Season 3 – Episode 8 of Money Heist: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Season 3, Episode 8 of the Netflix series “Money Heist” (Spanish: “La casa de papel”), titled “Astray” (Spanish: “La deriva”), is a pivotal installment in the series created by Álex Pina. This episode, part of the third season released on July 19, 2019, continues the intricate and suspenseful narrative that has defined the show. The third season, consisting of eight episodes, was produced by Vancouver Media and Atresmedia, with Jesús Colmenar and Koldo Serra among the directors, and Álex Pina and Javier Gómez Santander as key writers and producers.

What sets “Money Heist” apart is its unique blend of heist genre conventions with deep character development, complex moralities, and a strong Spanish cultural identity. The series subverts traditional heist film formulas by starting the heist immediately after the opening credits and using an unreliable narrator, flashbacks, and time-jumps to add complexity to the story^[3].

Plot Summary

In “Astray,” the narrative is marked by intense action and emotional turmoil. The episode begins with a flashback of Berlin asking The Professor to live a more fulfilling life, including forming relationships. This contrasts sharply with the present, where The Professor and Lisbon are on the run from the police. Lisbon is eventually caught by the owners of a farm where she had hidden, leading to a desperate attempt by The Professor to rescue her.

The team, in an effort to buy time, activates Plan Alcatraz, a ploy involving fake noises and a ferret named Sofia with a planted bug. This ruse fools the police, who are led on a wild goose chase through the sewage system. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s emotional state deteriorates following her breakup, leading her to insult several gang members and eventually being taken away by Bogota and Nairobi^[1].

A significant plot twist involves Alicia, who uses Nairobi’s son as leverage to manipulate the gang. She places a teddy bear with a hidden phone, leading to a confrontation where Nairobi is severely injured by snipers. The episode’s climax sees Lisbon apparently killed by the police, but it is later revealed that her death was staged by Alicia^[1].

The gang’s situation becomes increasingly dire as they face off against army trucks, leading to a dramatic and violent confrontation where Bogota and Tokyo launch DEFCON missiles, injuring several soldiers. This act of desperation highlights the escalating stakes and the gang’s willingness to go to extreme lengths to survive^[1].

Themes and Symbolism

“Astray” delves into several central themes that are characteristic of the “Money Heist” series. One of the primary themes is the blurred line between good and evil. The gang, despite their criminal actions, are portrayed with a level of humanity and empathy that makes them relatable and even sympathetic. This is particularly evident in the emotional struggles of characters like Tokyo and Nairobi, whose personal relationships and vulnerabilities are exposed^[3].

The episode also explores the theme of rebellion against oppressive systems. The gang’s actions, though illegal, are framed as a form of resistance against a corrupt and unjust financial system. This is underscored by the public’s support for the gang, who see them as Robin Hood figures stealing from the rich to give to the poor^[3].

Symbolism plays a significant role, especially with the use of the ferret, Sofia. The ferret represents the gang’s resourcefulness and ability to outsmart their adversaries, even in the most desperate situations. The teddy bear, used by Alicia to manipulate Nairobi, symbolizes the emotional leverage and vulnerability that can be exploited in high-stakes situations^[1].

Cultural Impact

The release of “Astray” and the third season of “Money Heist” had a significant cultural impact. The series was streamed by 34 million household accounts within its first week, with 24 million finishing the series within that period. This made it one of the most-watched productions on Netflix at the time^[3].

The show’s influence extended beyond viewership numbers. The iconic red jumpsuits and Dalí masks worn by the robbers became a cultural phenomenon, with fans around the world emulating the look. The show’s imagery was used in various contexts, from advertising to sports presentations, and even in real-life heists where perpetrators wore the distinctive costumes^[3].

However, the show’s influence was not without controversy. There were incidents where real heists were inspired by the show, leading to security measures such as banning the show’s costumes at public events^[3].

Critical Reception

“Astray” and the third season of “Money Heist” received widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the episode’s high-energy drama, complex characters, and the show’s ability to subvert traditional heist genre expectations. The emotional depth and the moral ambiguities of the characters were particularly highlighted as strengths of the series^[3].

However, there were also criticisms regarding the portrayal of female characters and the show’s handling of feminist themes. Some critics argued that while the show gave significant attention to female characters, it sometimes fell into stereotypes and did not consistently empower women^[3].

The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with the show trending on social media platforms and attracting celebrity attention. The show’s success was a testament to its ability to engage audiences on multiple levels, from its thrilling plot to its deep character development^[3].

Legacy

The legacy of “Astray” and the third season of “Money Heist” is profound. The series has inspired a new wave of heist dramas and has set a high standard for character-driven storytelling in the genre. The show’s influence can be seen in various adaptations and references in other media, including a South Korean adaptation released in 2022^[4].

The show’s impact on popular culture is enduring, with its imagery and themes continuing to resonate with audiences. The series has also been credited with raising international awareness of Spanish sensibilities and contributing to the global popularity of Spanish television^[3].

In conclusion, “Astray” is a pivotal episode in the “Money Heist” series, marked by its intense action, emotional depth, and thematic complexity. Its cultural impact, critical reception, and lasting legacy make it a significant contribution to the world of television drama.

Season 3 – Episode 8: Astray