Merlí - Ending Explained
⚠️ Spoiler Analysis
Major Plot Twists and Finale Explained
Throughout its three seasons, "Merlí" is driven by character-based revelations rather than plot twists. The central long-running spoiler is the evolution of the relationship between Pol and Bruno. What begins as Bruno's secret crush on a seemingly straight Pol develops into a complex, on-again, off-again romance that defines both of their arcs. Pol's journey to accepting his bisexuality is a slow burn, culminating in moments of intimacy with Bruno that are frequently fraught with confusion and denial on Pol's part.
A significant turn in Season 1 is the sudden death of the kind-hearted teacher Santi from a heart attack, which forces the students, especially Bruno, to confront mortality and guilt for the first time in a profound way. In Season 2, the primary antagonist is Coralina, a strict and manipulative new teacher who clashes intensely with Merlí, representing the antithesis of his educational philosophy.
The most significant spoiler of the entire series is its ending. The final episode, "Merlí Bergeron," jumps forward seven years into the future. It is revealed that Merlí has died sometime after his students graduated. The former "Peripatetics" reunite at the school to honor his memory, and through flashbacks and conversations, we see the impact he had. Pol has followed in his footsteps and is now a university philosophy teacher, Bruno returns from Rome with a partner, and Tània and Pol are in a long-term relationship. The hidden meaning becomes clear: Merlí's immortality is not achieved through his own life, but through the intellectual and emotional legacy he passed on to his students. His death, while tragic, solidifies his purpose and frames the entire series as the origin story of the next generation of critical thinkers, a theme made explicit in the spin-off Merlí: Sapere Aude, which picks up with Pol's university career shortly after Merlí's passing.
Alternative Interpretations
The Ambiguity of a Flawed Mentor
While the dominant interpretation of Merlí is that of an inspirational, life-changing teacher, a significant critical perspective views him as a problematic and even toxic figure. This interpretation argues that his methods are often manipulative and self-serving. Critics point to his narcissism, his tendency to cross ethical boundaries with students and colleagues, and his use of philosophical rhetoric to justify his own questionable behavior.
From this viewpoint, the series isn't just a celebration of unconventional teaching but also a cautionary tale about the dangers of charismatic mentors who blur the lines between education and personal influence. Some analyses argue that Merlí's actions, particularly his relationships with women and his manipulation of students for his own battles against the school administration, are deeply patriarchal and undermine his progressive message. The ending, where he is lionized after his death, can be interpreted not as a testament to his greatness, but as a romanticized glossing over of his significant flaws.