I have yet to hear a negative review for the Netflix original known as "Money Heist," but the show has not garnered the same attention as its competitors. Why? I have no idea, because I have started the show a few days ago, and my mind is blown at its intricate storytelling and vibrant character-building. If you need five reasons to binge "Money Heist," here they are.
1. It's about a heist.
Everyone loves watching a good heist, and although I haven't finished the first season yet, I have gathered that the show takes place during the duration of the heist. These characters take over the Royal Mint in Spain where they spend around ten days printing billions of dollars, keeping control over their hostages, and ensuring the police force waiting outside doesn't break in. The stakes are high, and you can't tear your eyes away.
2. Each character is nuanced, three-dimensional, and fascinating.
Because the show pushes you into the story of the heist almost instantly, it takes a while for the backstories to roll out, but with each episode, you learn more about each of the robbers and why they would risk it all for the chance of winning big. Even the most unlikable characters demand your attention.
3. It passes the Bechdel test.
Although only two of the robbers are women, these two share an incredible bond that stems from conversation about their pasts and families. They hold their own and are allowed to feel emotion, making the show quality even better. While only two of the robbers are women, the hostages and the police investigator herself are fully-formed with their own motivations and backstories to match, and each woman in the show is memorable and defined in her own right.
4. The main romance is swoon-worthy.
I am only on episode nine of season one at the point of writing this, but I already adore the show's main romance between Tokio and Rio. I was a bit apprehensive about their relationship at first because I am not usually into age-gap relationships, but their dialogue comes so naturally and sweetly that it's hard not to fall for them. Both characters are some of the show's finest, and together, they are astounding to watch.
5. It's a chance to learn more about Spain.
My Spanish is… awful to say the least. I'm always looking to improve on the language, which is why I picked "Money Heist" to binge next. The show is set in Spain, spoken in Spanish, so if your first language is English, subtitles will be a necessity. But the show takes its time in showcasing the world around the Royal Mint itself and the country it is set in, and it only makes me want to visit Spain more. (And hopefully, my Spanish will improve slightly by the time I finish it.)
Fair warning: the show is far from light. It's more like a rollercoaster that never ends, but if you're willing to take a seat on the ride, you'll feel exhilarated by the end.
