Narcos: Mexico returns for a second season, February 13 on Netflix.
By Ariba Bhuvad
Narcos is the type of show I’ve been a fan of from day one. There’s something about the unbelievably ridiculous (and very true) stories of the drug cartel that captures my attention. It’s a known fact that many others feel the same, but I have to say, Narcos: Mexico hasn’t really been my jam.
Maybe I miss the story of the Columbian cartel too much, or better yet, the frightening Pablo Escobar. What we got from the original series hasn’t exactly translated over with Narcos: Mexico. Of the three episodes I watched from the upcoming season, I find myself conflicted. There were moments when I thought the story was getting a bit more interesting, but it would immediately be followed by a string of disappointments.
A part of me wanted to give the series an F, but there are elements to this season that do give me hope for what the rest of the episodes have in store for us. Diego Luna reprises his role as Félix Gallardo, the head honcho of the Mexican cartel. He’s not quite the level of Wagner Moura as Escobar, but there is something about him that gives you the “heebie-jeebies”. He’s really the best part of the series, if there is a “best part” to talk about.
Most of the upcoming season revolves around Operation Layenda, a task force assembled to avenge Kiki Camerena’s (Michael Peña) death from the previous season. We learned as much at the end of season 1, and it’s pretty much the heart and soul of season 2.
Lending his voice as the narrator is Scoot McNairy, playing DEA agent Walt Breslin. We spent the entire first season in the dark about the narrator change, but we came to know of his identity in the season finale. I have to say that I miss the sassiness and blunt nature of Boyd Holbrook’s Steve Murphy. There’s something about the way he narrated Escobar’s story that felt raw and real. McNairy’s Breslin just doesn’t do the same for me.
Having only watched three episodes, I will preface and disclaim my review with the notion that I’m not aware of how this new season will end. Perhaps it will find its footing and improve, or perhaps there are shocking revelations in store for us that I have not become privy to just yet. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’ve been bored, yawning, and for the lack of a better description, missing the Escobar story. If this is any indication as to how this companion series will continue, I’d say Netflix should consider pulling the plug.
I give Narcos: Mexico Season 2 a D.
TV and City 