'Land of Women' Episode 1 Takeaway: Is Fred cheating on Gala? The $15M question looms

'Land of Women' follows Gala's life as it is thrown into disarray when her husband implicates their family in financial trouble
UPDATED JUN 26, 2024
Fred leaves Gala in trouble in 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)
Fred leaves Gala in trouble in 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers for 'Land of Women' Episode 1 

LA MUGA, SPAIN: 'Land of Women' Episode 1 has officially premiered on Apple TV+, introducing viewers to the unfolding narrative of Gala's (Eva Longoria) life.

Gala enjoys a luxurious, ideal life in New York City, but everything changes because of a grave error made by her husband, Fred (James Purefoy). Gala has a daughter named Kate (Victoria Bazua) attending boarding school, and her mother, Julia (Carmen Maura), resides at a nursing home. 

Gala is on the verge of launching her own wine business when she receives devastating news on the big day: her husband has borrowed $15 million from a criminal organization and now faces a life-threatening ultimatum to repay the debt.

Eva Longoria as Gala and Carmen Maura as Julia in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)
Eva Longoria as Gala and Carmen Maura as Julia in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)

After Fred leaves her and instructs Gala to take care of Kate and Julia, Gala swiftly gathers her daughter and mother and books a flight to La Muga, her mother's serene countryside hometown in Spain.

There's a lot to uncover in 'Land of Women' Episode 1. So, let's jump in!

Why did Fred take money from a criminal organization?

James Purefoy as Fred in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)
James Purefoy as Fred in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)

Fred's decision to borrow $15 million from a criminal organization to invest in Gala's wine business raises significant questions about his motives and actions.

As a wealthy businessman, Fred theoretically could have used funds from his existing business ventures or personal wealth to finance Gala's startup. The fact that he chose to involve a criminal organization suggests potential secrecy or hidden motives.

Fred's decision to borrow from illicit sources indicates a level of desperation that isn't typical in legitimate business transactions. It hints at possible financial strains or undisclosed issues within Fred's financial portfolio or his business that he may be hiding from Gala.

Furthermore, Fred's actions could indicate a lack of respect for Gala's independence and aspirations. Instead of supporting her entrepreneurial endeavor openly, his clandestine borrowing suggests a disregard for Gala's ambitions. 

Fred's actions, such as introducing a criminal organization and failing to show up at Gala's business launch party or check on the safety of their daughters, suggest a deliberate estrangement from Gala and their family.

By creating financial entanglements with illicit groups, Fred may be paving the way to leave Gala. There's also a possibility that Fred's lavish lifestyle and business ventures might not be as secure as they appear, prompting risky decisions. 

Is Fred dating someone else?

James Purefoy as Fred in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)
James Purefoy as Fred in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)

Another perspective on Fred borrowing $15 million for his wife's business suggests that he is potentially betraying her. It's possible he has a girlfriend and desires a life of his own. Therefore, he may have planned a situation where his wife encounters issues with criminals while he enjoys a separate life.

Fred's business might be thriving, and his actions suggest a desire to get rid of Gala. This could explain why his phone is switched off and why he isn't returning his daughters' calls.

Eva Longoria as Gala and Victoria Bazua as Kate in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)
Eva Longoria as Gala and Victoria Bazua as Kate in a still from 'Land of Women' Episode 1 (@appletv+)

By avoiding communication with Gala and their daughters, Fred may be attempting to minimize confrontation and live his life with his girlfriend. 

Gala's card is blocked, and she has no money except for what she received from selling her jewelry. This paints a concerning picture of financial control and potential abandonment by Fred. 

By blocking Gala's access to financial resources, such as her card and other accounts, Fred may be exerting control over her ability to independently manage finances.

There's a strong possibility that he is living somewhere lavish with his girlfriend while his wife and daughter are dealing with crisis.

'Land of Women' Episode 1 is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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