An In-depth Review of Narcos: Mexico Season 3

Introduction

The past five years have seen a plethora of popular television series, but one that has stood out is the gripping tale of drug trafficking and the battle for power in the notorious world of cartels: Narcos. While the first two seasons and even the second part of the Mexican series were thrilling, Season 3 of Narcos: Mexico regrettably fell short of expectations. In this review, we will delve into the disappointments and critiques surrounding the third installment, highlighting its uneven narrative approach and questionable ideological leanings.

Backdrop and Overview

The first two seasons of Narcos focused on the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the tumultuous days of the infamous Cali cartel. However, the narrative took a different turn with the introduction of Narcos: Mexico. Season 1 was centered on Miguel ángel Félix Gallardo's efforts to unify multiple drug trafficking factions into a cohesive organization. The subsequent season maintained a primarily Mexican focus, but the third season experienced a shift and a notable decline in quality.

Cultural and Ideological Issues

The decline in the third season of Narcos: Mexico can also be attributed to the heavy-handed cultural and ideological portrayals that have become increasingly prevalent in the series. These elements often overshadow the historical and factual aspects of the narrative, leading to a diluted and unrealistic representation of events.

Season 3: A Letdown

The third season of Narcos: Mexico is plagued by a number of criticisms. One of the primary issues is its vague and disjointed storytelling. Instead of delving into the intricate dynamics of trafficking families and the corrupt web of government officials, the narrative is dominated by the characters of a fictional, albeit flimsy, young female journalist and a mediocre protagonist who is a Mexican traffic cop. Both these additions seem tone-deaf and out of place, detracting from the overall narrative flow.

Female Journalist Addition

The character of the incompetent, insolent, and obnoxious young female journalist fits into a broader theme of "women's empowerment" pushed by certain cultural and ideological narratives. While the inclusion of women in the narrative is increasingly common, the execution in this case feels forced and is not integral to the storyline. The narrative shifts to follow this character, detracting from the main plot and the personalities and actions of real historical figures such as El Chapo and Amado Carrillo Fuentes.

Mexican Traffic Cop Sub-Plot

The subplot involving a hopeless traffic cop who hunts for the killers of young girls falls into the stereotype of "femicide," a term that has been fervently promoted by the left-wing narrative. This character's motivations and actions, while attempting to add depth to the narrative, instead serve as an distraction from the main story and dilute the focus on the real, significant events and figures of the time.

Effectiveness and Impact

The impact of these disjointed storylines and shifts in focus is further compounded by the diminishment of key historical details. The chilling ultimatum of Plata o Plomo and the broader landscape of Central American conflict are overshadowed by the diluted narrative centered on these fictional characters. Important historical events such as El Chapo's rise to power and his significant contributions to political campaigns and the life of Amado Carrillo Fuentes are given minimal attention. Key historical figures become mere footnotes in a overshadowed narrative.

Conclusion

While the first two seasons of Narcos: Mexico set a solid foundation for a compelling retrospective of Mexican drug cartels and the internal conflicts and external pressures that shaped their rise and fall, the third season is a clear misstep. The cultural and ideological leanings that drive certain narrative choices detract from the historical and factual basis of the show, ultimately leading to a less engaging and informative viewing experience. Netflix may need to reassess its approach to integrating ideological narratives to ensure that historical accuracy and quality storytelling are not sacrificed.

Final Thoughts

Viewers who appreciate the raw and brutal portrayal of the cartels' influence and power in Mexico may find themselves disappointed with the third season. The show has now become a victim of its own success, where ideological agendas overshadow the powerful storytelling that made the first two seasons so engaging. If you are looking for a blood-soaked, fast-paced, and historically nuanced exploration of the drug cartel era, Season 3 may not be the best choice.