What direction could The Cleaning Lady take without Arman and Nadia?

The Cleaning Lady just wrapped up season 3 with what could have been the series finale. Just what direction will the show take in season 4?

Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for The Cleaning Lady season 3

The Cleaning Lady season 3 was not what the producers wanted it to be. The season was going to focus on Arman and his history, clashing with his own family and exploring how he rose up to become this drug lord. Tragically, it all changed when Adan Canto died of cancer, just as the season was beginning. 

Using some CGI and unused footage, the producers crafted an exit, first with Arman kidnapped by a rival. Then, as Thony tracked him down, Arman sacrificed himself by sending a truck off a cliff to save her life. The following episodes had Thony clashing with Ramona and helping Nadia fake her own death to escape. 

But Ramona found out about that and killed Nadia herself. Thony reached out to Ramona’s brother, Jorge, for help, making it clear that Ramona was setting Jorge up to take the fall for everything. He wasn’t convinced at first, but when he discovered Ramona was planning to take his daughter with her, he backed Thony.

It built to an event at a charity that was a front for money laundering, with the feds raiding it. Thony and Ramona had a face-off, with Ramona threatening to frame Thony for Nadia’s murder. But Jorge saved Thony, revealing he’d cut a deal with the feds, who arrested Ramona. (Maybe dumping Nadia's body at Agent Russo’s doorstep was a bad idea). 

It looked like it was all done for Thony as she was finally free from this criminal life and celebrating with her family. Then, she was given a “gift” of a burner phone from Derek, one of Ramona’s contacts. It ended with Thony refusing the call, but there was a hint that it may not be her choice. 

That was a good way to end, and with season 4 confirmed, what could it be like?

What could be next for Thony in The Cleaning Lady season 4?

With a new season set, the logical idea is that Thony will finally want out from the criminal life she's been living so she can build her cleaning business and focus on her family. But in classic crime show style, Derek isn’t going to take no for an answer and find a way to drag Thony into whatever he has planned.

There’s no word on who will be cast as Derek but it’s possible Ramona sticks around as she’ll want to cut some deals and revenge on Thony. Jorge will also likely be around, trying to rebuild the family name and business. We’ll probably see Russo about too, still building up a case. 

It's a huge deal for the show to get rid of both Arman and Nadia, closing out the key plotlines that have forged the series from the start. Obviously, Arman’s loss was a real-life tragedy and so it made sense to write off Nadia as well. Bringing in a fresh storyline with Derek rather than continuing the Arman cartel drama can give the show a new start to bring in new viewers.

It’s likely the series continues to play on Thony’s problems at home and wanting to keep her family safe but not retread the exact same ground as before. Yet The Cleaning Lady has a chance to pave a new story arc for its leading lady still getting in trouble and using her wits to escape while providing new thrills for its fans.

The Cleaning Lady seasons 1-3 are streaming on Hulu.