Amac Productions

Okay, I know it’s been a minute!

I apologize! For those of you who do not know, I was in a terrible motorcycle accident a couple months ago. I’m still getting back on my feet after everything that happened.

So, I’m back! And let’s get straight to the review here!

I actually went back and watched this episode again, just to refresh my memory.

And I was immediately ticked off because I remembered how unforgiveable Caterina’s words were.

I completely agree with Luiza and all her distrust of the situation. How many times has she said something apologized and then hurt her daughter again?

It also makes me wonder how much others know. Augusto (Luiza’s Dad) doesn’t seem to know exactly what was said, because if he did – I doubt he’d be so quick to write it off.

There is such a difference between a mother worrying for her child and being cruel. Caterina was just being cruel.

One thing, I often wonder while watching the first season and the Christmas Special is if Caterina is jealous of her daughter. That she went on and lived her best life without her mother’s permission or blessing or help and Caterina was certain Valentina would fail.

That the failure would lead her to see her mother was right all along.

Except, that never happened.

Instead, Valentina carved out a life for herself with everything she’s ever wanted.

So now her mother just puts everything in her life down in an attempt to control her daughter instead, but it doesn’t work. It leads to this horrible game of push and pull.

With Luiza watching and picking up the pieces.

Honestly, if I was Luiza I wouldn’t have let her back into my home. I would have thrown her out for good and told Valentina it’s for the best.

Because it would be for the best.

Also, there’s a reviewer on YouTube, The Unsolicited Truth, who wanted Valentina’s father, Marco to ‘grow some balls.’ While I would not put it like that, he does need to put his foot down.

His little scared hesitation at the door made me wonder why he’s with her.

He’s clearly a good father and wants to be there for his children and support them as they make their own choices. But he can’t stop his wife from being horrible. How does a sweetheart like him end up with Caterina?

I think I’ve wondered that before.

Please, someone give me your thoughts.

While if I was Luiza I would have thrown her out, I understand Luiza not doing so either. She wants her wife to have everything she wants. And she wants a relationship with her mother.

So Luiza puts up with Caterina.

She doesn’t like her. She makes it pretty clear to Caterina and everyone that she doesn’t care for her.

She just loves Valentina more and respects her choices. As long as she desires a relationship with her mother, Luiza will support her.

Yet another wonderful reason I love this series.

It’s a complicated relationship. It’s hard to tell your spouse that this person isn’t good for you. It puts Luiza in a terrible position between being the person who says what everyone is thinking or just supporting her wife’s choices and holding when things go wrong.

I love it.

Life is always that complicated and we can’t always know what’s the right choice.

Sometimes, we just make the best of a bad situation.

Not to mention, starting a fight on Christmas isn’t ideal.

I loved the joking and teasing atmosphere that followed the tense family issues.

Everyone teasing and enjoying the holiday around the table was cute.

Except when I couldn’t help but wonder where everyone was supposed to sit, including two adults, and two kids.

Then the goofiness as they were relieved the children were finally asleep, allowing the adults to be goofy together.

The secret Santa was absolutely perfect!

I loved the cloths for drool and the orange that made Luiza blush. The thoughtful Stupid Wife Funko Pop Valentina had custom made.

One thing, I definitely wanted to make a note of was when Luiza was opening her gift and Valentina was beside her. I loved that Luiza just unceremoniously handed her the trash. Didn’t think twice. Didn’t ask or even look at her.

And Valentina just took it!

For me that the epitome of being married for a long time.

Just here, take this. I loved that moment between the actresses so much because they have both worked so hard to add depth and make it truly feel like this is couple who have been together for years. They nailed that moment.

I loved it.

I even loved the bedroom scene, despite the ending.

We now know, Luiza has clearly lost this baby. One she clearly wasn’t sure she wanted to carry in the first place. Something, she did because her wife was unable.

While I think it’s strange to go through that process without your significant other, I loved that Valentina wasn’t mad.

It’s very Valentina who seems like to her, her wife can do no wrong.

She grasped what Luiza was trying to do. Sacrificing herself for the sake of their future family and she was touched.

Meanwhile, Luiza is thinking about her depression after Leo and how hard it was to come out of it.

The entire scene was perfect, because of how tragic it ends up, and how well each actress nails it.

I loved Valentina coming in, completely oblivious to her wife’s turmoil, ready for sex. The little moment when Luiza wants to give in and keep hiding things, but ultimately deciding to be brave.

I loved Valentina stopping at once and coming to sit beside her wife.

The little touches, making them feel like a couple.

The look of worry and concern in Valentina’s eyes making her worry come to life.

Luiza shifting to face her wife and what she’s chosen.

The brave face she keeps until Valentina can’t see her anymore.

Valentina’s tears of joy and love for her wife.

And the change of music as we switch from one actress to the other.

I could probably discuss this scene until I’m blue in the face. But ultimately, the last thing I want to touch on is how much this series illustrates what Valentina has lost in season one.

Her partner. Her protector.

The one who picks up the pieces when her mother tries to break her. Someone willing to put herself through Hell to bring her wife’s smile back.

She lost her soulmate, her best friend.

And it’s completely understandable how desperate she feels in season one, as she tries to recapture that love.

This little special serves to make season one hit even harder.

And! Kudos to Reis for making the stark difference between young Luiza and the one who has all her memories intact, and loves her wife so perfect. It truly drives home the point of what’s been lost.

I love this series and I can’t wait to discuss the rest with you!

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