‘Berlin’ Review: 'Money Heist' prequel stumbles with predictable plot, losing Berlin's charm in transition
PARIS, FRANCE: The 2019 Spanish sensation, 'Money Heist,' captivated fans with its clever plot, intriguing characters donning the iconic red outfits, and a thrilling rollercoaster that tapped into our voyeuristic tendencies.
Creator Alex Pina's non-linear narrative and unexpected twists made it a deliciously binge-worthy experience. However, the spin-off centered around the notorious character Berlin fails to live up to the excitement, delivering a rather flat and dull viewing experience.
In the transition from ‘Money Heist’ to ‘Berlin’, the creators faced the daunting task of maintaining the delicate balance that defined the character.
Berlin, portrayed by Pedro Alonso, was more than a mere antagonist; he was an antihero whose flaws were as pronounced as his charisma. The attempt to humanize Berlin in the spin-off raises questions about the narrative direction and the impact on his established persona.
Humanizing Berlin: A delicate balancing act
In the 'Berlin' spin-off, set a few years before the events of 'Money Heist,' Pedro Alonso reprises his role as the notorious anti-hero. While the original 'Money Heist' was celebrated for its daring portrayal of Berlin's creepiness, misogyny, and psychopathic tendencies, the prequel takes a different approach.
This time, Berlin is leading a heist to steal jewels worth almost 44 million euros from France's biggest auction house. Teaming up with a group of semi-competent thieves and a mastermind named Damian (Tristan Ulloa), who bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Professor, Berlin's character undergoes an unexpected transformation.
In the spin-off, Berlin is portrayed as almost dull and surprisingly eager to be liked, a departure from the unapologetic anti-hero fans came to love. Attempting to humanize a character who was inherently flawed from the beginning seems to be a misstep, as the prequel fails to capture the charisma and complexity that made Berlin a fan favorite.
While the original 'Money Heist' embraced Berlin's darker traits, 'Berlin' softens the edges too much, leaving viewers questioning the dilution of the character's complexity. Scenes that once showcased Berlin's sociopathic tendencies are now less pronounced, and his leadership role feels disconnected.
The prequel misses opportunities to explore Berlin's origins and evolution, leaving crucial narrative elements unaddressed. The decision to humanize Berlin seems to overshadow potential storylines, such as his relationship with his son or the catalysts behind his charismatic yet creepy persona.
The shift in tone raises the question of whether the attempt to humanize Berlin sacrificed the exploration of his darker intricacies.
Viewers are left yearning for a more profound understanding of Berlin's alter ego, as the spin-off leans more towards a straightforward heist narrative than a deep exploration of the character's complexities.
Toxic love: A troubling exploration
'Berlin's exploration of love in the series leans heavily into obsession, toxic behaviors, and unhealthy seduction tactics. However, it falls short of addressing the problematic aspects of the character, overlooking an opportunity to provide a more balanced perspective on love and relationships.
In one of the romantic plotlines within the series, a love story unfolds with a concerning start. A man engages in blatant harassment towards a woman who, from his knowledge, has shown no interest in him. His actions include making inappropriate sexual comments, invading her personal space, and persisting in these behaviors.
What's even more troubling is Berlin's portrayal of this as an acceptable flirting technique, going as far as justifying it by suggesting that it's permissible to pursue women aggressively under the assumption that they will eventually reciprocate, or if they are simply "playing hard to get."
Problematic portrayal of women: A step backward
‘Berlin’ perpetuates harmful stereotypes through its portrayal of female characters. Naive, easily manipulated, and lacking agency, the women in the series fall into troubling cliches. The normalization of harassment as a flirting technique further reinforces regressive notions.
Illogical plot choices: sacrificing logic for 'cool' moments
The series prioritizes "cool" scenes and twists over logical storytelling, resulting in several moments that defy reason.
From characters escaping on foot from motorcycles to disappearing crucial elements, the lack of narrative coherence hampers the overall viewing experience.
‘Berlin’ relies on contrivances to propel its story forward, showcasing a lack of creative and strategic writing. Viewers encounter coincidences in nearly every episode, undermining the credibility of the meticulously planned heist at the heart of the narrative.
Berlin's Leadership: An uninspiring figurehead
In contrast to the original series' Professor, Berlin's leadership lacks the depth and dedication required for an engaging narrative.
His role involves making unreasonable demands, sabotaging plans, and endangering the entire operation, leaving little room for genuine camaraderie among the thieves.
Romance on hold: Overdetermined relationships
The budding romances between various thieves are overdetermined and move slowly. The series attempts to generate suspense over predictable romantic outcomes, resulting in boredom rather than anticipation. The lack of esprit de corps among the ensemble further weakens the emotional core of the show.
Conclusion: Lost in transition, a character unfulfilled
‘Berlin’ struggles with the daunting task of maintaining the complexity that defined its titular character. The endeavor to humanize Berlin and explore his alter ego, coupled with the missed opportunity to delve into his origins, results in a narrative that feels incomplete.
Berlin seems adrift in this transition, failing to fully encapsulate the essence that made him a standout figure in ‘Money Heist.’ As audiences grapple with this transformation, a lingering question persists: Did we genuinely witness Berlin's alter ego in ‘Berlin’?
In a strategic move, Netflix opted for a late December release for 'Berlin,' ensuring its exclusion from any "worst of" TV lists. This timing also places it in the early-year pile, a zone often forgotten by audiences within a couple of months.
While there's a slim chance it might be renewed for a second season, one can only hope Netflix wouldn't be so cruel.
'Berlin' Season 1 is now available to watch exclusively on Netflix.
