Pilot episode

The Pilot Episode, the first of the series, aired for the first time on TELEFE, an open television channel in Argentina, on August 7, 1995 on prime time, at 6 pm. It introduces the main characters who will make up the arch of the first story being told (seasons 1-4) and showcase its protagonists. The mystery of the identity of the older child's parents, **teenager protagonist** **Mili**, and how she came to be at the orphanage. The mystery of what happened to Gabriela Moran's lost baby, kidnapped and given away by her father, who claims the child died at birth. What's gonna happen to little **Sol, the child protagonist** of the story, who loses her mother and suddenly becomes an orphan, and the **adult protagonist Belén**'s struggle as a young working-class woman to adopt her deceased best friend's daughter Sol, who she helped raise, and how she comes to be an angel and mother figure *(like Mary Poppins/Maria from The Sound of Music)* looking out for the little girls at the orphanage **Rincón de Luz**, against all sorts of odds and the ambitious **main antagonist, Carmén Morán**, who wants the family fortune all to herself, and will do anything to protect the family secret about her niece Gabi having a child with a poor lower class man when she was still a teenager, who's son of the family maid.

Episode 2 complete the main points of the pilot, so both episodes were compiled in this thread.

## Episode Breakdown

### Introducing the Chiquititas universe

#### Rincón de Luz is shown for the first time.

The sign saying "Hogar de niñas Rincón de Luz"

#### 10 years Celebration of Rincón de Luz's existence

Emilia, the director of **Rincón de Luz** tells Ernestina, the strict house keeper, to cut some flowers for the celebration of 10 years of the manor the next day, where they will be hosting many important guests from society and the media. Saverio, the sweet Spanish cook, shows Emilia the beautiful pie he baked using the classic family recipe from his many years working for the **Morán, the family responsible for founding and maintaining as the owners and main benefactors of the girls institution, a very special orphanage.**

#### What is different about Rincón de Luz from other orphanages?

Since the Morán's are very wealthy, Ramiro Morán and his sister Carmén Morán, founded a charity institution, a home for little orphan girls, where they have access a premium education and a great quality of life (such as dance and music lessons). In essence, Rincón de Luz resembles more a rich private boarding school than a regular institution. As a matter of fact, Carmem says in an episode that her mission is to raise the orphan girls to become high society ladies. This is the deciding fact the makes the place so special for this little orphan girls. **However, although the girls get to live in huge house, a great mansion, and have access to great nutrition and material things, they still don't have the affection and love of their parents to make it a home**.

#### The Girls first appearance

Whilst cleaning their bedroom, the girls, Mili, Georgina, Cinthia, Laura, Vero, Michele, and Romina talk about the special occasion. They all wear uniforms (a signature of the show); combined dressing gowns, like they were bought by the bulk. Everything is uniformed. The girls can't understand what's the deal with this celebration, and Mili, who's 12, the oldest of the girls, explains that Ramiro Morán, the important man given an award, owns the place. Little by little we are given more key information about the universe and the characters. Maru, the youngest of them, walks into the bedroom to let the girls know about the surprise for the next day, a beautiful special cake. Romina accuses her of being a liar, and she dares the girls to go down the stairs to check if it's true.

Maru snooping around to see what's going on.She catches a glimpse at the pie.The girls tidy up the bedroomRomina complains about feeling tired."All of this just because this place was founded 10 years ago."Georgi: "This is not the reason, it's because this big figure... (can't remember his name)""RAMIRO MORÁN"The room.Mili: "It's much more than that, he own's this place."
#### Ramiro Morán buys the factory Pureza

Ramiro Morán buys the food factory Pureza, where Belén, Clarita, and Letícia work for a minimum wage. He buys it anonymously, and put it under his partner's name, Aguero, to hide the fact that he's the real owner. He does this to attract his distant son Martín, who he's not on speaking terms, and who's been living and working as an executive in London for the past 12 years, a fact we gonna learn little by little in the pilot.

#### Belén's first appearance

In their small house, Clarita and Belén talk about the selling of the factory and the changes it's going through, afraid of how this is gonna their jobs. They mention how theirs roommate Leticia is out late with a guy they both think is a jerk who's undeserving of her. Her young daughter Sol, who's 5, wakes up and asks about her mother's whereabout. Belén conforts her saying that her mother is busy at work, but that she has no reason to be sad, as she is there with her, and puts her to sleep. We see from the start how much she cares about the girl and acts as a mother figure.

#### Setting of comedy tone

Meanwhile, in the orphanage, the girls accidentally destroy the pie, and try, unsuccessfully, to bake another. They make a really big mess as a desperate Mili tries to control the girls. This scene sets the comedy tone by how this little girls can both make and get into trouble. They burn the pie and try to hide it.

#### Letícia's appearance

Later on, at Belén's flat, Letícia returns home from her date with Rolando, a fellow factory worker, who's a little drunk and tries to force himself onto Letícia, who's trying to break up. Belén defends her friend Letícia, and the aggressive drunk leaves.

#### Gabi's first appearance at the Morán's residence

Ramiro get's home late and observes Gabi in her sleep. Valentina, his housekeeper and Gabi's caretaker, tells him of Martín's return to Buenos Aires. She has hopes that we will return to their residence, and he tells her not be deluded, as Martín will never set foot in their home again.

The Moran's residenceGabi is asleepValentina tells Ramiro of Martín's return and he pretends not to care.In the morning, Letícia tells Belén and Clarita that the factory Pureza was really sold.

#### First music video debuts

Ernestina, who's a strict soldier-like disciplinarian, orders the girls to clean the living room for the party. Señales, the first music video debuts, introducing the musical element of the show. In the music depicts the girls tired from being ordered around.

#### Carmen Morán's first appearance

In the morning, Ramiro lets his older sister Carmem know that his fiancé Gynette, whom Carmen deeply dislikes, will accompany them to the 10 year celebration. meanwhile, Gynette arrives with a newspaper telling of young executive Marín Morán, Ramiro's son, return to Buenos Aires. Valentina's happy and touched by the confirmation of the news.

#### Martin Morán's first appearance

Hernán Ocha, an old friend from school who works for the congress organization committee, welcomes Martín Morán back in buenos Aires. Hernán tells Martín that he heard about his career in London as a famous economist, presiding a congress, writing for London Financial Times. He mentions he's acquainted with Martin's old man, as they are business colleagues, and ask about their father-son relationship. Martin is dismissive and says they didn't have a fight, but they are not on speaking terms for the past 12 years. Martín expresses his wishes to see his sister Gabriela, unaware of her depression, apathy and poor mind state.

#### The 10 years Celebration Party

As the celebration starts, Ramiro welcomes important guests from society and the media. Mili want's to avoid serving the over-baked pie, but the girls don't want to take the blame. Carmem asks Saverio about the pie, and he says it looks fantastic. She is extremely bothered by Gynette Monier's presence, who Michele recognizes as a famous model who is over on the magazines. Maru tells the girls that Ramiro might leave early and won't see the pie.

"*Este lugar que vós conocen todas las comodidades, és posible gracias a la generosidad de un padre exemplar y modelo de empresario, el señor Ramiro Morán.*"
— Homage to Ramiro Morán in the 10 year celebration of Rincón de Luz.

##### Ramiro Moran's speech

"*Cuando fundé este lugar, me propuse a crear un verdadero lugar para las ninas que nunca habían la dicha de tener uno. Hoy, después de 10 años de este sueños, yo creo que há sido alcanzado. Quiero agradecer las personas que han hecho posible que estas sonrisas sean una realidad todos los dias. Gracias señora directora, Saverio, Ernestina. Sobretodo, gracias señora Carmén, por dedicar tu vida a esta obra."*"
— - Ramiro Morán's speech

After his speech, Carmén serves the surprise family pie, invented by the Morán's grandparents. When they open the cover, the pie is completely destroyed. Mili wants to come forth with the truth, but the girls are afraid. Ramiro decides to serve the pie anyway, but it's horrible.

### The factory La Pureza

After they learn of the changes in the factory, due to selling of the company, the employees argue about the new owner's proposition that they ask to resign to be readmitted, Belén says that the will accept as long as their are really hired back and are paid all indemnity. Rolando points out how hard it is to find a job, and ask the employees to accept the offer, even without a written agreement. Belén ask him what he's getting to be defending this position. You see that she's feisty and speaks out. They take a vote and Rolando wins. Belén says that she feels sorry for all of them.

### Firing Saverio

Carmen is pissed about the humiliation caused the ruined pie and fires Saverio. Mili pleads the girls that they confess to their mistake and say it was an accident. Cinthia is afraid of what's gonna happen if they tell the truth. Romina says that it does not matter that it was an accident, as they don't have a parent to defend and understand them. Mili decides to take the fault alone and goes talk to Emilia. The other girls decide to follow her example. Emilia talks to Carmen, but she's irreducible.

Martin calls Gabi, but Valentina think it's prank and hangs up, leaving him confused about what's going on.

#### Piojo's first appearance.

Piojo, Belén's younger brother who just came of age, surprises her from behind pretending he's assaulting her. She complains about him sleeping out and leaving no warning. He gives her a ride with his friends Tano, Pochi and Facha and their old car.

#### Belén visits Rincón de Luz

The girls cry as they say goodbye to Saverio. He tells them it's not their fault, that since his many years working for the Moráns, she always had her eyes on him. Bele'n arrives during the drama. Emilia notices Mili's disapearance.

#### Martin becomes the new CEO of La Pureza

Hernán introduces Fernando Aguero, the official new owner of La Pureza, to Martín, who proposes to him a job as CEO of the company, which would bring him back to live in Argentina, but de denies saying that he is an investment economist who has no interest in living in the country again.

#### Mili goes to the Moráns to plead for Saverio

Mili is barred at the door as she tries to visit the Moran's house. She waits in the bushes and hides in Martin's car as he tries to visit the family, as the doorman doesn't know that he is Ramiro's son and he has to step out for identification. Martin hugs Valentina after many years apart, but when Martin is chocked when he sees Gabi's state of transe "living in her own world" and feels responsible and compliant because of his absence.

#### Mili meets Martín and reunites with his aunt Carmén

Mili appears and asks Martín why he's crying. He's startled by her presence and ask what she's doing there, she says she has to speak with Ramiro. Carmen appears in the living room and is mesmerized by her nephew's presence. After she realizes her presence, Carmen asks what Mili is doing in there. She pleads for Saverio, saying that it was their fault and not his. She refuses to forgive that useless man, to what Martín asks if this Saverio is the same cook they had at the home when he was a child a wonderful man who was a divine cook. He tells his aunt he has a very sad that, and if she can forgive the man on his behalf to give him some joy.

#### Martín visits Saverio to tell him the good news

Ernestina tells Saverio that Mr. Morán is waiting for him in the living room. He assumes it's Ramiro Morán, and not his son Martín, and asks her what the man could possibly want, to humiliate him as did his sister? But as he arrives at the living room, it is Martín who waits for him. They share a big hug and the girls celebrate that Saverio is staying.

**Things are about to change for this little girls.**

## Following facts that complete the pilot proposal

### Episode 2

#### Jime's arrival at the Rincón de Luz

On the beginning of episode two, Emília reunites with the girls at the manor during breakfast to let them know that a new girl is coming to live at Rincón de Luz. She says it's a very special case, because this girl had a very sad life. She was raised on the streets and escaped from everyplace she was sent to. She states that the adaptation will be very difficult for her, as she had many troubles before, so they ask the girls to welcome her with open arms and comprehension. The girls prepare Jime a gift, but when she arrives at the manor, the girl destroy the gifts, creating animosity with the girls. She tells the girls that she's not interested in being friends. They have an argument and are punished by Ernestina. Because of this, Jimena clashes with the girls, who want revenge and for Mili as the oldest to be the one to do the prank. They decide to give Jime a paint bath, but Mili gives up on the last minute.

##### Starting a friendship with Mili

Jime confronts Mili on why she didn't town the paint over her head. Mili replies by repeating what Martín told her, that people need to be treated nicely, even if they can't say it. Jime says that she's a liar, that she didn't do it because she thinks she's better than her, but they are the same, just two streets rats who nobody cares for, and orders her to finish her ordeal, to which Mili denies. Jime says that if she don't do it, she will do it to her. Jime says that she's doesn't need pity or Mili to feel sorry for her and she deserves the punishment, to what Mili replies saying that Jime is not capable of doing that to her either. Jime bursts out in cry and they hug each other.

#### Martín receives anonymously an old letter written for him by his sister Gabi

After learning about Martin's visit, Ramiro goes to his hotel and explains him that 12 years ago, after Martín moved to London, Gabi passed out into a deep coma state and was never the same. He claims to have taken her to see many doctors and specialists in the US, but they couldn't figure out a treatment. Later on, he receives an old mysterious letter from Gabi send anonymously that sparks his curiosity and puts him on a mission to find out what happened. He decides to accept the job offer because of this reason.

"*Querido Martín,*
Sé que debes estar muy enojado conmigo porque no te inscribe todo este tiempo desde que te fuiste de casa, pero te juro que tengo mis motivos. Estoy pasando el peor momento de toda mi vida. No te puedo explicar en esta carta lo que me está pasando, pero sé que cuando te lo cuente me vas a entender. Por favor, vuelve a Buenos Aires y protege me como hiciste siempre. No te demores. Cada minuto que pasa es excesivo y tengo mucho miedo. Te espero y te quiero muchísimo hermanito.
Tuya, Gabi*"*

#### Belén's meets Martín

Belén, Letícia, Clarita, Piojo and Sol are reunited for dinner, when they see Martín giving an interview for the local tv news about the economy, She's very skeptical towards his discourse, saying that economy is apart from politics, to which she answers that that's the typical neo-liberal discourse. The next day at La pureza, Letícia informs the other workers that Rolando betrayed them, and 11 employees were not rehired, including Clarita. Martín overhears their conversation while Belén seys that they are all bloodsuckers as she repeats what he said on TV passing criticism. She explains that the company lied in keeping with their agreement and he justifies by saying he was just hired and will look into this matter. Martin brings this matter to Aguedo, who introduces Martín to his daughter Dolores Aguero, she works for the factory, they both pretend not to know what he's talking about. Martín asks Belén to explain the situation, and Dolores says she's unaware of this agreement and snaps at Belén for saying she doesn't believe her. Dolores asks for the papers proving the fact of her argument, and Belén says it was a word agreement. Dolores says that this is ridiculous, and Martín says they were naive. Belén tells him that if she believes that Dolores didn't knew, he might be stupid. She's elected the new delegate to the worker's union, as she won't succumb to pressure and bribes. Dolores asks for Martin to fire Belén, as if she's officially elected delegate, Belén will create all sorts of trouble and they won't be able to work. He refuses to fire her.

#### Learning of Ramiro's plan to attract his son back to Buenos Aires

Hernán is angry that Martin was hired as CEO of La Pureza., as he was under the impression that he was going to be hired for the position. Ramiro tells him not to worry, that he has bigger plans for his son to take over all of the family business and that La Pureza is only a learning tool for Martín. He asks Hernán to be Martíns right hand and he will have his moment. Ramiro says that martin can never find out that he is the real owner of La Pureza, and he has to believe that Aguero is the one who hired him.

#### Belén and Martin meet by coincidente at Rincón de Luz

They meet again at Rincón de luz when Belén is telling her godfather Saverio about what happened at the factory. After she leaves, Martin confides in Saverio and shows him Gabi's letter. Belén forgets her social worker theory books at Rincón de Luz and Martín takes them back to her for Saverio. In there, he sees Mili again as they befriend each other. While Martín return the books to Belén, Piojo "borrows" by stealing temporarily his car to go on a date and is caught by the police. As Belén goes to jail to pay his fee and free him, she discovers that it is Martín's car that were stolen, and feels ashamed and indebted to him as he drops all changes.

This is the consolidation of how all these characters and stories cross and coincide, consolidating the story.

## What could be added

* A flashback of Mili being abandoned by a black car during a cold winter night with a brooch saying I'll be back could be added in the beginning of the episode. Part of this story could be told in flashbacks of the Moran's.