Friday, the second season of Narcos: Mexico dropped on Netflix.
After the crazy ending of season one, this new 10-episode season continued to explore the growing influence of the Guadalajara Cartel under the leadership of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo.
But Gallardo almost did not make it to the second season; he had to make a deal with Guillermo González Calderoni to stay out of jail at the end of the first year.
With the killing of Kiki Camarena, the DEA, CIA, and numerous other American agencies stepped up the pressure on the Mexican cartels, and the government.
Without giving too many spoilers, here are my top five favorite characters from Narcos: Mexico season two, and also one that is my least favorite.
Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo: The Thin Man, played expertly for two seasons by Diego Luna, leads the Guadalajara Cartel into the most powerful narcotics trafficking organization on the planet. As the season unfolds, you can see the beginnings of what the world now has to live with; Gallardo sets up the cartel to take over for the Colombians. But you can also see the toll it is taking on him, emotionally and physically.
If you have read anything about the story, you probably knew how it was going to end up for Gallardo at some point. How long can he hang on to his power, and escape the clutches of all the enemies he has made along the way?
Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman: Most people know what he becomes at some point; Narcos Mexico shows how he starts to get more power and respect in the organization.
His groundbreaking (literally) idea changed the smuggling game. Played by actor Alejandro Edda.
Juan José "El Azul" Esparragoza Moreno: Azul has switched sides, and works for Gallardo now. The fixer, Azul has a few twists and turns throughout season two.
He takes care of his business very quietly, and most of the time behind the scenes.
Pablo Acosta: Gerardo Taracena plays this character expertly. He is an old school guy, and handles his business in that way. It becomes a problem, though, for Acosta, as the organization moves into a new age.
Mimi: Played by Sosie Bacon (daughter of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick), she is the moral compass for Acosta.
She has an effect on everything that happens.
Finally, here is one character that I do not like:
Isabella Bautista: The character, played by Teresa Ruiz, spends most of the two seasons scheming to get a seat at the table. The ending for her makes it worth watching her arc.