Round Two: Narcos

Narcos: Season 1, Episode 2 “The Sword of Simon Bolivar” (B+)

This show really is terrific, and it’s no surprise that it has already been renewed for a second season by Netflix. Honestly, this is the first Netflix show in a while that I’ve felt like I really could marathon through since its plot is so deeply engaging, but naturally I’ll stick to my once-a-week airing schedule. It’s crazy to see how fast the smuggling trade has evolved that there were so many planes going that they started to need a refueling place in between its origin and destination in the United States. Finding out that cocaine got bottled in Coca-Cola bottles as a sort of inside joke is fascinating, as is the fact that the drug dealers themselves bought drug-sniffing dogs to test the effectiveness of their product. Needing a front because they were so successful is a sign of just how big they got, and their immediate access to Steve’s information as soon as he tried to enter the country, followed up by the murder and hanging of his cat, is worrisome indeed. It’s interesting to see that Pablo, for once, decided not to simply execute the kidnapper who came to quite literally fall on his sword and instead give him the chance to be a new ally. The pacing of this show is particularly perfect, with its stylized tone and dated feel working so well to its advantage, telling a long, very full story in the most specific detail and in a very involving fashion. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.