Ep 7. The Life I Die

Juana Ines is a thrilling and captivating TV series that depicts the life and times of Juana Ines de la Cruz, a famous Mexican writer and intellectual of the 17th century. In season 1 episode 7, entitled "The Life I Die," we see Juana embarking on a new journey that takes her out of her comfort zone.

The episode starts with Juana seeking refuge in the house of a wealthy benefactor, the Viceroy of New Spain, the Countess of Saldaña. Juana's reputation as a scholar and writer has made her a target of envy, persecution, and even violence. The Countess expects Juana to work as a lady-in-waiting, but it is clear that Juana is not comfortable with this role. Juana's thirst for knowledge and independence lead her to discover the Countess's library, where she reads and writes in secret.

To her surprise, Juana discovers that the Countess shares her love of literature and philosophy. The two women form a bond over their shared interests, and the Countess encourages Juana to pursue her studies and writing. However, this new friendship is not without its complications, and Juana finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and politics. The Countess's cousin, Lorenzo, is determined to marry her and sees Juana as a threat to his plans.

As the episode progresses, we see Juana's frustration and feeling of suffocation grow as she is forced to navigate societal expectations of women. The Countess's husband, the Viceroy, is also away on state business, leaving the Countess vulnerable to the advances of Lorenzo. Juana is witness to this and tries to warn the Countess, but her words fall on deaf ears. She decides to take matters into her own hands and confront Lorenzo, leading to a confrontation that has unexpected consequences.

Juana's journey in "The Life I Die" is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains true to herself and uses her intellect and courage to make a difference in the lives of those around her. The episode showcases her passion for learning and her desire to challenge the status quo, which makes her a fascinating character to watch.

The show's production values are impeccable, and the attention to detail in the costumes and set design is remarkable. The performances of the cast, especially Ana de la Reguera as Juana Ines and Carlos Valencia as Lorenzo, are top-notch, and they bring their respective characters to life with depth and nuance.

Overall, "The Life I Die" is another exceptional episode of Juana Ines that fans of historical dramas will appreciate. It offers a glimpse into the world of 17th-century Mexico and the struggles of a brilliant and rebellious woman who defied the conventions of her time. Whether you are a fan of Juana Ines or new to the show, this episode is a must-watch.