City of Shadows season 1 recap: What happens to Milo and Rebeca after the final confrontation?

City of Shadows season 1 is a Spanish crime thriller series that made its debut on Netflix on December 12, 2025. The show, originally titled Ciudad de sombras, is directed by Jorge Torregrossa and brings together a talented cast, including Isak Férriz and Verónica Echegui.

Based on the novel El Verdugo de Gaudí by Aro Sáinz de la Maza, City of Shadows takes viewers through a dark investigation into a gruesome crime that unfolds across Barcelona.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from City of Shadows season 1. Reader’s discretion is required.

The episode follows the murder of a business magnate whose burnt body is found hanging from La Pedrera - Casa Milà. Inspector Milo Malart returns from suspension to investigate this horrible crime. He investigates with Deputy Inspector Rebeca Garrido, uncovering a complicated network of psychological anguish, socioeconomic inequity, and long-buried truths.

After the final confrontation, Milo and Rebeca return to their lives, having formed a closer bond through the intense case. Milo also deals with things he hasn't finished with his brother Hugo, which shows that both characters are more emotionally settled now.

A chilling murder and the search for the perpetrator in City of Shadows season 1

A detailed recap of City of Shadows season 1 (Image via Netflix)

The first season of City of Shadows takes place against the backdrop of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, with a chilling murder setting the tone. The story begins with a burnt body on La Pedrera - Casa Milà's front. The incident shocks the city since the body belongs to a powerful businessman.

Mossos d'Esquadra Inspector Milo Malart, who was suspended, is back to investigate. Milo's new partner, Deputy Inspector Rebeca Garrido, initially suspicious of his return but soon discovers his acute instincts and dedication to justice.

It gets more challenging as the investigation progresses. Detectives unearth terrifying clues that suggest a murder pattern and many offenders. Felix Torrens, another prominent individual, is kidnapped and brutally murdered, reigniting the probe. Who is murdering influential figures accountable for social injustices and why?

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The Guitart siblings revealed as perpetrators

As the investigation progresses, Milo and Rebeca follow several leads that point toward a deep-rooted personal vendetta. The two detectives uncover the tragic backstory of the killers: Helena and Hector Guitart, two young siblings who have suffered unimaginable losses.

They were once a wealthy family, but their lives took a tragic turn when their mother died, and their father fell into despair. This led to their eventual displacement when Felix Torrens’s company forcibly took their home to redevelop the area.

For years, Torrens abused the siblings in his orphanage. Due to pain and personal losses, they seek revenge on those who damaged their life. Torrens and other powerful persons like Susana Cabrera and Mauricio Navarro are blamed for their suffering. Investigations into the Guitart siblings reveal that these homicides are a call for justice, not vengeance.

The Guitart Siblings’ final act

In the season finale, the Guitart siblings are caught while attempting to set fire to the Pope's motorcade at the Sagrada Família, a renowned Barcelona landmark. Time foils their scheme, but desperation drives them to extremes. Helena and Hector set themselves on fire to make a statement and complete their goal, which is tragic.

Milo and Rebeca absorb the case's fallout. Although justice is served, it is emotionally costly. The events they witnessed transform the detectives, but they also bond. Milo struggles with unresolved concerns, especially with his brother Hugo, who has demons. Milo and Rebeca return to their life at the end of the series, but the case will leave lasting wounds.

Milo and Rebeca’s emotional resolution

After the Guitarts' self-immolation, the investigation officially comes to a close, but the emotional repercussions linger for both Milo and Rebeca. During the investigation, the two agents learn to depend on each other and grow from what they go through together, which makes them close.

Milo, who has been dealing with problems in his life that he hasn't been able to solve, especially with his brother Hugo, starts to face his personal issues.

Rebeca, too, is left to process the psychological toll of the case, and though they return to their respective duties, their connection and the emotional impact of the investigation shape their futures.

City of Shadows season 1 is available to stream on Netflix.

Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya