Money Heist: How Eight Masked Criminals Became International Sensations

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

“Palermo, this is war. Act accordingly.” This striking opening line sets the tone for the latest installment of the popular Spanish series “Money Heist.” Picking up where part three left off, this new season gives viewers a long awaited resolution to a heartbreaking cliffhanger and an even more action-packed, suspenseful, and surprising plot.

“Money Heist” has become the most watched non-English show in the world. This story about criminals in red jumpsuits with masks of the famous Spanish artist Salvador Dalí has captured the attention of millions. Parts one and two introduce a mysterious professor (Álvaro Morte) who hires eight criminals with cities as their code names to print 2.4 billion euros from the Royal Mint of Spain. Parts three and four continue their story after Rio (Miguel Herrán), one of the robbers, is captured by the police. Following his capture, the band returns with a plan to avenge their comrade by stealing 90 tons of gold from the Bank of Spain.

This new season relies heavily on plot twists to retain the interest of its viewers, extending unresolved plot points from previous seasons. Part four puts an end to the anxiety that many fans felt after the previous season’s finale, when the popular character Nairobi (Alba Flores) is shot in the chest. Nairobi survives the gunshot, only to be killed off later that same season. It’s these soapy twists that keep the show entertaining, despite the fact that the plot is extremely similar to that of previous seasons. Though season four of “Money Heist” does little to alter the show’s tried and true story arc, the unceasing drama is enough to distract the viewer from a weak plot.

What makes the show even more interesting is how it provides a new spin on the heist genre. Instead of portraying the stereotypical all-male crime team viewers have seen for so long, “Money Heist” gives us a story told from the perspective of a woman, Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó). The show doesn’t attempt to separate itself from its Spanish roots to appeal to its international viewership and instead embraces them, setting the show apart from most available to American viewers.

This is particularly evident in the show’s political commentary, as parts three and four focus on how Spain’s flawed capitalist system affects its citizens. Set during the financial crisis of 2008, the show proceeds to follow a revolt against the government. The bank robbers go from violent terrorists to international symbols of resistance and rebellion overnight. Hundreds of Spanish citizens join this epic heist as they watch outside the bank dressed in red jumpsuits and cheer on one of the greatest criminal acts in history. “Money Heist” goes beyond a typical crime thriller, elevating its titular crime from a selfish endeavor to a fight against capitalism.

“Money Heist” also boasts well developed characters who undergo significant personal change. Over the course of the show’s four seasons, all of the gang members are shown succumbing to love, which humanizes them and runs counter to the narrative perpetuated by their opponents within the show. Seeing these characters develop relationships and grow as people separates them from their illegal actions, making them relatable and sympathetic rather than conniving criminals.

Because of “Money Heist,” something as ordinary as the face of Dalí is now an unforgettable symbol to millions. This modern day “Robin Hood'' delivers a strong political message through a dramatic soapy plot, mixing thrills, comedy, and romance. With its eight episodes ending in yet another cliffhanger, “Money Heist” part four will leave viewers desperate for more.