For decades upon decades the drug game has been an annoying, unreachable eyelash this planet hasn’t been able to rub off. From one hemisphere to another, many drug-lords have made quite a name for themselves in the game (I.e. Frank Lucas, George Jung, Nicky Barnes, Griselda “La Madrina” Blanco, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, etc.), but none have been able to “out swag” one of the most charismatic, influential and ruthless of all time… Pablo Escobar!
The allure Escobar worked up during the 1980s is one that still remains. As head of Colombia’s Medellin Cartel, its biggest cliental stomped the grounds of the United States. With such a chaotic existence caused by the drug game, Escobar acquired quite a reputation. Menacing for some, while heroic for others. Based on his rise and fall, lots has been exposed, but nothing quite as artistically detailed as Netflix original series NARCOS. Yes, some of the events and characters have been fabricated to enhance the narrative, but its ruggedness is indeed based on true events. Having debuted a year ago, the series caused a stir of positive echoes, leading to critical praise, award nominations, and last-but-not-least a solid push for a second season.
NARCOS simultaneously follows the rugged and complex real-life story of Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura) and U.S.-Colombian law enforcement efforts to challenge him head on in a brutal, bloody conflict.
Season 1 (2015) was all about his rise. The start of one of the most notorious empires on the planet. Charming the hearts of the less fortunate by bribing them with life’s luxuries, while imposing the harshest intimidation among those who dared question his actions and/or goals. Season 1 embellished among the cat-and-mouse game between him and his existence among DEA’s radar, spear-headed by U.S. Agent Murphy (played by Boyd Holbrook), leading to a negotiated imprisonment deal with the Colombian government in order to avoid further deaths and/or extradition (what all international kingpins fear) to the United States.
Having been granted the first 5 episodes by the good people at Netflix, season 2 takes place after the whole “deal.” If anyone’s familiar with Escobar’s story, you know like most kingpins (hint-hint), he manages to escape, leading to a whole new approach among his hunt and capture. With a darker and more violent start than its predecessor, season 2 focuses on a much tighter approach from both the U.S. (heavily enforced by then President George H. W. Bush [’89 – ’93]) and the Colombian government. Ultimately leading to new characters and obvious unlikely alliances, the first 10 sets itself right in the path that exposes a lot more visceral truths when maneuvering the ins and outs of a game full of questions, distrust, and looking to (literally) burying lingering pasts.
Premiering on Netflix Friday, September 2nd… The last 5 episodes I bet raises the bar to levels beyond our comprehension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7q6tIlb82w&feature=youtu.be
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