In the second episode of Thursday’s Widows, we delve deeper into Tano Scaglia's narrative. He is a man of ambition and influence, hailing from a distinguished family who owns a prominent food chain. He always yearned for more, for a place among the business elites.
A flashback paints the picture of the first encounter between Mavi and the Scaglias. It showcases their luxurious dwelling in Altos de las Cascadas. Tano's decision to buy a house, spurred by another’s cash purchase offer, seemed to be a miscalculation. This leads his family to unsustainable expenditures.
The series takes us back several months prior to Tano’s unforeseen demise. There he received information about a visit from Erick from the Netherlands' headquarters. Tano strained to create a favorable impression, leaving no room for intimacy with Teresa that morning. His aspirations are in contrast with Teresa’s longing for relocation to Miami after learning about Erick.
The narrative unfolds various dimensions: Matías’ curiosity about Juandres’ hidden weed, Teresa’s discreet advances towards Uriel, the gardener, and Tano's dismissive stance towards Teresa’s relocation plans. Tano’s financial troubles and the resulting tension, coupled with Teresa’s unsatisfied desires, depict a household in silent turmoil.
Every character is weaving their own tale: Lala can’t keep a secret, Mavi’s financial tribulations tempt her into dark thoughts, and Pedro rebuffs Matías’ risqué propositions. Tano’s interactions with his friends reveal his concealed strains and his reluctance to join the family business, hinting at deeper internal conflicts.
Tano’s career undergoes a setback due to a merger, pushing him to the brink of bankruptcy. His hurried attempts to find a remedy and the intensified strains in family dynamics due to financial struggles and moving plans are poignantly portrayed. His frustrations find an outlet in his irritated responses to his children’s antics and Teresa’s solitary pleasures with Uriel leading to awkward confrontations.
Alfredo introduces a sinister proposition to Tano, suggesting a fake accident to secure his family's future financially. Tano contemplates the proposition, analyzing his options, while his family, oblivious to his struggles, continue in their respective paths. Teresa’s stringent disciplinary measures for her children, especially Matías, and Tano’s escalating frustration depict a family in disarray.
Mavi’s observations lead her to worry about Tano’s daily cafe visits. Teresa and Tano's contradictory plans for relocation and starting a new company create more rifts in their already strained relationship, with Tano's attempts to maintain a façade and Teresa's blind support further complicating the dynamics.
The emotional turbulence reaches a peak during a party at Scaglia's house. Tano's suppressed agony almost led him to end his life. His last-minute speech announcing their moving plans left Teresa in shock. Tano’s hidden sadness, his planned demise, Alfredo's manipulative advice, and his last loving interaction with Teresa, all converge to form a mosaic of sorrow and deception.
Tano’s final actions, meticulously staged, portray the profound impact of his ego and pride, choosing death over seeking help. This tragic unfolding serves as a grim reminder of the importance of mental well-being. Although the episode sheds light on Scaglia’s life, some segments felt redundant and could have been skipped. The audience is left with a clearer understanding of what led Tano to his tragic end and eager anticipation for revelations about other families in Altos de las Cascadas in the upcoming episode.
Thursday’s Widows is now streaming on Netflix.
