The Cleaning Lady (Season 3) continues to explore the deadly world of the underworld. This thrilling crime drama series is set in the Las Vegas city of the United States of America.
Although, its primary story is based in the southern border regions of the USA that divide it from Mexico. Interestingly, this US series “The Cleaning Lady” (2022 – ongoing) is inspired by the original Argentine series “La chica que Limpia” (2017-2018). Notably, Greta Molas created the original Spanish-language series.
“The Cleaning Lady” Is Caught Between FBI & Cartel, So She Fights Back For The Sake Of Family & Her Loved Ones
Preview: The Cleaning Lady (Season Three/S3/2024) Series
Spoiler Free Review: The Cleaning Lady {S1, S2 & S3/2024} Series
The storyline/plotline/synopsis/summary
Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung), a brilliant Cambodian-Filipino doctor from Cambodia, embarks on a journey to the United States of America in search of medical treatment for her ailing son Luca. However, her hopes for a straightforward path are shattered when she encounters a flawed system that fails to provide the assistance she desperately needs.
Forced into hiding, Thony refuses to be defeated or marginalized, and instead finds herself working as a cleaning lady for a criminal syndicate. With her sharp mind and resourcefulness, she carves out her destiny within the dangerous realm of organized crime, doing whatever is necessary to protect herself and her loved ones; in the first three seasons of the show.
What did we like about this thrilling crime drama?
The script has masterfully adopted the Argentine show into an American milieu. In this gripping and intriguing crime tale, we also liked the infusion of new and fresh Cambodian characters in the show. Moreover, it has characters from many ethnic backgrounds, viz., Indian, Filipino, East-Asian, South American, Black Americans, etc. The diversity in this American show is interesting and a reflection of our contemporary globalised world.
The protagonist of the series is Dr Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung) continues to impress us with her tightrope walk. We often find her dealing with so many life-threatening situations in the show, yet she comes out on top. No wonder, her intelligence and adaptability often come to her rescue, almost all the time. And it seems, the show creator (and writers) have created a true survivor. We liked her character. She is an undocumented person in the USA. In addition, she carries a heavy baggage of personal medical issues of her loved one.
Yet she stays afloat in proverbial crocodile-infested water. We loved the way, the French-Cambodian actress Elodie Yung plays the lead character Dr Thony De La Rosa. Her intensity and intelligent demeanour shine through. She has skillfully carried this show on her slender shoulder.
Also, Martha Millan (Fiona) is good at it. Backed by the interesting script, the ensemble cast – Sean Lew (Chris), Sebastien LaSalle & Valentino LaSalle (Luca), Faith Bryant (Jaz), Eva De Dominici (Nadia Morales), Adan Canto (Arman Morales) have done a wonderful acting job. The new members of the cast – Kate del Castillo (Ramona Sanchez), Santiago Cabrera (Jorge Sanchez) and Brandon Jay McLaren (Jeremy Dolan) play their part well.
We bid goodbye to a couple of key characters in season three.
In this crime drama, we have seen a bunch of key characters losing their lives throughout three seasons. Consequently, it should come as a surprise that we bid goodbye to two of the major players in season three. But then, when one watches the crime series, one should be ready for unexpected deaths.
{Spoilers Alert} Who Dies
The first key character that dies in Season (3) Three
Arman Morales (Adan Canto) was a key component of this crime thriller. We liked his tall and brooding presence in the show.
We learnt that the actor Adan Canto faced a personal struggle with appendix cancer throughout the production of this series, ultimately succumbing to the disease in early 2024 in real life.
So, in season three, we witness the unfortunate demise of the lead character Arman Morales in the show. His tragic death meant that Dr Thony lost one of her true friends.
Adan Canto {5 December 1981, Ciudad Acuña, Mexico – 8 January 2024, Los Angeles, California, United States}. He was only 42 years old. Rest in peace, Sir.
The second key character that dies in Season (3) Three
Nadia Morales (Eva De Dominici) plays the beautiful wife of Arman Morales (Adan Canto) in the series. In the show, her character is smart but when she always comes second to Thony, as far as survival instincts come. Therefore, after the demise of her husband Arman, it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to stay alive in the dangerous cut-throat crime underworld. So, she was murdered by the mob boss.
A few important characters who die in the first two seasons
All of these characters were bumped off, one way or another – Garrett (Oliver Hudson), Hayak Barsamian (Navid Negahban), Robert Kamdar (Naveen Andrews), JD Harris (Ryan Sands), etc.
The conclusion
However, those who have been watching this series, know that the bloodbath is likely to continue even in season four and beyond. These deaths and murders tend to drive the crime tale forward. As the story of Thony takes another turn into the unknown corners of the crime world. Now that the show has been renewed for season four, we expect to see Thony (Elodie Yung) deal with a fresh set of challenges from the world of crime as well as law enforcement. That should be interesting, as we expect the appearance of new characters in it.
{Spoilers Alert} About the new surprise & cliffhanger end at the Season 3 finale
In the final scenes, Dr Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung) receives a package delivered to her house. It contained a mobile phone and a written note with the following message:
Thony,
I have a job for you.
Derek.
After Fiona (Martha Millan) finished reading the above message to Thony (Elodie Yung), the delivered cell phone rang from an unknown number.
But, Thony does not take the call and says – not this time.
That mobile phone keeps on ringing ominously and the series ends with suspense.
Sometimes, we do feel that luck is clearly on the good side of Dr Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung) of the series. Or, perhaps the scriptwriters!
No wonder, she keeps winning. Thony is a cat with nine lives. And we like watching her fight and win.
Rating: The Cleaning Lady {S1, S2 & S3/2024} Series
S1/2022 | S2/2022 | S3/2024 | |
FM Ratings | 3.75/5 | 3.75/5 | 3.80/5 |
Posters: The Cleaning Lady {S1, S2 & S3/2024} Series
Key Details: The Cleaning Lady {S1, S2 & S3/2024} Series
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Original language | English (USA), a bit of Spanish & Cambodian languages |
Seasons | Three (3) Seasons – from 2022 to 2024, so far. |
Episodes | Thirty Four (34) Episodes – from 2022 to 2024, so far. |
Particular of 34 Episodes | Ten (10) Episodes Twelve (12) Episodes Twelve (12) Episodes |
Creator & Writer | Miranda Kwok |
Cast | Elodie Yung (Thony), Martha Millan (Fiona), Sean Lew (Chris), Sebastien LaSalle & Valentino LaSalle (Luca), Faith Bryant (Jaz), Eva De Dominici (Nadia Morales), Adan Canto (Arman Morales), Kate del Castillo (Ramona Sanchez), Santiago Cabrera (Jorge Sanchez), Brandon Jay McLaren (Jeremy Dolan), Liza Weil (ASAC Katherine Russo), Oliver Hudson (Garrett), etc. |
Taglines | It’s a dirty business. |
Network | Fox. |
Spoilers Alert: 34 Episodes Summary of the series
Summary of Ten (10) Episodes In The Season (1) One
TNT (S1, E1)
After witnessing a murder, while she is on a cleaning job, Thony is forced by circumstances to clean up the scene. She’s offered a permanent cleaning job for the mob in exchange for her and her son’s life, who is dying from a terminal disease.
TNT explosive ~ 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene
The Lion’s Den (S1, E2)
Thony turns to the syndicate to get medical help for her son.
Legacy (S1, E3)
Thony is given a dire ultimatum by Garrett that could compromise her son’s access to medical treatment; a rift forms between Fiona and her son, Chris, when a secret is revealed that has major consequences for his future.
Kabayan (S1, E4)
Facing a setback with Luca’s treatment, Thony takes matters into her own hands. But when a potential donor refuses to participate, she turns to Arman for help. Garrett makes a risky demand of Thony, pushing her deeper into moral ambiguity.
Kabayan is a municipality in the Philippines.
In addition, Kabayan is the proper way to address fellow Filipinos (meaning "coming from the same country", or "fellow countryman").
The Icebox (S1, E5)
Garrett forces Thony to choose between her loyalty to Arman and saving Fiona from deportation.
Mother’s Mission (S1, E6)
Fiona and Thony’s relationship is strained due to her lies. Arman uses Thony to get intel to the FBI. Luca’s health declines and Thony must consider Mother Donna – a potential resource for a liver transplant for Luca, but at what cost?
Our Father, Who Art in Vegas (S1, E7)
Thony’s marital issues are amplified as Marco asks tough questions about her methods of getting Luca life-saving treatments. Arman is determined to make his way out from under Hayak, but Garrett is hell-bent on foiling his plans.
Full on Gangsta (S1, E8)
Thony enlists Arman’s help to get to Mexico for Luca’s transplant, but plans go dangerously off course. Thony finds herself in a desperate situation, forcing her to call upon both the former doctor and the newfound “gangsta” in herself.
Coming Home Again (S1, E9)
Arman’s fallout with Hayak has severe consequences for Thony. In hiding, Arman tries to help Thony, but it is Garrett who steps in to get Thony across the border. But upon re-entry, things aren’t what they seem.
The Crown (S1, E10)
Needing a way out, Thony tries to make a deal with Garrett to save herself and help Arman, but Arman doesn’t trust any promises made by the FBI. A sting operation is hatched, but Arman’s distrust leads it off course.
Summary of Twelve (12) Episodes In The Season (2) Two
Sins of the Father (S2, E1)
Thony desperately searches for Luca.
Lolo and Lola (S2, E2)
Thony’s in-laws come to Las Vegas. Thony must help Arman by meeting with Nadia’s gregarious and charming ex-lover.
El Diablo Que Conoces (S2, E3)
Thony must team up with Arman and Nadia in a new money-making venture to save Luca’s life; Fiona works to keep Chris out of trouble when the threat of evidence arises.
El Diablo Que Conoces (in Spanish) means The Devil You Know.
Bahala Na (S2, E4)
After Fiona puts herself in a dangerous situation, Thony resorts to calling Arman for help. Garrett is working to get back to us on the Cortez case. Chris struggles with the emotional aftermath of recent events.
Bahala Na (in Filipino) means Come what may.
The Brit (S2, E5)
Arman and Nadia start to realize Thony’s ethical methods aren’t making them enough money; Fiona takes the lead on starting her and Thony’s new cleaning business; Garrett is one step closer to solving the Cortés case.
Paradise Lost (S2, E6)
An unexpected trio emerges in the mission to take down Cortés; Arman and Nadia’s relationship hits a breaking point; Fiona attempts to keep her family safe; Chris continues to grieve.
Truth or Consequences (S2, E7)
Detective Flores digs deeper into the cause of Marco’s death. Meanwhile, Thony, Arman and Garrett team up to bring down Kamdar.
Spousal Privilege (S2, E8)
JD temporarily takes in Fiona and the kids during times of need. Meanwhile, Garrett changes strategies in his attempt to stop Kamdar.
The Ask (S2, E9)
As Luca grows sicker, Thony will do anything to get him a new medication, including asking Kamdar for help. Arman confronts Nadia about her secret.
Trust (S2, E10)
As Arman and Nadia plan their most dangerous scheme yet, Thony questions her alliances. Garrett zeroes in on a suspect in Maya’s death.
Sanctuary (S2, E11)
Thony is confronted by Garrett regarding the truth behind Maya’s death as Nadia tries to stay on Kamdar’s good side. Meanwhile, Fiona helps Luca celebrate his birthday.
At Long Last (S2, E12)
After Thony, Arman and Garrett work together to come up with a plan to take down Kamdar once and for all, Thony decides to take things into her own hands to ensure the safety of Fiona and Luca.
Summary of Twelve (12) Episodes In The Season (3) Three
Arman (S3, E1)
Arman goes missing, prompting Thony and Nadia to reluctantly join forces in searching for him. Meanwhile, Fiona copes with being deported to the Philippines and rekindles a past relationship.
For My Son (S3, E2)
Thony seeks Ramona’s aid to bring Fiona back from abroad, but the endeavour leaves her owing a debt. Meanwhile, Fiona’s long-buried secret surfaces after decades.
El Camino del Diablo (S3, E3)
Thony encounters a woman requiring urgent medical care and must take swift action to assist her.
El Camino del Diablo (in Spanish) means The Devil's Path.
Agua, Fuego, Tierra, Viento (S3, E4)
Thony embarks on a journey to reunite Fiona with her family. Concurrently, Nadia’s inquiry into Arman’s disappearance unveils a confrontation with Ramona.
Agua, Fuego, Tierra, Viento (in Spanish) means Water, Fire, Earth, Wind.
All of Me (S3, E5)
Luca goes missing and Thony thinks Ramona is responsible. Even worse, the social worker shows up and issues an Amber Alert. As a result, Luca may be taken away from Thony.
El Reloj (S3, E6)
Sick and delusional Thony desperately searches for Arman. In the end, she catches up with him, only to lose him again, this time possibly for good.
El Reloj (in Spanish) means The watch.
Velorio (S3, E7)
In the aftermath of Arman’s death, Ramona is determined to find out who leaked her plan to the FBI and exact revenge – but will it be Thony, Nadia, or someone else?
Velorio (in Portuguese) means Funeral.
Know Thy Enemy (S3, E8)
As Thony starts to spiral, Fiona grows tired of her antics and goes to Russo for help. Ramona and Jorge focused on cleaning up Arman’s mess, ensuring nothing could be traced back to them.
From the Ashes (S3, E9)
Ramona considers an offer from Thony that causes a shift in their dynamic. Jorge teams up with Nadia as a way to use her connections. Russo’s team gets closer to breaking their case open.
Smoke and Mirrors (S3, E10)
After finding hidden cameras in her home, Thony attempts to get her family’s normal life back by turning down an offer from Ramona. The FBI comes down hard on Romona and her operation. Nadia is forced to make a desperate choice.
Fight or Flight (S3, E11)
Ramona tries to recruit Thony into her business; the FBI organizes a plan to take down Ramona.
House of Cards (S3, E12)
Russo receives a terrifying warning from Sin Cara; Jorge gets news that could alter his alliances.
Fox aired the first episode of the series on January 3, 2022. Following its success, a second season was announced in April 2022 and premiered on September 19, 2022. The third season was confirmed in February 2023 and debuted on March 5, 2024. A fourth season was then approved in May 2024.
Awards:
Names of the Awards | Winners of the Awards |
---|---|
Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television | Elodie Yung – 2022 Winner Breakthrough Actress for Television – Asian Pacific Cinema and Television |
ReFrame | 2022 Winner ReFrame Stamp – IMDbPro Top 200 Most Popular TV Titles 2021-2022 |
Women’s Image Network Awards | 2022 Winner WIN Award – Drama Series |
Gracie Allen Awards | 2023 Winner Gracie – Writer Scripted – Drama – Miranda Kwok |
Posters, Other and Featured Images of The Cleaning Lady (S1, S2 & S3) Series are credited to Fox.