Ep 1. Chapter 25: Equality

Chapter 25: Equality is the premiere episode of the fourth season of the Netflix original series, Cable Girls. The show is a period drama set in Madrid during the late 1920s, which follows the lives of four women who work as telephone operators for the National Telephone Company in Madrid.

The episode begins with the ladies- Carlota, Lidia, Marga, and Óscar- having a picnic in the countryside to celebrate Marga's birthday. They are enjoying their lunch when the peace is interrupted by a brawl between two groups of men. This leads to an intense discussion amongst the friends about the increasing political unrest in the city and how it could affect their lives and work.

The highlight of the episode comes when Lidia, the protagonist, is approached by a group of women who call themselves "Señoras Libres" (Free Women). They are trying to organize a march for women's rights and invite Lidia to participate. Initially, Lidia is hesitant to get involved, but she is soon convinced after seeing the enthusiasm of the women and realizing the importance of the cause.

Meanwhile, Carlota, the feminist of the group, is at odds with her lover, Sara, who is also her boss at the company. Sara is not supportive of her girlfriend's activism and urges her to focus on her job instead. This leaves Carlota feeling conflicted, as she wants to fight for women's rights but also wants to maintain her job at the company.

Marga, the most timid of the group, is dealing with a husband who is becoming increasingly abusive and controlling. She confides in Lidia about her fears and frustrations, and Lidia promises to help her find a way out of the situation.

Lastly, Óscar is trying to navigate his new position as head of the company after his father's death. He is met with resistance from his male colleagues who do not take him seriously as a leader. However, he is determined to prove them wrong and make necessary changes within the company.

Overall, Chapter 25: Equality sets up the central theme of the season, which is the fight for equality in a time when women and marginalized groups were not given the same rights as men. The episode does a great job of introducing the different storylines and conflicts that will be explored throughout the season while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the four women at the center of the show.