Summary: “Money Heist” season 1 episode 11, titled “La cabeza del plan” (The Head of the Plan), sees the unravelling of the Professor’s meticulous plan as the police close in on the gang. The episode starts with the team dealing with the aftermath of Moscow’s death and Rio being captured by the police.
1. The Professor’s Dilemma
The Professor is faced with a dilemma when he learns that Rio has been captured by the police. His first instinct is to save the love of his life but he knows that it would put the entire operation in jeopardy. The episode masterfully showcases the inner conflict that the Professor goes through where he has to choose between his emotions and his plan.
The scene where the Professor goes to Berlin and asks for his opinion is a testament to the brilliant writing of the show. Berlin tells the Professor that he needs to choose between Rio and Tokyo, who he considers the most important members of the gang, as saving both of them is impossible at this point. It highlights the fact that while they are all criminals, they still care for each other and are willing to risk their lives for one another.
The audience is left on the edge of their seats as the Professor finally decides to prioritize his plan over his emotions and leave Rio behind, which leads to one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the show’s history.
2. Tokyo’s Character Development
Tokyo had been portrayed as a reckless and impulsive character until this point in the series. However, in this episode, we see a more vulnerable side to her as she deals with the consequences of her actions. Her guilt over the death of Moscow and her fear of losing Rio showcases her growth as a character.
The scene where she asks the Professor to save Rio and leave her behind shows her selflessness and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for the good of the team. It also establishes her as one of the show’s strongest characters who is willing to face the consequences of her actions head-on.
Tokyo’s character development in this episode sets the stage for her evolution as a character throughout the rest of the series.
3. Inspector Raquel’s Redemption
Inspector Raquel had been portrayed as the antagonist for the majority of the show until this point. However, in this episode, we see a more nuanced side to her character as she starts to question the system that she works for. Her doubts about the authenticity of the evidence against the gang and her interactions with the Professor showcases her growth as a character.
The scene where she confronts Arturo and exposes his corrupt actions not only adds to her redemption arc but also highlights the political commentary that the show subtly injects throughout its runtime.
Inspector Raquel’s redemption arc showcases the show’s excellent character writing and highlights the fact that no character is one-dimensional.
4. The Police’s Pursuit
The police’s pursuit of the gang reaches a fever pitch in this episode as they close in on the Mint. The use of drones and other advanced technology highlights the fact that the police force is not depicted as incompetent or bumbling, which is a common trope in heist films and TV shows.
The scene where the police breach the entrance of the Mint and the gang prepares to defend themselves is an intense and well-directed sequence that showcases the stakes of the situation.
By the end of the episode, the police have surrounded the Mint, leading to an uncertain future for the gang as they are faced with the possibility of getting caught.
Conclusion:
“La cabeza del plan” is a masterclass in writing and directing that showcases the show’s ability to balance high stakes action with masterfully crafted character development. The episode sets the stage for the final two episodes of the season and leaves the audience on the edge of their seats as they wait to see how the gang will get out of this precarious situation. “Money Heist” season 1 episode 11 is a must-watch for fans of the heist genre and those who enjoy well-written and well-directed TV shows.
