Season 3 - Episode 2 - Money Heist

Introduction

Season 3 of the Netflix series “Money Heist” (Spanish: “La casa de papel”), created by Álex Pina, marks a significant continuation of the story that began with the heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. The third season, consisting of eight episodes, was released on July 19, 2019, exclusively on Netflix. This season was directed by various individuals, including Jesús Colmenar and Koldo Serra, and written by a team that included Álex Pina, Esther Martínez Lobato, and Javier Gómez Santander, among others. The production was handled by Vancouver Media and Atresmedia, with Álex Pina and Sonia Martínez serving as executive producers.

What sets Season 3 apart is its complex narrative structure, which includes flashbacks, time-jumps, and hidden character motivations, adding layers to the storytelling. The season begins three years after the events of the first heist, reintroducing the audience to the characters as they navigate their new lives and face new challenges.

Plot Summary

Episode 2: “48 horas parte 3”

In the second episode of Season 3, titled “48 horas parte 3” (48 Hours Part 3), the narrative delves deeper into the aftermath of the gang’s decision to assault the Bank of Spain to rescue Rio, who has been captured by Europol.

The episode starts with the robbers rushing to save Nairobi’s life after she was shot by a police sniper. Meanwhile, Tokyo stages a coup d’état and takes over command from Palermo, leading to internal conflicts within the group. The Professor and Marseille work to deduce that Lisbon must still be alive and being interrogated by Inspector Alicia Sierra in the police command post outside the bank.

The Professor persuades Tamayo’s assistant, Antoñanzas, to help him establish a 48-hour truce with the police, allowing the gang to save Nairobi’s life. However, this truce is short-lived as Gandía, the chief of security for the Bank of Spain, escapes from his restraints and begins a violent cat-and-mouse game with the gang from within a panic room inside the bank.

As the episode unfolds, Palermo attempts to reassert his command by colluding with Gandía, but eventually rejoins the group after realizing his mistake. The tension escalates as Gandía kills Nairobi, leading to a dramatic turn in the narrative. The gang manages to recapture Gandía, but the loss of Nairobi has a profound impact on the group’s dynamics.

The Professor exposes the unlawful torture of Rio and Lisbon’s detention to the public, leading to Sierra’s dismissal from her position. This public revelation sets the stage for the rest of the season, as the gang faces increased pressure from the authorities and internal conflicts.

Themes and Symbolism

Season 3 of “Money Heist” continues to explore several central themes that have been pivotal to the series. One of the primary themes is the concept of rebellion against the capitalist system and the government. The heist on the Bank of Spain is not just about stealing gold but also about exposing the injustices and corruption within the system. The Professor’s plan is symbolic of a broader resistance against the economic and political injustices faced by the people, particularly in the context of Spain’s financial crisis of 2007-2008 ^[2].

The use of the song “Bella Ciao” is another significant symbolic element. This Italian partisan song from World War II represents anti-fascism, resistance, and self-sacrifice, underscoring the characters’ motivations beyond mere greed. The song becomes an obsessive theme in Season 2 and continues to resonate in Season 3, highlighting the characters’ search for justice and their willingness to risk everything for a common cause ^[2].

The red suits and Dalí masks worn by the robbers are also symbolic, representing unity and anonymity. These symbols have become iconic and have been adapted in various forms of media and popular culture, further emphasizing their significance.

Cultural Impact

Season 3 of “Money Heist” had a profound cultural impact, both in Spain and globally. The series became a cultural phenomenon, with its imagery and themes resonating with audiences worldwide. The show’s influence extended to international football, with fans displaying Dalí mask banners in stadiums and wearing the robbers’ costumes during matches ^[3].

The show’s popularity also led to various adaptations and references in other media. For example, the South Korean series “Squid Game” adapted the symbolism of the red suits and masks but in a reversed context, highlighting the different themes and narratives of the two shows ^[2].

The show’s cultural significance was further amplified by its inclusion in various forms of media, such as social networks, advertising, and even sports presentations. The Musée Grévin in Paris added statues of the robbers to its wax museum, reflecting the show’s global appeal ^[1].

Critical Reception

Season 3 of “Money Heist” received widespread critical acclaim. Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes gave the third part a 100% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. Critics praised the series for its audacious plan, non-linear storytelling, and the focus on the relationships between the characters ^[1].

Javier Zurro of “El Español” described the third part as “first-class entertainment” despite feeling that it lacked novelty and was unaffected by the internal drama between the characters. Alex Jiménez of “ABC” found that the season mostly succeeded in its attempts to reinvent the show and stay fresh. Euan Ferguson of “The Guardian” recommended watching the season, comparing it to “Peaky Blinders” but with a Spanish twist ^[1].

However, not all reviews were positive. Pauline Bock of the “New Statesman” criticized the series for its plot holes, clichéd slow-motions, and corny love stories. Despite these criticisms, the series maintained its global popularity and critical acclaim.

Legacy

Season 3 of “Money Heist” has left a lasting legacy in the world of television. It continues to inspire filmmakers and artists with its complex narrative structures, strong character development, and thematic depth. The show’s influence can be seen in various other series and media that have adopted similar storytelling techniques and symbolic elements.

The show’s ability to blend genres, combining elements of heist films, thrillers, and telenovelas, has set a new standard for international television. Its global success has paved the way for more Spanish and international productions to gain widespread recognition.

The enduring relevance of “Money Heist” lies in its ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels, from its thrilling plot twists to its deeper themes of resistance and self-sacrifice. As a cultural phenomenon, it continues to be celebrated and referenced in popular culture, ensuring its place in cinematic history.

Season 3 – Episode 2: 48 horas parte 3