Unveiling the Maestro:
Pedro Alonso returns, relishing the chance to fully inhabit Berlin’s flamboyant narcissism. He glides through opulent Parisian settings, dripping in designer labels and exuding a dangerous magnetism. Alonso gives Berlin a Shakespearean breadth, capable of chilling cruelty and tender romance in the same breath. However, the series struggles to balance his charm with his monstrous acts. We’re invited to sympathize with his loneliness and artistic yearning, but the show often glosses over, or even glamorizes, his misogyny and violence.
Heists Light on Smoke, Heavy on Soap:
While Money Heist thrilled with its intricate plans and high-stakes tension, Berlin’s heists feel like champagne compared to the show’s vintage. Plots twist and turn, but lack the meticulous engineering and escalating drama of the original. The focus shifts towards melodramatic love triangles and philosophical ramblings, leaving fans of the heist genre somewhat empty-handed.
More Flash, Less Bang:
Berlin bathes in the golden glow of designer hotels and glittering casinos. The cinematography is undeniably stylish, echoing the series’ trademark visual flair. However, the opulent locales and flamboyant costumes sometimes feel like a distraction, masking a lack of narrative depth. While Money Heist used its visual elements to heighten the tension, Berlin leans towards empty aesthetic indulgence.
A Love Song Gone Astray:
Berlin’s emotional core hinges on his relationship with the enigmatic Keila. Michelle Jenner is fantastic as a woman capable of challenging Berlin’s ego, but their romance feels rushed and underdeveloped. It becomes a battleground for Berlin’s internal struggle, but the stakes fail to resonate beyond his own self-absorption.
Verdict:
Berlin is a gilded cage, showcasing Pedro Alonso’s captivating performance but struggling to escape the shadow of its predecessor. While it offers glimpses of Berlin’s vulnerability and artistic spirit, it rarely delves deep enough to truly humanize him. The heists lack the thrilling complexity of Money Heist, and the focus on melodrama feels like a detour from the show’s original strengths.
