Narcos (2015-2017) [Serial Review]


Created by: Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Damian Alcazar, Michael Stahl-David, Matt Whelan
Dur:  Average of 55 mins per episode. A total of 10 episodes per season.
Genre: Crime-Drama
PG: Nudity, plenty of violence and foul language
Rating: 9/10

Some time ago, I was browsing through some of the most viewed serials on IMDB and came across Narcos with a very high rating. That intrigued me to check up further and I discovered that the serial was a fictional reconstruction of the rise of drug cartels in Colombia, recounted from the America Drug Enforcement Agency’s point of view. The trailer caught my fancy and I decided to begin watching the series. The first two seasons dwell on the infamous drug trafficker and cartel boss, Pablo Escobar, his rise in notoriety, entry into drug production and trafficking and final decline.
 
The first two seasons were high on violence, sexual content and foul language but probably attempt to remain as true to facts as possible while still making good entertainment. I have to admit, they did succeed! The first two seasons were absolutely thrilling. I got to learn so much about Escobar and the rise of the drug business as well as its production, shipment and surveillance by law enforcement agencies. Narcos puts you in the situation, as if you are an actor alongside the Columbian people working either for or against the cartels. The suspense is tense, acting fantastic, script praiseworthy, direction and camera work excellent.

I thought I had seen plenty with the first two seasons but season three was for me, by far the best season. The story takes up after the demise of Pablo and follows the rise and fall of the Cali Cartel. The story builds up really well and is full of plot twists, violence and nail-biting suspense. Season 3 had far less sexual content and brutality but is still quite graphic. The whole series is really addictive as it leaves you eagerly desiring to see how things play out. Although the overall scheme is that of a narrative, the action is fast-paced and hardly has a moment of dullness. It must be commended for doing a fantastic job with reconstructing history and presenting it in a very attractive way. Kudos to the whole team for this wonderful production.

P.S. If you are sensitive like myself then you might have to grow numb to the violence, sexuality and foul language to really enjoy the series.  

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