Ep 8. No One's Child

Set in a post-apocalyptic Madrid, The Barrier season 1 episode 8 titled "No One's Child" takes us on an emotional journey through the lens of one of the show's most compelling characters, Alma (played by Leonor Watling). Alma is a doctor and former member of the resistance who is currently residing in an underground facility with her daughter, Marta (played by Ángela Molina).

This episode opens with Alma trying to nurse a wounded resistance member, Santiago (played by Roberto Álamo), back to health. Santiago's injuries are severe, and it's clear that he's not going to make it. As Alma tends to him, she flashes back to happier times with her own family, remembering her husband and son who were killed in the early days of the pandemic. These memories are bittersweet, but they give her the strength to keep fighting.

Later, Alma receives some devastating news. Marta's father, Emilio (played by Abel Folk), has been shot, and he's on his way to the facility. Emilio and Alma's relationship is complicated, to say the least. Emilio was part of the government's vaccination program, which was responsible for imprisoning and experimenting on people suspected of being immune to the pandemic. Alma sees Emilio as complicit in the government's atrocities, while Emilio sees Alma as a member of a group that wants to overthrow the government and bring chaos to the country.

When Emilio arrives, Alma tries to keep things civil, but the tension is palpable. Despite their differences, they both love Marta, and ultimately that is what brings them together. As they wait for Marta to arrive, Alma and Emilio reminisce about the past and try to find some common ground. They are interrupted when they receive news that Marta has been detained by the police and is being taken to a government facility.

Alma and Emilio set out to rescue Marta, but it's not an easy task. The facility is heavily guarded, and they are vastly outnumbered. They hatch a plan to use Alma's medical skills to gain access to the facility, but things quickly go awry. Alma is caught, and Emilio is left to fend for himself.

As Alma is interrogated, we learn more about the government's plans. It turns out that they have been experimenting on children, trying to create a vaccine that will work on them. Marta is one of the children they have in their custody, and Alma is devastated to learn that her daughter has been subjected to such cruelty. As the episode comes to a close, Alma must make a choice: stay in custody and protect the other children or risk everything to save her own.

Overall, The Barrier season 1 episode 8 is an intense and emotional ride. It's a testament to the show's excellent writing and superb acting that an episode centered on just one character can be so compelling. Viewers will be left on the edge of their seats as Alma navigates the dangers of a dystopian Madrid to try and save her daughter. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic dramas, The Barrier is definitely worth checking out.