What I’m Watching: Narcos (Season Finale)

Narcos: Season 1, Episode 10 “Despeque” (B+)

This had to be an intense and action-packed finale, but it also had to set up the story for season two, something that I can’t wait for and am sure will be just as solid as this first round. This episode got off to a relatively troubling and jarring start when Steve got snatched from outside his home. It didn’t turn out to be nearly as worrisome as it seemed, though the revelation that Javier is in bed with malicious forces is not comforting at all. We haven’t seen Elisa at all in a while, and that’s just one of a few threads that haven’t been touched upon or sewn up this season. It’s clear that everything comes down to Pablo and his struggle to rule Colombia any way he can. Gaviria sending Special Forces in to storm the prison was the boldest decision he’s made yet, and his loyal lieutenant marching in to the prison when he found out that Pablo hadn’t been arrested was even more brazen. Eduardo’s daring move made him a prime hostage for Pablo, but his quickness to communicate that to Gaviria on the phone and his willingness to die to get Pablo arrested or killed was brave. Naturally, this wasn’t Pablo’s demise, and now he’s in the wind and ready to declare war on Colombia again. There’s simply nothing as solid or compelling as this show on television right now, and I cannot wait for season two when it premieres next year. Hopefully, this show will make a strong showing come awards time.

Season grade: A
Season MVP: Wagner Moura as Pablo