Immerse yourself in the latest crime thriller dropped by Netflix, Berlin between Christmas and New Year. It’s the ideal moment to get clued in on what’s happening before you dive into the series. Even if you haven’t indulged in the original series, Money Heist, you can enjoy Berlin without feeling left out. But if you yearn for some backstory on the life of Berlin (played by Pedro Alonso) and other returning characters, then this recap is for you.

Imagine it as your swift guide to all the key players of Money Heist, ensuring you can watch Berlin with confidence, armed with all the necessary background info.

First and foremost, who is Berlin in Money Heist?
Berlin is one of the masterminds behind the jaw-dropping Royal Mint of Spain robbery, portrayed in the first two seasons of Money Heist. He took on the crucial role of leading the action inside the building, while his brother, The Professor, kept an eye on things from a secret hideout. Pedro Alonso’s portrayal of Berlin, masterful and enigmatic, quickly made him a fan favourite. He effortlessly moves between a charming, reassuring personality and a more sinister side, earning him a fair bit of controversy as the series evolved.

So, what’s the issue with Berlin in Money Heist?
Well, Berlin’s behaviour throughout the first two seasons of Money Heist is far from predictable. His use of threats and violence to control hostages and crew members has stirred up quite a bit of debate among viewers. One particularly disturbing storyline involves a sexual relationship that Berlin enters with a hostage, Royal Mint employee Ariadna Cascales, played by Clara Alvarado. The relationship only happens because Ariadna fears for her life, which means there’s no way to give consent under duress – making Berlin’s actions plain wrong. Many viewers have turned away from the character because of this plotline, but others argue that disapproving of Berlin’s actions doesn’t diminish their interest in him. In fact, it’s the fan demand that has seen Berlin brought back via flashbacks in later seasons.

And how does Berlin meet his end in Money Heist?
At the close of season 2’s Royal Mint heist, Berlin meets his demise. Before the heist, he had learned of a terminal illness diagnosis, leading him to sacrifice himself so that the rest of the team could escape. He holds Ariadna against her will until the very end, even though she appears to survive the shootout that takes Berlin’s life.

When is Money Heist: Berlin set?
Netflix hasn’t disclosed the exact timeline, but the official synopsis indicates that it’s set “a time when he still has no inkling of his illness and hasn’t gotten trapped like a rat in the Spanish Mint.” So, we’ll be stepping into a world that precedes the classic Money Heist timeline.

Other familiar characters in Money Heist: Berlin
Aside from Alonso in the title role, Money Heist: Berlin marks the return of two other characters from the original series. One is Raquel Murillo, a Spanish police detective who ends up switching sides and joining forces with The Professor’s gang, adopting the alias ‘Lisbon’. The other key character is Alicia Sierra, a sharp and ruthless Spanish detective who comes on the scene after Raquel’s defection. She becomes a formidable foe for the crew during their second daring heist.

With all these intriguing characters and dramatic plotlines, Berlin promises to be an action-packed, thrilling ride for fans of the original series and new viewers alike. Catch it all streaming on Netflix now!