Stockholm Syndrome

Netflix perhaps focuses on quantity above quality. Looking for a new TV series to watch, you have to wade your way through a great deal of dross before you come across a gem. Often you don't know that it's dross until somewhere in episode three and by then you may be so into the plot that you feel the need to find out how it finishes. You're hooked.

But then you come across a diamond, all sparkly, multifaceted and pure. I found one recently - Fauda - which I posted about before.

Now I have another, even better, even purer. Gold. An apt description because the plot of Money Heist is ... well, you can guess. A robbery, but not just a formulaic steal: a skillfully plotted plan where every detail, every setback is anticipated and avoided or dealt with. How do you steal 2 billion Euros from the Royal Mint of Spain? And stay alive so that you can spend it? 

This TV series is un-put-down-able. An excellent ensemble cast, great production values and a brilliant soundtrack. The episodes are grouped into five 'parts', which I suppose means overall we have a drama in five acts - even that has been plotted as a whole, an approach which is holistic and therefore satisfying. Season 1 had 15 episodes in two parts; season 2 16 episodes, parts 3 and 4. Season 3 is not yet complete but appears to comprise the final part of 10 episodes (currently 5 available; the remainder in December). It's a modern Ring Cycle.

I therefore can't tell you how it ends and I wouldn't want to anyway. Everything is cleverly done, the characters are richly developed with their back stories gradually unfolding using (easily recognisable and comprehensible) flashbacks and the tensions within the heist team and between them and their hostages (of course there are hostages) are thoughtful and rewarding. The inevitable Stockholm Syndrome has its place but is just one aspect of those relationships.

It's a Spanish production and presented with dubbing, which is done as well as can be.The show has won numerous awards. There's a strong element of post financial crisis rebellion against capitalism and subversive populism.

Want to see a hundred million Euros raining down on the citizens of Madrid from a couple of blimps? Want to know how empty the robbers feel, with too much money to spend and struggling to cope with a lack of action in their lives? Check it out.