On April 5, 2025, the Brazilian telenovela Vale Tudo continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic twists and engaging characters. Written by Manuela Dias, this remake of the classic 1988 series originally created by Gilberto Braga, Aguinaldo Silva, and Leonor Bassères, showcases a blend of old and new, drawing viewers into the intricate lives of its characters.
The plot thickens as Maria de Fátima, portrayed by Bella Campos, mistreats Raquel Acioli, played by Tais Araújo, while Ivan Meireles, played by Renato Góes, steps in to comfort Raquel. The episode highlights the complex relationships among the characters as they navigate social events and personal conflicts.
This Saturday's episode begins with César, who attends a lavish party hosted by a socialite, using an invitation from Maria de Fátima. Encouraged by her friend Tiago, Heleninha, portrayed by Paolla Oliveira, decides to join the festivities as well. The social dynamics at the party unfold when Solange Duprat, played by Alice Wegmann, and Afonso Roitman, portrayed by Humberto Carrão, assist Maria de Fátima in gaining entry to the exclusive event.
As the night progresses, Maria de Fátima finds herself captivated by Afonso, who is the heir to the powerful Roitman family. Meanwhile, César makes it clear to Maria de Fátima that he is not available, adding tension to the evening. Marco Aurélio, played by Alexandre Nero, exhibits hostility towards Heleninha, further complicating the social atmosphere.
Despite the escalating drama, Raquel refuses to take legal action against Maria de Fátima, despite her friend Rubinho's insistence. This decision showcases Raquel's character strength and her desire to rise above the conflict. Meanwhile, Afonso surprises Solange with a gift, hinting at the budding romance between the two characters.
Ivan, on the other hand, is shown pretending to lack qualifications to secure a job as an assistant at TCA, the fictional aviation company at the center of the series' conflict. This subplot adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the characters' struggles in a competitive world.
As the episode unfolds, Maria de Fátima is taken aback when César makes a surprising proposal to her, leading to further complications in the already tangled web of relationships. The episode concludes with Maria de Fátima seeking out Raquel, setting the stage for future confrontations.
In the broader context, Vale Tudo has sparked discussions beyond its storyline. Jerome Cadier, the CEO of Latam, publicly criticized the portrayal of the aviation industry through the lens of TCA in the novela. In a LinkedIn post, Cadier expressed concern that the show perpetuates a negative image of the aviation sector, which he believes already suffers from a tarnished reputation in Brazil.
Cadier's comments reflect a broader sentiment among industry professionals who feel that the media's portrayal of their fields can have real-world consequences. "Will I, who at the time didn’t even dream of working for an airline, not be negatively impressed by the kind of people and relationships described within the company?" Cadier questioned, referencing the original airing of Vale Tudo from 1988 to 1989.
The portrayal of TCA as a corrupt and mismanaged company has stirred controversy, especially given the historical context of Brazilian aviation. Cadier suggested that preserving these negative elements from the original series was a mistake, noting that the aversion to airlines in Brazil is not a phenomenon seen in other countries.
This isn't the first time the aviation sector has clashed with Globo's storytelling. In 2000, the novela Uga Uga faced backlash from flight attendants for its depiction of a character who smuggled goods and mistreated passengers, which was deemed damaging to the industry's reputation.
As the audience continues to engage with the characters and narratives of Vale Tudo, the show’s ratings reflect a mixed response. The first four episodes have averaged 23.0 points in the Kantar Ibope measurement in Greater São Paulo, matching the performance of its predecessor, Mania Você. While the ratings have not declined, expectations were high for a stronger debut, fueled by a substantial marketing campaign and social media buzz.
Despite the lukewarm ratings, the show has received praise for its production quality, including acting, set design, and updated script. Viewers have responded positively to the performances, particularly to Bella Campos's portrayal of Maria de Fátima, which has garnered attention since the premiere.
As the storyline progresses, audiences are left eager to see how the characters will navigate their intertwined fates. The upcoming episodes promise to delve deeper into the complexities of their relationships, with Raquel's refusal to engage in a legal battle against Maria de Fátima and Ivan's struggles at TCA at the forefront of the narrative.
With a mix of personal drama, social commentary, and industry critique, Vale Tudo continues to be a focal point of discussion in Brazilian culture. As viewers tune in each night, they are not just watching a story unfold; they are engaging with themes that resonate beyond the screen, touching on issues of reputation, integrity, and the human experience.
As the saga unfolds, fans of the novela eagerly await the next chapter, wondering how the characters will face the challenges ahead and what surprises the writers have in store.
