TV Show Review - Narcos (Season 3)

Season: 3
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2017
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Alberto Ammann, Damían Alcázar, Francisco Denis, Michael Stahl-David, Matt Whelan, Matias Varela

Description: A chronicled look at the war on drugs in Colombia, focusing on the Cali cartel.

Review: After a somewhat messy first episode, introducing old acquaintances and new protagonists, season 3 is in my opinion the best season. The reintroduction of DEA agent Javier Peña and the leaders of the Cali cartel; Gilbert Rodriguez Orejuela, Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela and Pacho Herrera takes time. Most people claim it to be the weakest season, but I think it’s definitely the best.
New important characters also have to find their way in this third season. For example, DEA agents Chris Feistl and Daniel van Ness are important allies of Javier Peña. On the other end of the spectrum, the sons of Gilberto and Miguel play important roles. Perhaps the most central role however is played by Jorge Salcedo. Jorge is the security guard for the Cali cartel, but would like to start for himself. This, like cruelty, is ultimately reason to turn against the cartel.
The Cali cartel has a completely different character than Pablo Escobar’s Meddelin cartel. Where the latter uses overt violence and terror, the Cali cartel is more cunning and underground. By making clever use of corruption and bribes, the Cali cartel manages to extend its tentacles into the core of (political and judicial) power. As a result, Gilberto manages to strike a deal with the government on a surrender without costing the cartel leaders money, power and position. With the help of Jorge Salcedo’s inventive wiretapping device, those within the cartel who oppose this plan are soon killed. Unfortunately for the cartel, DEA agent Peña has other plans. He manages to capture and imprison the mastermind behind the cartel.
This is the prelude to a political and military joust between the cartel, a corrupt Colombian government and an unwilling U.S. government. The latter seems to have an interest in keeping the government in place. It only makes Peña more motivated in his fight against the Cali cartel. While Peña does everything in his power to roll up the cartel, Jorge maneuevers between his family, the Cali cartel and the DEA. At the same time, the Cali cartel is defied by inner struggles. Not only is the surrender contested, but by picking up Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, other leaders see an opportunity.
Season 3 is so strong in part because of the cast surrounding its protagonists. Think bookkeeper Guillermo Pallomari, widow Maria Salazar, Chepe Santacruz Londoño. Chepe, in fact, knows how to combine humor and cruelty with great skill. The power struggle between Jorge Salcedo and Miguel’s son, David Rodriguez (a Colombian version of King Joffrey) adds an extra dimension to this season. With that, I always found agent Javier Peña a much more interesting character then Steve Murphy, who was the focus on in previous seasons. Now it’s Peña who shines and him being portrayed by an excellent Pedro Pascal makes it extra interesting for me.
Season 3 offers everything an exciting mafia series should offer; a touch of truth in a nicely set up drama. Probably not a popular opinion, but season 3 of “Narcos” is definitely its best.