What I’m Watching: Narcos: Mexico

Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 5 “The Colombian Connection” (B+)

I had heard that some familiar characters from Colombia made cameos on this show, and this episode did not disappoint. It’s strange to see the Cali brothers and Pablo in a different context, especially the latter, whose lavish lifestyle feels infinitely greater and more exotic than all the luxury we’ve seen Miguel and his partners enjoy. Miguel deserves tremendous credit for not faltering under pressure, going so far as to tell Pablo that he hadn’t reached out to him because he had heard he was temperamental. Miguel is definitely in over his head with connections to two different Colombian cocaine operations, and I have a feeling that Rafa’s frustration with the situation is going to prove most problematic. He feels that he’s being cut out, and now he’ll be less cooperative and likely sloppier too. It’s maddening to see how close the DEA agents were to exposing everything, only to be told by the supervisor who didn’t pronounce Jaime’s name with the proper accent that they needed to stop making so many problems. Kiki had the ledger with everything in his hands, and he managed to escape not only with his life but also with some very crucial information that may just help them as they try a new way to take down Miguel and his whole syndicate that is awfully reminiscent of the charge that ultimately sent Al Capone to prison. Given that this show is going to be back for a second season and maybe more, I think the setbacks are going to eclipse the victories for a while.