Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 9 “881 Lope de Vega” (B+)
I don’t want to read a summary of this episode to confirm what the last scene means because I’m trying to avoid spoilers, and with just one hour left in this season, I can wait to find out what happened to Kiki. This installment got us back to using archive footage and real-life news that helps this show to have even more of an impact, showing what actually happened and how close this series can (sometimes) be to that. Mika dreaming that Kiki had returned to her was an alarming way to start the hour, and he endured quite a bit of misery being tortured for the information that he wasn’t going to give up. Jaime, unlike all of the corrupt bureaucracy he’s encountered in Mexico, didn’t waste any time in taking his concerns to the highest authorities, making noise to try to get something accomplished in finding Kiki. Getting so close to Rafa only to see him misidentified as someone else and allowed to take off was a crippling blow, and it took much longer for the Costa Ricans to agree to help bring him in after the trip that was presumably given by Miguel, who had his parting phone call with his brother, well aware of the fate he was sentencing him to. Rafa’s downfall has been a long time coming, and he outlasted the eventuality of it by much longer than I had expected. It was good to see some familiar faces from the DEA back in Mexico to help with the search for Kiki, but, the fear still remains that their arrival was too late.
Showing posts with label Narcos Mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Narcos Mexico. Show all posts
Friday, February 1, 2019
Friday, January 25, 2019
What I’m Watching: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 8 “Just Say No” (B+)
Of all the things we’ve seen happen so far this season, the DEA raiding the fields before they were burned by the military was perhaps the most impactful. Part of it has to do with the fact that Miguel and his operation seemed so untouchable, but the multibillion-dollar loss sustained as a result represents a definite blow to the profitable industry. It was a surprising procedural gain for the DEA, who once again experienced a roadblock in their efforts to send findings up the chain to create actual, documented progress, but it didn’t come without one particular cost. Kiki and Mika were celebrating and debating whether they should send their kids to public or private school, but it seemed obvious from the start of this hour, if not a few episodes back, that their happy ending isn’t going to happen the way that they want it to. Here was another opportunity for Miguel to finally call Rafa a liability and take him out for disobeying his direct orders, but it seems that Miguel has lost some control, to the point that he now needs to be responsible for supervising the torture of Kiki to determine what it is that the Americans know. Hearing Acosta say that he’s known for a long time that he’s meant to go out in a gunfight and that there was no use putting off the inevitable made it seem like a big battle might be underway, but that turned out to be far more peaceful, not to mention productive.
Of all the things we’ve seen happen so far this season, the DEA raiding the fields before they were burned by the military was perhaps the most impactful. Part of it has to do with the fact that Miguel and his operation seemed so untouchable, but the multibillion-dollar loss sustained as a result represents a definite blow to the profitable industry. It was a surprising procedural gain for the DEA, who once again experienced a roadblock in their efforts to send findings up the chain to create actual, documented progress, but it didn’t come without one particular cost. Kiki and Mika were celebrating and debating whether they should send their kids to public or private school, but it seemed obvious from the start of this hour, if not a few episodes back, that their happy ending isn’t going to happen the way that they want it to. Here was another opportunity for Miguel to finally call Rafa a liability and take him out for disobeying his direct orders, but it seems that Miguel has lost some control, to the point that he now needs to be responsible for supervising the torture of Kiki to determine what it is that the Americans know. Hearing Acosta say that he’s known for a long time that he’s meant to go out in a gunfight and that there was no use putting off the inevitable made it seem like a big battle might be underway, but that turned out to be far more peaceful, not to mention productive.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
What I’m Watching: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 7 “Jefe de Jefes” (B+)
I keep wondering how long Rafa is going to be around before Miguel has to make the decision that he’s much more trouble than he’s worth, especially with his shifted focus into cocaine that no longer relies on Rafa’s skills to be profitable. This episode focused more, however, on Miguel becoming increasingly untouchable until he pissed off the wrong people by delegating responsibilities and assignments as he saw fit, while Rafa, in his paranoia and violent rage, took out those poor American writers who were wandering around for the course of the entire episode and got mistaken for DEA agents because they were watching the locals. Miguel got to express the anger that he’s been carrying for a while with others doubting him, and now he’s going to be even more of a boss that no one wants to mess with, lest they end up with their head smashed in. Kiki’s desire to have Miguel understand just how close he came to catching him resulted in a near-confrontation, but one that Miguel was able to simply drive away from and ignore. Mika looking for a house in San Diego and seriously expecting that they could pick up and leave was a classic instance akin to a detective in a movie staying on for one last case that will obviously alter their life forever. Don Neto has been a very worthwhile supporting character, and this episode saw him grieving in a way that we haven’t before, determined to do what he felt was just even after telling his son’s friend that he forgave him for accidentally killing him.
I keep wondering how long Rafa is going to be around before Miguel has to make the decision that he’s much more trouble than he’s worth, especially with his shifted focus into cocaine that no longer relies on Rafa’s skills to be profitable. This episode focused more, however, on Miguel becoming increasingly untouchable until he pissed off the wrong people by delegating responsibilities and assignments as he saw fit, while Rafa, in his paranoia and violent rage, took out those poor American writers who were wandering around for the course of the entire episode and got mistaken for DEA agents because they were watching the locals. Miguel got to express the anger that he’s been carrying for a while with others doubting him, and now he’s going to be even more of a boss that no one wants to mess with, lest they end up with their head smashed in. Kiki’s desire to have Miguel understand just how close he came to catching him resulted in a near-confrontation, but one that Miguel was able to simply drive away from and ignore. Mika looking for a house in San Diego and seriously expecting that they could pick up and leave was a classic instance akin to a detective in a movie staying on for one last case that will obviously alter their life forever. Don Neto has been a very worthwhile supporting character, and this episode saw him grieving in a way that we haven’t before, determined to do what he felt was just even after telling his son’s friend that he forgave him for accidentally killing him.
Friday, January 4, 2019
What I’m Watching: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 6 “La Ultima Frontera” (B+)
Just as the DEA almost managed to get Miguel into American custody, the war is heating up on multiple fronts between each of the varying elements. I had seen Jackie Earle Haley, who I previously enjoyed on the show “Human Target,” in the list of credited actors for this season, and now he’s making his first performance as the relatively excitable and seemingly zany Jim Ferguson, perfectly ready to drive a car into a plane to prevent it from taking off. They started off at a great vantage point to compel Miguel to come into the United States, and Kiki watching him get handed a phone as his passport was being checked and told to turn around seemed to be the last straw for him. Things weren’t looking good for Miguel at the start of the hour with his lackluster golf course visit, but by the end, he was in much better shape with the official start of the cocaine trafficking. Falcon was a threat who showed up to nearly take out Don Neto and Rafa, but then, just as Isabella was negotiating terms on Miguel’s behalf, he was executed right in front of her. Having his marital indiscretions exposed via the purchase of expensive paintings is the least of his worries now that he’s comfortably back ahead of both the competition and the DEA. If Kiki really does go home, it’s going to be a huge step backwards for the DEA, and Miguel’s operation is only going to get bigger and more powerful.
Just as the DEA almost managed to get Miguel into American custody, the war is heating up on multiple fronts between each of the varying elements. I had seen Jackie Earle Haley, who I previously enjoyed on the show “Human Target,” in the list of credited actors for this season, and now he’s making his first performance as the relatively excitable and seemingly zany Jim Ferguson, perfectly ready to drive a car into a plane to prevent it from taking off. They started off at a great vantage point to compel Miguel to come into the United States, and Kiki watching him get handed a phone as his passport was being checked and told to turn around seemed to be the last straw for him. Things weren’t looking good for Miguel at the start of the hour with his lackluster golf course visit, but by the end, he was in much better shape with the official start of the cocaine trafficking. Falcon was a threat who showed up to nearly take out Don Neto and Rafa, but then, just as Isabella was negotiating terms on Miguel’s behalf, he was executed right in front of her. Having his marital indiscretions exposed via the purchase of expensive paintings is the least of his worries now that he’s comfortably back ahead of both the competition and the DEA. If Kiki really does go home, it’s going to be a huge step backwards for the DEA, and Miguel’s operation is only going to get bigger and more powerful.
Monday, December 24, 2018
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
What I’m Watching: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 4 “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa!” (B+)
It’s easy when watching a show like this to start rooting for the bad guys since their operations have been running so smoothly and impressively thus far, reminiscent of “The Sopranos” towards the end of its run. It was very disconcerting to see Miguel out of his element, forced to go on an international plane ride and then tortured for information that he doesn’t seem to have. He’s done an incredible job of building things up, and naturally those with power want to remind him that he’s still not the top dog. Saving Rafa was no easy task, and the way that he was so nearly apprehended and within sight of Kiki when the mission got called off reminded me of when Miguel was hiding in the wall in the third season of the original “Narcos” and almost got drilled into before lawyers saved him from the other side. Neto nearly got himself killed driving drunk, but the reaction of that police officer when he realized just who he had punched says volumes about how influential and untouchable he really is. Kiki had more success than he had expected with getting this latest operation off the ground, though his newest partner had a considerably more aggressive style. Knowing just how much the strings are pulled and the criminals are protected here is sure to only encourage Kiki to continue pressing and try to make some progress in the war on drugs, an extraordinarily uphill battle with so much stacked against them.
Congratulations to star Diego Luna on a very deserved Critics Choice nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series!
It’s easy when watching a show like this to start rooting for the bad guys since their operations have been running so smoothly and impressively thus far, reminiscent of “The Sopranos” towards the end of its run. It was very disconcerting to see Miguel out of his element, forced to go on an international plane ride and then tortured for information that he doesn’t seem to have. He’s done an incredible job of building things up, and naturally those with power want to remind him that he’s still not the top dog. Saving Rafa was no easy task, and the way that he was so nearly apprehended and within sight of Kiki when the mission got called off reminded me of when Miguel was hiding in the wall in the third season of the original “Narcos” and almost got drilled into before lawyers saved him from the other side. Neto nearly got himself killed driving drunk, but the reaction of that police officer when he realized just who he had punched says volumes about how influential and untouchable he really is. Kiki had more success than he had expected with getting this latest operation off the ground, though his newest partner had a considerably more aggressive style. Knowing just how much the strings are pulled and the criminals are protected here is sure to only encourage Kiki to continue pressing and try to make some progress in the war on drugs, an extraordinarily uphill battle with so much stacked against them.
Congratulations to star Diego Luna on a very deserved Critics Choice nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series!
Friday, December 7, 2018
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Round Two: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico: Season 1, Episode 2 “The Plaza System” (B+)
I’m happy to see that we’re back to the same educational narration that helped to frame the first three seasons of the show that led to this one, and it’s just as effective here as it was there. I thought that the voice of the narrator sounded a lot like Steve Murphy, but it turns out that it’s Scoot McNairy, who I remember from his supporting role in “Frank.” We’re seeing a large on the characters played by the two biggest names here, and they’re both turning out to be quite intriguing. As expected, Kiki wasn’t prepared to wait to see how things work in this part of the world, determined to make a bust right away even if it was an unadvisable move that backfired completely. I neglected to note the presence of Matt Letscher, who played Eobard Thawne on “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” as Jaime, the far more reserved DEA agent who didn’t seem at all in a rush to get things accomplished. After the geologist’s directions turned out to be less than perfect, Miguel worked very quickly and efficiently to put together his plaza consortium. Of course it would be something like pride that could tank the entire thing and make all the parties walk away, but, as we’re seeing more and more, it’s actually law enforcement that runs the show in Mexico, leading to a power play putting Miguel’s plan back in action with him much closer to the top than he thought he would be.
I’m happy to see that we’re back to the same educational narration that helped to frame the first three seasons of the show that led to this one, and it’s just as effective here as it was there. I thought that the voice of the narrator sounded a lot like Steve Murphy, but it turns out that it’s Scoot McNairy, who I remember from his supporting role in “Frank.” We’re seeing a large on the characters played by the two biggest names here, and they’re both turning out to be quite intriguing. As expected, Kiki wasn’t prepared to wait to see how things work in this part of the world, determined to make a bust right away even if it was an unadvisable move that backfired completely. I neglected to note the presence of Matt Letscher, who played Eobard Thawne on “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” as Jaime, the far more reserved DEA agent who didn’t seem at all in a rush to get things accomplished. After the geologist’s directions turned out to be less than perfect, Miguel worked very quickly and efficiently to put together his plaza consortium. Of course it would be something like pride that could tank the entire thing and make all the parties walk away, but, as we’re seeing more and more, it’s actually law enforcement that runs the show in Mexico, leading to a power play putting Miguel’s plan back in action with him much closer to the top than he thought he would be.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Pilot Review: Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico (Netflix)
Premiered November 16
I’m still not really convinced that this is a brand-new show since its opening titles are exactly the same as those on the original “Narcos” in the first three seasons, and the idea of exploring the drug war in Mexico was introduced in the most recent finale. But apparently, this isn’t season four but a new show, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Looking at it in contrast to the previous show, it doesn’t strike me as nearly as compelling as the original pilot did, but there are some very interesting elements. Whereas the Colombian focus was on figureheads who made a name for themselves, this one is a subtler, more gradual look at one ex-cop who is prepared to revitalize the way that Sinaloa grows and sells marijuana. As it goes on, I imagine we’ll meet more players who might be introduced in typical fashion, but for the moment, Felix Gallardo is plenty intriguing all on his own. Diego Luna started out in Alfonso Cuaron’s “Y Tu Mama Tambien” alongside Gael Garcia Bernal, and recently appeared in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” He’s the clear standout here, and his character is immensely bold, shooting a major drug kingpin in the head so that he can deal directly with the police. Michael Pena is the typical DEA agent, moving to Mexico with his wife, played by Alyssa Diaz from “Ray Donovan,” and ending up standing side-by-side with that same police chief, pointing out that he had blood on his shoes without being aware of just how central a role he plays in the investigation he’s going want to jump-start. Even if this couldn’t quite compare to Pablo Escobar at the beginning, I’m definitely going to watch to learn more and see it all play out.
How will it work as a series? We’ve seen how this works three times already, and even when it’s not completely spectacular, it’s still very much worth watching. There’s something about Mexico being so close to the United States that makes this focus seem even more urgent and intense, and I don’t have any doubts that this season will manage to deliver to some satisfactory degree.
How long will it last? This show came about as part of a two-season renewal given by Netflix just four days after the second season debuted. I’m not sure if enthusiasm has worn off for this concept, even if the reviews are still good, and therefore I don’t know if Netflix is going to jump on picking it up just yet. I still don’t think this story is done, and I would expect at least another season or two at some point.
Pilot grade: B+
Premiered November 16
I’m still not really convinced that this is a brand-new show since its opening titles are exactly the same as those on the original “Narcos” in the first three seasons, and the idea of exploring the drug war in Mexico was introduced in the most recent finale. But apparently, this isn’t season four but a new show, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Looking at it in contrast to the previous show, it doesn’t strike me as nearly as compelling as the original pilot did, but there are some very interesting elements. Whereas the Colombian focus was on figureheads who made a name for themselves, this one is a subtler, more gradual look at one ex-cop who is prepared to revitalize the way that Sinaloa grows and sells marijuana. As it goes on, I imagine we’ll meet more players who might be introduced in typical fashion, but for the moment, Felix Gallardo is plenty intriguing all on his own. Diego Luna started out in Alfonso Cuaron’s “Y Tu Mama Tambien” alongside Gael Garcia Bernal, and recently appeared in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” He’s the clear standout here, and his character is immensely bold, shooting a major drug kingpin in the head so that he can deal directly with the police. Michael Pena is the typical DEA agent, moving to Mexico with his wife, played by Alyssa Diaz from “Ray Donovan,” and ending up standing side-by-side with that same police chief, pointing out that he had blood on his shoes without being aware of just how central a role he plays in the investigation he’s going want to jump-start. Even if this couldn’t quite compare to Pablo Escobar at the beginning, I’m definitely going to watch to learn more and see it all play out.
How will it work as a series? We’ve seen how this works three times already, and even when it’s not completely spectacular, it’s still very much worth watching. There’s something about Mexico being so close to the United States that makes this focus seem even more urgent and intense, and I don’t have any doubts that this season will manage to deliver to some satisfactory degree.
How long will it last? This show came about as part of a two-season renewal given by Netflix just four days after the second season debuted. I’m not sure if enthusiasm has worn off for this concept, even if the reviews are still good, and therefore I don’t know if Netflix is going to jump on picking it up just yet. I still don’t think this story is done, and I would expect at least another season or two at some point.
Pilot grade: B+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
