'Money Heist' aka 'La Casa de Papel' Part 4: Nairobi may be dead, but her role in masterplan is far from over
'Money Heist' revolves around a massive robbery undertaken by a gang of thieves who are known only by names based on cities — Tokyo, Nairobi, Moscow, Berlin, Rio, Denver, Oslo and the mastermind El Professor. In season three, the troop reunites in Madrid to steal 90 tonnes of solid gold bars from the Bank of Spain after over two years of hiding. Known for its dramatic cliffhangers, the series ended on a suspenseful note and hinted at the death of Nairobi (Alba Flores), one of the key members of the team.
Episode eight in season three marks the final blow to her character when one of the hostages is told to look for an alleged bomb in a teddy bear. As soon as the teddy catches Nairobi's eyes, she says it belongs to her nine-year-old son who was taken away from her. Soon after, in a call meant for Nairobi, the director of the police operation, Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) reveals that the officials have her son.
An emotional upsurge makes her go into panic mode. Taking advantage of the situation, Alicia directs her towards the window in a false attempt to show her a glimpse of her son. She falls for the ruse and gets shot by a sniper straight on the chest. In the final moments of the episode, as her teammates try to revive her, it appears as though she dies in the arms of Helsinki (Darko Peric), who she is in a relationship with. As she lies in his arms, her last few words are: "I saw my son, Helsi!" So, is she really dead?
There are many speculations and theories floating on Reddit. One of the common doubts circling in the minds of viewers is how she could recognize her son after so many years. "I wonder if it was actually her son. Would she be able to recognize him after all those years? Did she just want to believe it was? I guess it wouldn't be difficult for Alicia to find him but yeah, I didn't even think about how cruel it is to bring a child to watch his mother get shot. The actress who plays Alicia is sooo good in her role. I love to hate her," one fan said, while another commented, "If Nairobi dies this soon, the writers and I are gonna have a little talk. I'd be so devastated."
When the Professor is informed about the sniper shot, he is shaken. Anticipating another assault on the bank, he declares DEFCON 2, which they use as a code word to imply a serious threat. In the last few minutes of the season finale, Tokyo narrates that the Professor had fallen for his own trap and that "the war had begun".
Considering she was the most relatable with a humane side to her, it would be a great loss for the show. "I don't mind if she has to go eventually but not this soon please. I didn't fully realize how valuable she was to the show until she got shot," a fan said in the Reddit thread. There are several questions circling around whether or not it was actually her son that she came across. Her role in the masterplan is not over yet. Moreover, the team needs a new manager in charge of the gold process almost immediately in her absence. Only time will tell whether she is dead for real or makes a comeback.
Part four is all set to release on April 3, 2020, but if Nairobi is gone, it will definitely take a toll on the plotline.