Let's be real. When Netflix announced a spin-off centered entirely on Andrés de Fonollosa—better known as Berlin—fans were skeptical. We already knew how his story ended in the Mint. He died a hero, or a villain, depending on who you ask, riddled with bullets and suffering from a terminal disease. So, what could Berlin television show episodes actually offer that we hadn't already seen in the high-stakes, sweat-drenched rooms of La Casa de Papel?
It turns out, quite a lot. But it’s not what you’d expect.
If you go into this series looking for the gritty, revolutionary angst of the original show, you’re going to be confused. This isn't a war against the system. It’s a heist wrapped in a romantic comedy, dipped in a bucket of Parisian glamour. It’s weird. It’s flashy. Honestly, it’s a bit unhinged at times. But that’s exactly why people are clicking.
The Shift From Resistance to Romance
The first few Berlin television show episodes establish a vibe that is miles away from the Professor’s dark, rainy hideouts in Spain. We are in Paris. The sun is out. The suits are expensive.
Berlin is at his peak here. He’s healthy. He’s obsessed with love—specifically the "golden age" of a relationship before it all goes to hell. The plot centers on a plan to steal €44 million worth of jewels from the biggest auction house in Paris, but the heist often feels like a secondary concern. The real drama? Berlin falling for the wife of the man he’s robbing. It’s classic Berlin. Self-destructive, poetic, and incredibly arrogant.
Alex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, the creators, clearly wanted to pivot. They’ve traded the "Bella Ciao" revolutionary spirit for something more akin to Ocean’s Eleven meets Amélie. It’s a jarring transition for some. You’ve got these tense moments of tunneling through catacombs followed by twenty minutes of a sub-plot involving a high-speed chase on a motorbike that feels more like a music video than a high-stakes robbery.
Why the Tone Change Matters
Some critics hated it. They called it "Money Heist Lite." But if you look at the viewership numbers, the audience didn't care. They wanted more of Pedro Alonso’s idiosyncratic performance.
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The episodes are structured to highlight the chaotic energy of the new crew. You have Keila, the socially anxious electronics expert; Damián, the veteran professor-type who is Berlin's right hand; Cameron, the loose cannon; Roi, the loyal protégé; and Bruce, the muscle. Unlike the original gang, these guys aren't "losers" with nothing to lose. They’re specialists. This changes the stakes. You aren't rooting for them to escape poverty; you're watching them try to keep their cool while their leader loses his mind over a woman.
Breaking Down the Most Significant Berlin Television Show Episodes
If you’re skimming through the first season, certain episodes stand out for how they handle the tension between the romance and the robbery.
Episode 1: The Energy of Expectations
This one has to do a lot of heavy lifting. It introduces a whole new crew and sets the stakes. The "one-hit" plan involves using the catacombs to access the auction house. It’s snappy. It’s fast. But the moment Berlin sees Camille, the heist takes a backseat. This is a recurring theme. The show basically tells you: "Yeah, the jewels are cool, but have you ever tried to ruin your life for a feeling?"
Episode 4: An Epic Flip
By the middle of the season, the heist is actually happening. This is where the Berlin television show episodes finally lean back into that classic Money Heist tension. The synchronization required to swap the jewels in the vault is pure clockwork television. However, even here, the focus shifts to the personal lives of the crew. We see Keila and Bruce stuck in a situation involving a rental car and a very persistent police officer, which adds a layer of "low-stakes comedy" that the original series never would have touched.
The Finale: Paris is Burning (Metaphorically)
The final episode is where the consequences actually land. We see the arrival of two very familiar faces: Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) and Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituño). Their entry into the show changes the temperature instantly. Suddenly, the "fun" heist becomes a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Seeing these two interact before they were enemies—or allies—is a treat for the hardcore fans.
The Controversy of "Love Over Logic"
One of the biggest complaints about the Berlin television show episodes is the sheer lack of logic in Berlin’s decision-making. In Money Heist, he was the cold, calculating leader. Here, he is a mess.
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He risks the entire operation—and the lives of his team—just to get a few more minutes with a woman he barely knows. Is it realistic? Probably not. Is it consistent with his character? Actually, yes. We have to remember that Berlin has always been a narcissist who prioritizes his own narrative over everything else. In his mind, the heist is just the stage for his latest love story.
This makes the show a "heist-lite" experience. If you’re a fan of technical accuracy and airtight plans, you might find yourself shouting at the screen. Why are they leaving so much evidence? Why is nobody wearing a mask half the time? Why is Berlin literally singing in the middle of a crime scene?
Because it’s a fantasy.
The Production Value: Paris vs. Madrid
Visually, this show is stunning. The cinematography takes full advantage of the Parisian backdrop. While the original series was often claustrophobic—stuck inside the Royal Mint or the Bank of Spain—this prequel breathes. We move from the opulent auction houses to the gritty underbelly of the catacombs and the scenic French countryside.
The color palette has shifted too. The harsh reds and grays of the original are replaced with warm ambers, deep blues, and the soft glow of streetlights. It looks expensive because it was. Netflix leaned heavily into the "prestige" look to justify the spin-off.
The Music Choice
Music has always been the heartbeat of this franchise. While "Bella Ciao" became a global anthem, the Berlin television show episodes go for a more eclectic mix. You’ve got French pop, 80s hits, and operatic swells. It mirrors Berlin's own theatricality. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s occasionally annoying, just like him.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Timeline
There’s a lot of confusion about when exactly these Berlin television show episodes take place. We know it’s years before the first heist in Madrid. Berlin is still married to his third wife (or is it the fourth?) at the start.
The most interesting part of the timeline isn't the heist itself, but the character development. We see a man who hasn't yet been humbled by his illness. He thinks he’s invincible. Seeing this version of the character makes his eventual sacrifice in Money Heist feel more earned. He wasn't always a martyr. He was a thief who loved the sound of his own voice.
Actionable Insights for Viewers
If you're planning to dive into the series, here is how to get the most out of it without being disappointed by the ghost of the original show:
- Adjust Your Genre Expectations: Treat this as a romantic heist thriller, not a revolutionary drama. If you expect Money Heist Season 6, you’ll be let down. If you expect a fun, chaotic ride through Paris, you’ll love it.
- Watch the Chemistry: Pay attention to the side characters, especially Keila and Bruce. Their dynamic often carries the show when Berlin’s romantic antics become too much.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: The show is packed with nods to the original series. Beyond the big cameos in the later episodes, there are subtle hints about Berlin’s family and his relationship with the Professor.
- Binge, Don't Sip: The pacing of Berlin television show episodes is designed for a quick watch. The cliffhangers aren't as agonizing as the ones in the Bank of Spain, but the momentum builds better when watched over a weekend.
- Language Matters: If you can, watch it in the original Spanish with subtitles. Pedro Alonso’s vocal delivery—the whispers, the sudden laughs, the rhythmic cadence—is 50% of the character's charm. The dubbing often loses that nuances.
The series succeeds because it doesn't try to be its predecessor. It knows it can't capture lightning in a bottle twice. Instead, it decides to smash the bottle and see what the shards look like under the Parisian sun. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it’s undeniably Berlin.
To fully understand the character's journey, you have to see him at his most indulgent. These episodes provide that in spades. They show us a man who would rather lose everything for a beautiful moment than win it all in a boring one. In a world of sterile, formulaic television, that kind of madness is actually quite refreshing.
Next Steps for Fans:
Start with Episode 1 to get a feel for the new crew, but pay close attention to the end of Episode 4, which marks a major shift in tone. If you're only here for the Money Heist connections, you might want to skip ahead to the final three episodes where the investigation intensifies and the crossover characters take center stage. For the best experience, watch the series in the original Spanish to capture Pedro Alonso's specific theatrical performance that defines the role.