Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1: A Heart-Racing Prelude to the Finale

Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1

Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 has finally arrived on Netflix on the 3rd of September 2021. The final part will now be broken down into two volumes with the second volume arriving in December of the same year.

But the question is, should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Netflix Made the Right Decision

In case you did not know, Money Heist, the ultra-popular series actually started as a limited series in the Spanish network Antena 3 in 2017 originally called La Casa de Papel. But it wasn’t until Netflix acquired the rights to the show and cut them into two parts that the series got a huge international following. Part 1 and Part 2 released in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Shortly after, Netflix decided to renew the show for a new season promising for a bigger and better than ever heist show.

And in 2019 and 2020, Netflix delivered to its promise with the release of Part 3 and Part 4. With the latter ending in a major cliffhanger setting up the finale for Part 5. But in a bold move that is likely to boost viewership and not to mention, earnings, the streaming company divided the final part into two volumes. Both volumes to be released two months apart.

Now, this isn’t ideally a good deal as far as the viewers are concerned. But this will surely bolster the show’s fandom and would build up such unprecedented hype for the finale. Guess it’s safe to say Netflix made the right decision.

Still Getting Bigger and Better

It was always a wonder to me how this show managed to get a following of this magnitude. I always thought that Parts 1 and 2 were meh. It did show a lot of promise and intrigue, but the plotlines were always kind of messy. The decisions of the characters (looking at you Tokyo) sometimes are just plain stupid. I mean, all they had to do was follow the plan of “The Professor” (Álvaro Morte) to the letter. It almost kind of reminds me of the Spanish soap operas that I used to watch as a kid where the stories become crazy unbelievable you regret starting to watch the show at all.

This all changed, however, with Netflix acquisition of the show. Parts 3 and 4 became instant classics. The side stories courtesy of flashbacks started to become the show’s strength. The crazy stupid plotlines were gone. Things still don’t go to plan like all plans do. But the show’s logic became more sound, more believable, and the story became more coherent as the show progressed.

Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 continues this trend, and it sure is looking good for Vol. 2 as well. Netflix promised viewers when it acquired and renewed the show for Part 3 that the show will be bigger and better. The streaming giant has delivered on that promise and is still making the series bigger and better than ever before.

Skip or Watch?

Netflix’ decision to take over the production of the show continues to prove to be a great decision for both the company and the Spanish series. Parts 3 and 4 were all a huge hit and significantly improved on all aspects of the show. Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 is no different. The show’s prelude to the finale is one that will surely get your hearts racing. And in that sense, there’s no better way to get hyped up for the actual finale which will air two months later on December 3, 2021.

That said, Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 is a must-watch!

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for the first season of Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1.

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