“Narcos: Mexico” is back and better than ever. The twisting tale of cocaine trafficking has returned for the third and final installment of the spin-off series. The show follows powerful drug cartels in Mexico and how their influence extends beyond local communities.
Season three picks up after the arrest of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna), the leader of the Guadalajara Cartel. During his brief moment in power, Gallardo managed to unify the Mexican plazas — local drug rings that operate within specific regions — into an all-powerful national cartel. After a string of bad business dealings and the death of a DEA agent, Gallardo was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
As a result, the plazas split back into their respective regions. Despite an agreement of mutual respect, long-running bad blood leads to an all-out war where characteristic narco violence comes back into the spotlight.
One of the most appealing aspects of “Narcos: Mexico” is the wide array of storylines it features. The point of view flashes between cartel bosses, soldiers, cops and politicians alike. It gives the show-runners the ability to explore more than surface-level violence. From violence and romance to power struggles and pain, “Narcos: Mexico” has it all.
The show’s final season introduces a few new angles that spice up the main storyline of the show. The first of these is Andrea Nuñez (Luisa Rubino), a truth-seeking journalist intent on exposing the link between the cartels and the Mexican government. This angle has never been seen in “Narcos: Mexico” before, and it provides a fresh perspective on the people who took action against the cartels.
Another new perspective presented is that of Victor Tapia (Luis Gerardo Méndez), a low-level cop in Juarez. Méndez plays his role beautifully, supplying a new view into the life of an underpaid police officer and all the ethical dilemmas that come with the job.
One of the best features of the series is the production budget. The show offers immersive sets and realistic action that draw the viewer into the story. The high budget prevents the show from coming off as cheesy. “Narcos: Mexico” successfully avoids this; every feeling of pain, loss and success feels real.
Paired with the production value is the quality of the acting. It’s safe to say there isn’t a single weak link in the cast. Every actor/actress holds their own and each scene is rich with emotion.
All in all, “Narcos: Mexico” is well worth the watch.
