Take Three: Narcos: Mexico

Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 3 “El Padrino” (B+)

Prior to this episode, I’ve thought that Miguel was an infinitely more intriguing protagonist than Kiki. After he had the story about getting a black eye before his badge photo told to all of his colleagues, with whom he already wasn’t getting along, Kiki opted to go for the craziest undercover assignment without even telling anyone, getting on a bus with a bag over his head and then going to work picking weed from the vastest fields he’d ever seen. He nearly got himself recognized by an authority figure who would have had him shot on the spot, but then he made his escape, only to discover that his wife had gone into labor. I’m glad that the festive occasion didn’t get him the least bit distracted, and that, coupled with Jaime’s confirmation that the surveillance photos and entire operation were bogus, finally gives the DEA the upper hand. Not only that, but Kiki was able to identify Miguel as the kingpin. It’s a major victory, though they’re going to have many obstacles in trying to do anything about it given the level of corruption and powerful people involved. Miguel got spooked when a partner got taken out and he was forced into a corner, but he seems to be back on track now, especially since his brother didn’t do anything stupid after his pride was wounded because a girl he liked mistook him for a waiter. This operation is truly building up, and Miguel needs to be able to deal with the bumps along the way.

In great news, this show has been renewed for a second season!