''Locked Up'', originally known as ''Vis a Vis'' (french: Vis a Vis, "face to face"), is a Spanish

serial drama In television program, television and radio programming, a serial is a show that has a continuing plot that unfolds in a sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials typically follow main story arcs that span entire television seasons or even t ...

television series produced by Globomedia, initially for Spanish Network

Antena 3 Antena 3 may refer to: * Antena 3 (Portugal), a national radio channel produced by the Portuguese public broadcasting entity Rádio e Televisão de Portugal *Antena 3 (Romania), a Romanian television channel owned by Intact Media Group *Antena 3 (Sp ...

and later for Fox Spain. It premiered on 20 April 2015. The series focuses on Macarena Ferreiro, who is sent to prison for fiscal offenses and goes on to depict prison life and the corruption of law-enforcement bodies. One year after Antena 3 cancelled the show, Fox Spain announced they had picked up the series for a third season, which premiered on 23 April 2018. It became the most watched paid TV in its timeslot. A fourth and final series premiered on 3 December 2018.

Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a ...

also bought global streaming rights for the show. Following the show's initial cancellation, several cast members moved on to other projects, resulting in major cast changes in seasons 3 and 4. Production also moved to a different filming location, as the previous studio became the set of another

Álex Pina Alejandro "Álex" Pina Calafi (born 22 June 1967) is a Spanish television producer, writer, and director, known for the crime drama ''Money Heist''. Previous shows include '' Vis a vis'', '' El embarcadero'', and '' Los hombres de Paco''. His ne ...

show, ''

Money Heist ''Money Heist'' ( es, La casa de papel, link=no, , ) is a Spanish heist crime drama television series created by Álex Pina. The series traces two long-prepared heists led by the Professor ( Álvaro Morte), one on the Royal Mint of Spain, an ...

''.

Maggie Civantos Maggie Civantos (; born 28 December 1984) is a Spanish actress, best known for her starring role of Macarena Ferreiro in the prison series '' Locked Up'' (''Vis a vis''). She has since starred in series such as ''Cable Girls'', '' Malaka'', '' Vi ...

, who played the series' main character in the first two seasons, had her role reduced due to her commitment to another show, ''

Cable Girls ''Cable Girls'' ( es, Las chicas del cable) is a Spanish period drama streaming television series that ran from April 2017 and concluded in July 2020. Set in the late 1920s, it stars Ana Fernández, Nadia de Santiago, Blanca Suárez and Maggie ...

''.

Najwa Nimri Najwa Nimri Urrutikoetxea (; born 14 February 1972) is a Spanish actress and singer. Early life Nimri's mother is from Pamplona and her father, Karam Nimri, is Jordanian. She has a brother named Karim Nimri, a half-brother named Andre Nimri a ...

Berta Vázquez Berta Vázquez (born Birtukan Tibebe; 28 March 1992) is a Ukrainian-born Spanish actress, model, and singer. Her career began in dance, and later transitioned to acting and music. Vázquez first appeared in ''Palm Trees in the Snow'' (2015). Sh ...

María Isabel Díaz Lago María Isabel Díaz Lago (born 4 July 1964) is a Cuban actress. A graduate of the Instituto Superior de Arte, her first film role was in ''Una novia para David''. She became the first Cuban " Almodóvar girl", appearing in the 2006 film ''Volver' ...

, Marta Aledo, Laura Buena and

Alba Flores Alba González Villa (born October 27, 1986), known professionally as Alba Flores, is a Spanish actress. She is best known for her roles as Saray Vargas in '' Vis a Vis (Locked Up)'' and Nairobi in '' La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)''. She iden ...

returned as main cast members. A spin-off entitled '' Vis a vis: El oasis'' was released in 2020, and focuses on Macarena and Zulema, and is the last installment of the series.

Plot

Macarena Ferreiro Molina is a Spanish woman who falls in love with her boss and commits

embezzlement Embezzlement is a crime that consists of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion of such assets, by one or more persons to whom the assets were entrusted, either to be held or to be used for specific purposes. Embezzlement is a type ...

. She is accused of four tax crimes and consequently imprisoned at the Cruz del Sur Prison as a precautionary measure with a high bail set. In prison, Macarena learns that to avoid projected seven-year sentence she will likely receive if convicted depends on changing, evolving and becoming a different person. To pay the bail, her family outside searches for a large sum of money hidden somewhere.

Series overview

Season 1 (2015)

Framed by her lover for corporate fraud, young Macarena Ferreiro finds herself locked up in a high security women's prison surrounded by tough, ruthless criminals. Still in denial, prison proves to be a very rude awakening for Macarena and at the end of her first day, she finds herself struggling to cope. Yolanda, her cell mate, takes Macarena under her wing, but a midnight visit from Zulema, the prison's most dangerous inmate, is about to change Macarena's life forever.

Season 2 (2016)

Zulema, Saray and Macarena escape from prison. With Sandoval's (

Ramiro Blas Ramiro is a Spanish and Portuguese name. Notable people with the name include: Given name * Ramiro I of Asturias (c. 790–850), king of Asturias * Ramiro II of León (c. 900–951), king of Leon * Ramiro III of León (961–985), king of Leon * ...

) bribery, Miranda (Cristina Plazas) imposes stricter prison rules and regulations in response to their escape. With authority from the director to use any extreme measures to discipline misbehaving inmates, some officials abuse their power on some of the inmates.

Season 3 (2018)

Saray, Rizos, Sole (

), Tere ( Marta Aledo), Anabel (

Inma Cuevas Inmaculada "Inma" Cuevas Aragón (born 1977) is a Spanish actress. She became popular to the wider audience for her performance as Anabel in the television series '' Locked Up'', having previously stood out for her stage career. Biography Inma ...

), Antonia (Laura Baena) and Zulema (

) adapt to the new environment of Cruz del Norte after being transferred to the new prison.

Season 4 (2018–2019)

Season four deals with the aftermath of Zulema (

), Saray (

) and Altagracia's (

Adriana Paz Adriana Paz (born January 13, 1980) is a Mexican actress and dancer. She began her artistic career in Spain, shooting commercials and acting in a play. She was recognized for her role as Toña in the Mexican film ''Rudo y Cursi'' (2009) with a n ...

) escape. Altagracia, who used to terrorize the woman inmates as a prison guard, is now one of them. Sandoval is the new director of Cruz del Norte.

Cast and characters

While the show initially focused on the character of Macarena Ferreiro, portrayed by Maggie Civantos, it became an

ensemble Ensemble may refer to: Art * Architectural ensemble * ''Ensemble'' (album), Kendji Girac 2015 album * Ensemble (band), a project of Olivier Alary * Ensemble cast (drama, comedy) * Ensemble (musical theatre), also known as the chorus * ''Ensem ...

show.

Cruz del Sur female inmates

as Macarena Ferreiro: A young woman sentenced to prison for seven years due to embezzlement. (season 1–2,

Oasis In ecology, an oasis (; ) is a fertile area of a desert or semi-desert environment Najwa Nimri Najwa Nimri Urrutikoetxea (; born 14 February 1972) is a Spanish actress and singer. Early life Nimri's mother is from Pamplona and her father, Karam Nimri, is Jordanian. She has a brother named Karim Nimri, a half-brother named Andre Nimri a ...

as Zulema Zahir: Known as the queen of prison due to her criminal records and illegal activities even while incarcerated. (season 1–4, Oasis). *

as Estefania "Rizos" Kabila: A young prisoner in prison for four years due for auto theft. (season 1–4). *

as Saray Vargas de Jesús: A young woman sentenced for assault. (season 1–4, Guest: Oasis). *

as Ana Belén "Anabel" Vila Roig Garcés: A woman sentenced to 9 years for prostitution and drugs. (season 1,2 and 3). *

as Soledad Núñez Hurtado: A prisoner who burned her husband and mistress to death. (seasons 1–4). *Laura Baena as Antonia Trujillo Díez: The prison cook, must serve 5 years. *

Belén Cuesta Belén Cuesta Llamas (born 24 January 1984) is a Spanish actress. She rose to prominence for her performance as Magüi in comedy series ''Paquita Salas''. She won the Goya Award for Best Actress for her leading performance in drama film ''The En ...

as Yolanda Montero

Cruz del Sur employees

Roberto Enríquez Roberto Enríquez Asenjo (born 20 January 1968) is a Spanish actor. He is known for his performances in television series such as ''Locked Up'', ''Hispania, la leyenda'' and ''La señora'' or in films such as '' Fat People''. Biography Robert ...

as Fabio Martínez León: A hot-tempered prison guard and former police officer. (season 1–2, Guest: 3). *

as Carlos Sandoval Castro: The prison doctor of Cruz del Sur and director of Cruz del Norte. (season 1–2,4, Guest: 3,

Oasis In ecology, an oasis (; ) is a fertile area of a desert or semi-desert environment Cristina Plazas Cristina Plazas (born 30 September 1969) is a Spanish actress. She appeared in more than fifty films since 1999. she's known for her secondary role in the TV serial Vis a Vis :it:Vis a vis - Il prezzo del riscatto Selected filmography Referenc ...

as Miranda Aguirre Senén: The director of Cruz Del Sur. (season 1–2). * Alberto Velasco as Antonio Palacios Lloret: A friendly prison guard.(season 1–2,4). * Harlys Becerra as Ismael Valbuena Ugarte: An antagonistic chief prison guard. (season 1–2). * Ana Labordeta as Paloma Garrido "Governor": The head prison guard. (Recurring season 1).

Macarena's family

Carlos Hipólito Carlos López Hipólito (born 1956), better known as Carlos Hipólito, is a Spanish actor with a long stage career. He is perhaps most familiar to a television audience for performances in series such as ''Desaparecida'', ''Guante blanco'', ''Loc ...

as Leopoldo Ferreiro Lobo: Macarena's father and former police guard. (season 1–2). * as Encarna Molina: Macarena's mother. (season 1–2). *Daniel Ortiz as Román Ferreiro Molina: Macarena's older brother. (season 1–2, Guest: Oasis).

Cruz del Norte inmates

* Ruth Díaz as Mercedes Carrillo –A mother and a politician in the local district that was sentenced to prison due to corruption. (season 3; guest: 4). * as Akame: Leader of the Chinese gang in Cruz del Norte and antagonistic towards the newly transferred inmates from Cruz del Sur. (season 3). *

Ana Marzoa Ana Beatriz Vázquez Argibay (born 15 September 1949), better known as Ana Marzoa, is an Argentine-Spanish actress. Biography The daughter of Galician emigrants, Ana Marzoa was born in Buenos Aires, and from a very young age she studied theater, ...

as Prudencia Mosqueira: Soledad's friend in prison. (season 3). *

Itziar Castro Itziar Castro (Barcelona, February 14, 1977) is a Spanish actress known mainly for her role as Gоya Fernández in '' Vis a vis'' and for participating in films such as '' Campeones'' or '' Pieles'', for which she was nominated at the Goya Award ...

as Goya Fernández: One of the self-proclaimed leaders of Cruz del Norte and a drug dealer. (season 3–4, Oasis). *

Abril Zamora Abril Zamora Peláez (born 11 November 1981) is a Spanish actress, screenwriter, and director with a long career in film, television, and theater. She rose to prominence as Luna in the FOX Spain television series '' Vis a Vis'', which gave visi ...

as Luna Garrido –A transgender inmate who befriended the Cruz del Sur inmates, also a drug addict. (season 3–4).

Cruz del Norte employees

*Javier Lara as Álex Moncada: Director of Cruz del Norte. (season 3). *

Luis Callejo Luis Callejo Martínez (born 1 August 1970) is a Spanish actor. Biography Luis Callejo Martínez was born in Segovia on 1 August 1970. He trained his acting chops at the local Municipal Theatre Workshop, later joining the Madrid's RESAD. His ...

as Andrés Frutos: A prison guard who secretly trades with the Chinese inmates. (season 3). *

as Altagracia Guerrero: An ex-prisoner and an antagonistic prison guard, Zulema's accomplice. (season 3–4). *

Cristina Marcos Cristina Marcos (born 19 December 1963) is a Spanish actress. She has appeared in over 35 films and television shows since 1981. She starred in the 1981 film '' Maravillas'', which was entered into the 31st Berlin International Film Festival. ...

as Magdalena Cruz: Owner of Cruz del Sur, del Norte, del Oeste, and the newly planned del Este. (season 4). *

Benjamín Vicuña Benjamín Vicuña Luco (born 29 November 1978) is a Chilean actor and entrepreneur. Biography Vicuña was born November 29, 1978 to father Juan Pablo Vicuña Parot and mother Isabel Luco Morandé. He is a descendant of Benjamín Vicuña Macke ...

as Antonio Hierro: A strict prison guard assigned to monitor Zulema. (season 4). *Zaira Pérez as Nuria Millán: Prison guard in Cruz del Norte. (Recurring season 3–4).

Police

Jesús Castejón Jesus ( AD 30 or 33) was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who most Christians believe to be the incarnation of God and Muslims believe was a prophet. Jesus may also refer to: People Religious figures * Elymas Bar-Jesus, a Jew in the ''Ac ...

as Inspector Damián Castillo: The head detective of the police force. (season 1–4, Guest: Oasis). * Hugo Guzmán as Camilo Jalapeño: Inspector Castillo's partner. (Recurring season 2). *

Verónika Moral Veronika Moral (born Verónica Moral; 30 August 1978) is a Spanish actress known for appearing in the long-running telenovela ''Amar en tiempos revueltos'' and also for her acting in ''Compañeros'', ''Física o Química'', ''Qué vida más tri ...

as Helena Martín: An undercover cop in prison.(season 2). * Jose Javier Domínguez as Inspector Pipiolo: Inspector Castillo's partner. (Recurring season 2). *Irene Anula as Inspector Nerea Rojas: Inspector Castillo's partner, Rizos' love interest. (Recurring season 3).

Cast summary

: = Lead character : = Macarena Ferreio's relatives : = Inmates : = Prison staff : = Police inspectors : = Oasis Characters

International broadcast

Season 1 started broadcasting in the United Kingdom on 17 May 2016 on

Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television network operated by the state-owned enterprise, state-owned Channel Four Television Corporation. It began its transmission on 2 November 1982 and was established to provide a four ...

Walter Presents Walter Presents is a video-on-demand service of the UK's Channel 4, part of its All 4 online platform. Launched on 3 January 2016, it specialises in foreign-language drama and comedy with English subtitles. It is named after Walter Iuzzolino, ...

video-on-demand service. In 2017,

Prime Video Amazon Prime Video, also known simply as Prime Video, is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service of Amazon offered as a standalone service or as part of Amazon's Prime subscription. The service pr ...

acquired the first two seasons for the United States, and in 2018,

Hulu Hulu () is an American subscription streaming service majority-owned by The Walt Disney Company, with Comcast's NBCUniversal holding a minority stake. It was launched on October 29, 2007 and it offers a library of films and television seri ...

acquired the first four seasons for Japan. In Greece, the series premiered on 27 November 2018 on ERT.

bought the rights for international distribution in 2017. The series is also available for a limited amount of time on the online streaming service 'VTMGO' by the Belgian broadcaster VTM.

Reception

Critical response

Critics praised the cast's acting and fast-paced storyline. "The acting is strong throughout, the characters engaging and believable, the script is fast-paced and captivating, and it looks beautiful on screen with some creative and imaginative camerawork." Rebecca Nicholson from ''The Guardian'' says that the show is "tremendously silly and fantastically taut thriller that carries itself at a breathless pace". "This is violent – brutally so – and very graphic in its portrayal of life in a women's prison. But utterly brilliant at the same time. It is dark with a constant air of threat and menace running through it. I love it." from Martin Howse of Entertainment Focus.

Awards and nominations

Spin-off

A spin-off series titled '' Vis a vis: El Oasis'' premiered in April 2020. The show focuses on Macarena and Zulema teaming up together. The spin-off serves as the last season for the series.Vis a vis el oasis capitulo 3 online temporada 5
a qué hora, cómo y dónde ver en vivo
/ref>

References

External links

* * {{IMDb title, 4524056, Locked Up *
Locked Up
' at

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wan ...

2015 Spanish television series debuts 2019 Spanish television series endings 2010s prison television series 2010s Spanish drama television series Lesbian-related television shows Serial drama television series Spanish crime television series Spanish prison television series Spanish thriller television series Television shows set in Spain Antena 3 (Spanish TV channel) network series Spanish-language television shows Television series by Globomedia