Ep 2. Encuentros

Patria season 1 episode 2, titled "Encuentros", is the second episode of the critically acclaimed Spanish series. The episode begins with Bittori, who is still dealing with the aftermath of her husband's assassination, trying to navigate the town where she used to live. She visits her son Joxe Mari, who is currently serving time in prison for his involvement in an ETA-related crime. Bittori tries to have a conversation with him, but Joxe Mari is still angry with her for openly speaking against ETA after her husband's death. Bittori also meets her old friend Arantxa, who is now an active member of the Basque nationalist party.

Meanwhile, we see glimpses of the past as flashbacks reveal the events leading up to the assassination of Bittori's husband. We see Joxe Mari and his friend Txato, as well as other members of ETA, planning and executing the attack. We also see glimpses of the strained relationship between Bittori and her husband, and how their different opinions on ETA caused a rift between them.

As the episode progresses, we see the effects of political violence on the families and individuals who are caught in the middle. Bittori's daughter Nerea is afraid to go to school because her classmates have been teasing her about her father's death. Arantxa's son Gorka, who was a childhood friend of Joxe Mari, is now a member of the Basque police force and has to deal with the consequences of his friend's actions.

Finally, the episode ends on a cliffhanger as Bittori receives a threatening letter from ETA warning her to stop talking to the press. She is torn between her desire to speak out against the violence and her fear of further retaliation.

Overall, "Encuentros" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that delves deeper into the complex issues surrounding the Basque conflict. It explores the impact of political violence on families, individuals, and communities and asks important questions about the nature of justice, revenge, and reconciliation. The episode's excellent writing, nuanced performances, and evocative cinematography make it a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the Basque conflict.