Return to the Scene of the Crime with ‘Berlin’

CEBU, Philippines — Money Heist spin-off "Berlin" has consistently claimed its spot in Netflix’s top series category since its launch on December 29, 2023 and for good reason: it stars none other than fan-favorite Berlin (Pedro Alonso) and introduces his “old” thrilling crew consisting of code virtuoso Keila (Michelle Jenner), engineering and physics academic Damián (Tristan Ulloa), locksmith Roi (Julio Peña Fernández), gadget and weapon expert Bruce (Joel Sánchez), and enigma Cameron (Begoña Vargas).

While set years before the daring heist at The Royal Mint of Spain, "Berlin" has orchestrated a captivating reunion of sorts for fans by bringing back some iconic characters from the original series including Raquel Murillo (Itziar Itu?o) and Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri).

Showrunners Álex Pina and Esther Martinez unveil a fresh perspective regarding this prequel and share that while Berlin’s a “lighter” take on the beloved series, its emphasis on "love" is what makes it unique from the original material: “We always look for elements that really connect with the viewer, and love is one of those elements. And there are so many facets to love. In fact, the story shows a range of types of love in which the characters vie to show different moments of love, to show different situations.”

Echoing the showrunners’ sentiments, "Berlin" titular character actor Pedro Alonso has this to say about the project and his character in this prequel: “I've often heard that Berlin is a cynic. Not at all. He's sarcastic, he has a diabolically dark sense of humor, and he can be fascinating, a real prick, whatever you want, but not a cynic. He's a man who's committed to rediscovering a great life, falling in love in the face of common sense and logic. A man who's made to love, in spite of everything.”

In addition to the fresh and gripping narrative, "Berlin" captivates audiences with its breathtaking scenic spots, with the series being shot in 146 locations within numerous provinces of Spain like Madrid, Almeria, and León and in the romantic city of Paris. The show dazzled with scenes filmed in iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, Château d’ Ormesson-sur-Marne, Sacré Coeur, and other streets of Montmartre.

Aside from these beautiful locations, the show charms with its curated music, including tracks originally recorded for the series like its opening theme “Bullets and Flowers” by Francis White and Nikki García, “No me mires” by POL 3,14., and “Tout Ou Rien” by Pipo Romero.

There are only two things that are sure to turn a bad day into a great one: love, and a payday worth millions. They're what keep Berlin going through his golden years, a time when he still has no inkling of his illness and hasn’t gotten trapped like a rat in the Spanish Mint. This is where he starts preparing one of his most extraordinary heists: making jewels worth 44 million disappear like some sort of magic trick. To do it, he’ll enlist the help of one of the three gangs he’s ever stolen with. — (FREEMAN)