Pride Month 2020: How Berlin and Palermo's gay kiss in Netflix's ‘Money Heist’ changed the game for queer fans
When ‘Money Heist’ first released on Netflix, no one really knew about the Spanish crime-drama, ‘La Casa de Papel’. With time, the popularity soared and the streaming service soon branded it as "one of the most-watched Netflix series or film of all time in any language – and the highest non-English speaking show ever".
In its first season, the series follows El Professor, who brings con-artists and criminals together, to pull off the ultimate heist of the Royal Mint of Spain. Until the second part, we only know the character names in cities — Tokyo, Nairobi, Moscow, Berlin, Rio, Denver, or Oslo — and the suspense factor managed to attract more viewers. As the new season hit Netflix on March 3, 2020, it opened doors to many uncharted pathways.
One of the most shocking revelations on the show, perhaps, was an intimate flashback from Berlin (Pedro Alonso) and Palermo's (Rodrigo de la Serna) past. Since the very beginning, part four kept teasing the forthcoming relationship between the two strong characters and it finally happened when the two stood across each other in an empty room. Sparks flew and their eyes did more talking than their bodies. "I really like women and you really like me," Berlin warned Palermo. The two shared a steamy, sensual kiss, with a deep passion and the sequence went on to become one of the most thunderous scenes in the history of gay romance.
The controversial scene soon started a debate on whether a character — who was first introduced as straight could be transformed into a bisexual. "Ummmmm is Berlin bisexual? That man said he was his other half. He might not have meant it that way," one fan wondered and another said, "Oh! Berlin was gay? Didn't see that coming."
His sexual orientation became quite a burning topic. "Palermo is gay, Nairobi said that he was in love with Berlin for 10 (?) years. But Berlin isn't," one said and another posted, "Well, not gay for sure, Berlin definitely likes women. I did wonder too if they were revealing he was bisexual (I think our introduction to Palermo is a little confusing)." Another viewer went on to say, "I doubt Berlin was anything but straight. He was married five times (the fifth time will probably play a big role in part 4 since we were already kind of introduced to Tatiana who I‘m not sure might be Alicia?). He has never shown any affection or sexual interest towards any male in the series."
Stirring up more conversation about gender fluidity, it unleashed a flurry of comments. "Sexuality is fluid," one said. "That being said, I could definitely get behind the idea of Berlin being more fluid as well. He doesn't strike me as the sort of person who would care too much about labels like 'gay' and 'straight', so I don't think it would be out of character if he had had amorous relations with Palermo as well as obviously the couple of women we see him with throughout the series."
This pride month, a look back on ‘Money Heist’ hints at how creator Álex Pina warmed up towards all genders and tried to make the show more inclusive. While some felt the LGBT agenda was being forced into mainstream shows, others showered praises. Lauding the "queer leads and supporting actors", one fan said, "I appreciate this representation SO VERY much. I have felt so unseen and muted in mainstream movies and films."
If you haven't watched it yet, tune into Netflix to catch all four parts of the series that was first broadcast on Spanish network Antena 3.