Narcos: Mexico

Mexican drug trade's gritty rise and fall

Watch on Netflix
About Narcos: Mexico

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 3 Seasons

Cast
Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Scoot McNairy, Tenoch Huerta, Joaquín Cosío, José María Yazpik, Matt Letscher, Alyssa Diaz, Alfonso Dosal, Alejandro Edda, Alberto Ammann, Mayra Hermosillo, Luisa Rubino, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Sosie Bacon

About Narcos: Mexico

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About

Narcos: Mexico is a crime TV drama series that serves as a companion series and prequel to the original Narcos series. It first premiered on Netflix in 2018 and is set in 1980s Mexico during a time when the Mexican drug trade was thriving and dangerous cartels were at their height. The show explores the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and the efforts of DEA agent Kiki Camarena to bring down its leader, Felix Gallardo.

The series delves into the complexities of the drug trade, the power struggles within the cartel, and the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the criminals. It weaves a captivating narrative filled with suspense, corruption, and moral ambiguity.

Making / Production

Narcos: Mexico was created and produced by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. It is a spin-off of the original Narcos series, which focused on the rise and fall of the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. The showrunner for Narcos: Mexico was Eric Newman.

The series was shot on location in Mexico and features a mix of English and Spanish languages, giving it an authentic feel. The production team meticulously researched the history and events surrounding the Mexican drug trade in the 1980s to accurately portray the story.

Actors

  • Diego Luna as Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo - The charismatic leader of the Guadalajara Cartel who becomes the primary target of the DEA.
  • Michael Peña as Kiki Camarena - A dedicated DEA agent determined to bring down the drug cartels and uncover the truth.
  • Alejandro Edda as Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán - A future notorious drug lord who works his way up within the Guadalajara Cartel.
  • Aaron Staton as Butch Sears - A fellow DEA agent and Kiki Camarena's partner in the operation.
  • Joaquín Cosío as Ernesto "Don Neto" Fonseca Carrillo - An experienced drug trafficker and founding member of the Guadalajara Cartel.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Narcos: Mexico was originally planned as the fourth season of the original Narcos series but was eventually developed as a spin-off.
  • The show is based on real events and characters but some artistic liberties were taken to enhance the dramatic storytelling.
  • The character of Kiki Camarena was based on a real DEA agent who was kidnapped and murdered in Mexico in 1985.
  • Narcos: Mexico received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, and historical accuracy.
  • The series provides a deep dive into the geopolitical and sociocultural factors that influenced the Mexican drug trade during that era.

Awards

Although Narcos: Mexico has not won any major awards, it has received nominations and recognition for its storytelling and performances.

Quotes

  • "I'm not a rich man. I'm a poor man with money.", - Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo
  • "Kiki Camarena will not be forgotten. His sacrifice will not be in vain.", - DEA Agent Walt Breslin
  • "There are no shortcuts in this game. It needs to be brutal to work.", - Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán

Music

The music in Narcos: Mexico plays a vital role in setting the atmosphere and enhancing the storytelling. It features a mix of both contemporary songs and tracks from the era in which the series is set. The music includes a combination of Mexican and international artists, creating a diverse and vibrant soundtrack.

Soundtrack

  • "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
  • "I Will Dare" by The Replacements
  • "Mexicali" by The Growlers
  • "Spill the Wine" by Eric Burdon & War
  • "Pachuco" by Love and Rockets