Narcos: Mexico

A new destination, completely new actors, a new subtitle. The newest addition to the Narcos family has garnered a lot of attention, and I noticed that many critics initially assumed it wouldn't live up to its older, successful siblings (by which I mean the first three seasons), and that it would simply lack that pinch of perfection. I somewhat understand what they meant, but all in all, Narcos: Mexico is a first-class creation with only a few cosmetic flaws. The most important attribute was undoubtedly finding a charismatic actor who could carry the entire series and ensure viewers would thoroughly enjoy his on-screen presence. Initially, I had some doubts about Diego Luna and his character, and skepticism was only a small step away, but as time went on, I came to understand his personality. He might not reach the level of Pablo, but then again, who else can? I was a bit surprised that the story started at a rather slow pace, but by the end, it picked up considerable momentum, with no shortage of shootouts and plot twists. A great soundtrack, excellent buildup, and anticipation for the second season are definitely present. Now you might be asking: "So why did this ignoramus only give it four stars?" It was lacking a better and more developed character on the other side of the barricade, as Agent Peña's character completely overshadowed "Kiki." I give it 84%. (2018-12-28)

Felix Gallardo may feel like a poor relative and schoolboy of real narco- sunroofs by a pool with hippos in Colombia, but this parallel history lesson (or a bridge between the 3rd and 4th series?) can look straight into the eyes of the past three seasons. It does not lose out qualitatively. Yes, contemporary Mexico and Felix as a drug addict are somewhat more run-of-the-mill than Pablo and the gentlemen from Cali, but that is the strength of the series. It flows slowly, unobtrusively, sometimes just by varying familiar situations, but giving them an interesting measuring scale, a disturbing undertone that stands out all the more when you know the current testimonies about the state of affairs. For example, Heli Amata Escalante, who directed the great fifth episode and underlined Netflix's courage to hire art directors with a very radical CV. The second example - the excellent retro beauty rides of the seventh and eighth episodes, which the outlaid Mexican formalist Alfonso Ruizpalacios directed. The sense for detail and atmosphere of these episodes is as exceptional as the creators' feeling for type casting. The transformations of the main characters and the constant influx of interesting supporting characters elevate Narcos amongst the elite. Mexicans can feel at home here, even though the peak of the series, combined with another excellently chosen protagonist, Kim, comes between episodes nine and ten. I can't help but be excited about drug addiction again. The one where benevolent killer Don Neto rises especially breaks the heart. (2018-11-21)

It doesn't reach the quality of the original Narcos, but it certainly won't bring shame to this franchise. It's still got plenty of gems and moments that are exemplarily staged, and as a series production, Narcos and Narcos: Mexico made a dent in the world and deservedly became cult-classics. (2024-09-01)

Solid, but probably the weakest Narcos. The setting of Mexico is certainly appealing, but the characters are not as engaging as before. Michael Peña isn't Pedro Pascal and Diego Luna doesn't have the charisma of Escobar or the Godfathers of the Cali Cartel and that's quite a problem. The only crazy character that really entertains is Rafa. The action is more intimate than spectacular and unfortunately there isn't much of it as no one is properly at war with each other; there more personal murders which, although detailed and brutal, I expected much more. Slight disappointment, but still 4 srars. 75%. (2018-12-31)

I've waited so long for the fourth season of Narcos... until they canceled it and instead made a new series (and royalty contracts can start again). And even though it took me almost a year to make it to the end (there are still more and more great series), I am very happy with the new direction of the series and I will gladly binge-watch the second season in a few months. Immediately after the casting announcement, I couldn't quite imagine Michael Peña in such a serious role, and it must be said that I didn't quite get used to it until the end; however, Diego Luna is absolutely fantastic, and I wish him a bright future (especially with the Star Wars Rogue One series awaiting him). In conclusion, the series maintains its high quality, it all depends on how you connect with the storyline. (2022-10-27)