I would not say the criminal genre is my favorite when it comes to TV series. But when something fresh comes up on Netflix I like to give it a try at least for a couple of episodes before I move on to something else. I needed just five minutes to be hooked up by Narcos and the feeling remained until the last minute of the final episode.
Narcos is one of these surprises that spring up here and there and you are completely unprepared for its sheer quality and gripping storyline. In the center of the plot we find the legendary Pablo Escobar – the most notorious drug-trafficking kingpin of all time. The series follows his meteoric rise from a local smuggling gangster to the head of a cocaine-fuelled empire whose money output was bigger than that of General Motors. Simultaneously we witness the efforts of two DEA agents – Javier Peña and Steve Murphy - sent in Columbia to battle the growing export of drugs into the USA.
The first thing that immediately grabs your attention is the documentary-like structure of the show. The narrative is often intertwined with historical references and includes raw footage of real-life events, the struggle of Columbian authorities with the drug cartels, the war that the Medellin cartel waged against the government, the reign of terror, bombings and kidnapping. On this background every single scene becomes more vivid and the viewer is further inclined to believe in the plotline. You very quickly understand the initial reference to magical realism and the literature of Gabriel Garcia Marquez – the setting of a seemingly unbelievable story in believable context. And truly, once you get to know the details, numbers and sheer scope of Escobar’s empire you cannot help but wonder did this happen for real.
One of Brazil’s most decorated and acclaimed actors Wagner Moura takes on the pivotal role of Escobar. He creates a character that almost against our will and instincts we are drawn to – self-confident, intelligent, a visionary in his own right who could have easily achieved success in every other field of life. But his actions and decisions leave the audience with no doubt – at the very same time he can be cruel, ruthless and order the death of hundreds of people to eliminate a single enemy. Throughout the series we witness the growing paranoia and animalistic cruelty of a man who thinks himself above the law and conventions of morality. And Moura is sublime in exploring the subtle changes that ultimately turn the appealing, fascinating Escobar into a repulsive monster.
The other focal point of the story is the relationship between Peña and Murphy and the local authorities related to the growing power of the Medellin cartel. The show does not shy away from problems like corruption, deceit, betrayal and police violence. The positive characters soon find out that they are engaged in a full-scale war with no moral boundaries or legal limits. Then comes the crucial point of making a personal choice – whether you give up and follow the rules, achieving nothing or you fight fire with fire, cross the boundaries and get things done. By the final episodes both Peña and especially Murphy find themselves on a very shaky moral and legal ground, making questionable decisions that they soon find to regret.
Pedro Pascal who gained worldwide popularity with his appearance as prince Oberyn Martell in the fourth season of Game of Thrones plays the flamboyant playboy Peña who is not afraid to walk the back alleys of crime to get closer to the people he pursue. Boyd Holbrook was a relatively unknown name for me, but he makes a powerful and convincing role as the idealistic and straightforward agent Steve Murphy, who soon understands that in order to defeat Escobar he would have to play his game and topple him with his own weapons.
Overall Narcos delivers what True Detective failed to achieve – a truly dynamic, vibrant, believable human story. The plotline is tight, there is the perfect balance between action, violence, romance, politics and history. What I found most appealing was the sense that you watch one large 8-hour movie, separated in ten integral parts. The transition between the episodes is the smoothest I have seen in any TV show right now – even better than Game of Thrones or House of Cards. So be warned – once you play the first episode you may find yourself glued to the screen for the rest of the weekend!
