The Promised Life

At Ellis Island, the registry office changes the family's surname to Rizzo, which proves to be an unexpected boon. Carmela's new husband, Matteo Schiavon, introduces her to the dark side of Little ltaly, where criminal gangs blackmail poor people on behalf of the mysterious "Mano Nera." Back in Naples, Marie marries a wealthy young man. Life in New York is improving for Carmela and her family: her eldest son, Michele, has secured a job and joined a trade union. Carmela wants him next to start looking for a wife, but Michele would rather focus on fighting for workers' rights. Carmela gets another surprise when Maria and her husband arrive in America.

Mr. Ferri takes the Rizzo family under his wing, becoming a mentor for Carmela's youngest son, Alfredo, but his motives may not be entirely altruistic. Young prostitute Rosa comes to Little Italy with a newborn child and an agreement to marry Rocco, Carmela's son, by proxy. However, she falls in love with Michele instead. The relationship between Rosa and Carmela grows increasingly tense, but Carmela still wants to help her, so she teaches Rosa the basics of ironing and accompanies her on a job search. Meanwhile, Maria continues to blame her mother for leaving her in Italy as she lay ill, and she feels torn between her first love, Alfio, and her new life in New York with her husband and child.

Vincenzo Spanò arrives in New York and immediately acquaints himself with the local criminals, while Carmela's son Antonio suffers consequences for his own involvement with the gangs. As Michele and Rosa deepen their relationship, Carmela receives a mysterious flower delivery. Maria and Mosè are having problems in their marriage, and Mosè doesn't know what to do. Michele becomes more and more involved with the trade unions, and Carmela and Rosa have a violent confrontation that tests the bonds of the Rizzo family.