The Island
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 12/11/2018
On the island of Ischia, Elena runs into the Sarratore family, reigniting her childhood crush on Nino, who is at odds with his father, the charming Donato. Back in Naples, Lila's resistance to Marcello's pressing courtship reaches a breaking point. On the day of Elena's 15th birthday, an unexpected encounter leaves her shaken.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
8.1/10558 votes#7 - The Fiances
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 12/18/2018
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.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
8.7/10622 votes#8 - The Promise
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 12/18/2018
With sales of Cerullo shoes lagging, Stefano cuts a business deal with the Solaras against Lila's wishes. After Elena gets kicked out of a class for voicing her opinion, Nino encourages her to write an article for his magazine about her experience. Later, Elena and Lila get unwelcome surprises.
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of My Brilliant Friend Season 1
Every episode of My Brilliant Friend Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of My Brilliant Friend Season 1!
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...
Genre:Drama
Network:Rai 1
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"The Dolls" is the best rated episode of "My Brilliant Friend" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 921 votes. Directed by Saverio Costanzo and written by Saverio Costanzo, Laura Paolucci, Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, it aired on 11/27/2018. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "The Money".