Raquel Murillo is one of the most fascinating and multidimensional characters in the hit Spanish series La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). Initially introduced as the police inspector tasked with stopping the heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, Raquel’s journey from law enforcer to loyal member of the heist crew forms one of the show’s most compelling arcs. Her character transformation challenges traditional perceptions of morality, loyalty, and identity, making her a key figure in the emotional and narrative depth of the series.
Introduction to Raquel Murillo
Raquel Murillo is introduced in the first season of La Casa de Papel as a high-ranking inspector in the National Police Corps. She is placed in charge of negotiating with the robbers inside the Royal Mint. Raquel is portrayed as intelligent, methodical, and emotionally strong, but also carrying the weight of personal struggles, including a past marked by domestic abuse and a strained relationship with her teenage daughter and elderly mother.
At the beginning of the series, Raquel embodies the justice system. Her duty is to maintain order, rescue hostages, and stop the robbery. However, as she communicates with the mysterious mastermind known as ‘The Professor,’ an unexpected connection begins to form between them, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in her character trajectory.
Her Relationship with The Professor
One of the central elements of Raquel’s storyline in La Casa de Papel is her evolving relationship with Sergio Marquina, better known as The Professor. Posing as a charming and helpful stranger named Salva, he approaches Raquel in a café outside the investigation zone. Over time, they develop a romantic bond, completely unaware of each other’s true identities.
Their relationship is a careful dance of trust and deception. Raquel’s feelings for Salva slowly begin to affect her objectivity in the case. By the time she uncovers his real identity as the mastermind behind the heist, her emotional attachment complicates her sense of duty. Rather than turning him in, Raquel makes the controversial decision to protect him an action that becomes the turning point in her character arc.
From Inspector to Lisbon
Raquel’s transformation is solidified when she officially joins the gang and takes on the alias ‘Lisbon.’ This decision is not made lightly. It involves betrayal of her former colleagues, loss of her professional identity, and a complete ideological shift. Yet for Raquel, the choice represents a personal liberation. Freed from the rigid and often corrupt structures of the police force, she finds a sense of belonging among the heist crew.
As Lisbon, Raquel becomes an integral part of the planning and execution of the second heist at the Bank of Spain. Her insider knowledge of police procedures proves invaluable to the gang. No longer on the outside, she now experiences the pressure and danger of being a fugitive. This transformation underscores the show’s recurring theme: the system is not always just, and sometimes rebellion becomes a form of justice.
Character Evolution and Internal Conflict
Raquel’s arc is not a simple switch from good to bad. Instead, her journey is marked by deep internal conflict. She constantly wrestles with guilt, fear, and uncertainty. Her love for The Professor is real, but so is her concern for her daughter and the life she left behind. These emotional layers make Raquel one of the most human and relatable characters in La Casa de Papel.
Throughout the series, Raquel is portrayed as someone who desires truth and peace but finds herself caught in a war between ideals and survival. Even as Lisbon, she maintains a sense of empathy and often acts as a moral compass within the group. Her presence softens the team and provides a balancing force against some of the more impulsive characters.
Raquel’s Impact on the Narrative
Raquel Murillo’s role is crucial to the progression of La Casa de Papel. Her transition from inspector to criminal is symbolic of the show’s larger message about resistance, identity, and systemic flaws. She blurs the lines between law and crime, illustrating that good and evil are not always clear-cut in the world of Money Heist.
- Emotional Connection: Her relationship with The Professor adds emotional weight to the heist narrative, humanizing the criminal side.
- Strategic Advantage: Her knowledge as a former police inspector strengthens the gang’s strategy and gives them an upper hand.
- Moral Conflict: Her decisions reflect the show’s recurring theme of internal struggle between duty and passion.
Portrayal by Itziar Ituño
Spanish actress Itziar Ituño brings Raquel to life with a performance filled with nuance and emotional depth. She captures the duality of a woman torn between love and law, portraying strength, vulnerability, and transformation with grace. Ituño’s portrayal is widely praised by fans and critics alike for adding complexity and authenticity to the role.
Through her expressions and body language, Ituño successfully communicates Raquel’s inner turmoil without needing excessive dialogue. Her chemistry with Ãlvaro Morte (The Professor) is one of the emotional highlights of the show and has become iconic within the Money Heist fandom.
Legacy of Raquel Murillo in La Casa de Papel
By the end of the series, Raquel has fully embraced her identity as Lisbon. She no longer views herself as part of the system but rather as someone who challenges it. Her transformation reflects the larger evolution of the series from a story about a simple heist to a saga of rebellion, love, and resistance against authority.
Raquel’s character arc is one of redemption and self-discovery. While she begins as a tool of law enforcement, she ends as a fighter for a cause she believes in. Her evolution is a testament to the power of love, the danger of corruption, and the strength of personal agency.
In a series filled with action, suspense, and political symbolism, Raquel Murillo stands out as a character driven by emotion, principle, and change. Her story adds depth and humanity to the high-stakes world of La Casa de Papel, ensuring that her legacy will be remembered as one of the most essential and impactful in the series.