Ricotta follows his teacher's advice and goes with Felice to a garage where they are hiring. They immediately see why it's important to know how to read and write. At school, Alberto does an experiment with his students and tries to get everyone involved.

Ricotta and Felice rush over to Manzi's house to give them some good news. At school, Manzi and the principal clash over teaching methods.

The principal called on an inspector to evaluate how well Manzi's class is prepared. He is not very kind.

Not surprisingly, Manzi gets suspended and Bedon takes over, making the kids memorize a poem by Giosuè Carducci from 1872. Ricotta has a bad moment at the garage where he works.

Mr. Bedon asks the pupils for the dates of historical events but the only one who knows the answers is Giulia. Bedon thinks he can treat his pupils as he likes, but not everyone sits by quietly.

Alberto notices that Paolo is absent from class. After some discussion with the students, the whole class transfers outside to go and find him.

Manzi is preparing the report cards in his own way. At school, he is teaching the kids about rhythm, and the principal comes in with some intriguing news.

Alberto goes home to share the news with his family. They're watching TV and ignore him, which tells him all he needs to know. The next day he goes to the RAI studios, where he finds a whole different world.

At the auditions for the TV show, one candidate is worse than the next and the producers are very worried. Alberto watches through the door and seems to have an idea.

Alberto Manzi finally gets a chance to explain his doubts about why the auditions are going so badly.

Felice seeks out his teacher's help because Ricotta is getting into trouble again.

Manzi is interviewed by the program team at RAI headquarters. They worry that he will be out of control with the whole world watching, but they appreciate how good his audition was. Meanwhile, Ricotta seems to have found a job, and once again, his studies at the reformatory have proved to be surprisingly valuable.

Manzi's family is helping him get ready for the big evening, his first lesson on TV. Ida has gone to great lengths to get everything as perfect as possible. And even their neighbors want to see his debut.

The moment has arrived, and now it is a matter of standing around in the studio waiting for the show to start. The directors are very nervous and it remains to be seen whether they have reason to be or not. Ida's family plus the neighbors are glued to the TV and can't wait to see Alberto on the small screen.

The show finally happens. Ida, her family, and neighbors are watching from home, Ricotta is watching from the bar, along with everyone else there, and in the studio, the producers are waiting for Alberto to botch things.