In the gripping fourth episode of "Bank Under Siege," titled "Number 1," the series peels back the layers on the enigmatic figure of Jose, the mastermind behind the bank siege. The episode opens with a flashback to Jose's childhood, where we learn that his life of crime was sparked by a single act of violence—a priest's slap for stealing a coin from the collection plate. This event set Jose on a path of robberies and a life marred by violence and theft.
The narrative then shifts to Jose and his accomplice, Jose Maria, robbing a jewelry and watch shop. The next morning, the police arrive at Jose's door, demanding the location of the stolen goods. When Jose remains silent, he is brutally beaten by the officers. This scene sets the tone for Jose's life—a life where his silence and resilience are both his strength and his curse.
The episode then takes us back in time to the OJE camp, where Jose and others receive military training and are recruited for covert operations under the leadership of Carrero Blanco. These operations, which include robberies, kidnappings, and blackmail, are designed to fund the secret service. Even as the president's death complicates the functioning of the Secret Service, Jose and his team continue their criminal activities.
Jose's life takes a turn when he is caught and sent to prison, where he meets a cellmate reading about anarchists. This encounter seems to influence Jose's political ideology and his approach to his criminal endeavors. Meanwhile, the police are tracking a woman working with Jose, who they eventually apprehend. She identifies herself as Carmen, and her home is found to contain books on anarchism, further hinting at the ideological underpinnings of the robbers.
In a poignant moment, Jose confides in Jorge, expressing his love for his wife, Christina, and his wish for her to know that he was thinking of her until the end if he were to die. This reveals the depth of his personal relationships and the human side of a man often seen as a cold criminal.
The episode then takes us through Jose's relationship with Christina, from their meeting to their joint involvement in the bombing of the Spanish Consulate in Perpignan. As Franco dies, their activities intensify, leading to their eventual capture and imprisonment.
The present-day narrative sees the hostages inside the bank causing chaos, with only two robbers to manage them. On the roof, one of the robbers surrenders after the Special Forces kill another, further escalating the tension. In a clever ruse, Jose and his accomplices disguise themselves as hostages, managing to exit the building amidst the confusion, leaving Lopez and the Special Ops unsure of who is who.
"Number 1" is a powerful episode that delves deep into the life of Jose, providing a complex portrait of a man driven by a mix of personal grievances, political ideology, and a life of crime. The episode masterfully interweaves past and present, showing how Jose's past actions have shaped the current siege. As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a deeper understanding of the man behind the mask and the motivations that drive him.