‘Narcos’ Details the Downfall of Pablo Escobar in Season Two

Pricilla Kumar

Keeping in line with the first season of the Netflix original, Season Two of “Narcos” was full to the brim with action, drugs, and body bags. The fictionalized account of the Colombian cocaine lord Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), complete with subtitles, takes viewers through a drug-induced coma while laying out the details of the fall of Escobar.

The last season ended with Escobar on the run, escaping from La Catedral, a makeshift prison that was more of a lavish getaway of sorts. Because Escobar is the kingpin of the Medellin cartel, he is successfully reunited with his family and in a tender moment with his daughter, viewers are drawn into this emotional side. Members of the audience who are able to wrap the series of events together may have noticed that the first season explored decades of Escobar’s life while Season Two explores Escobar’s escape from prison down to his final day in Colombia.

Over the course of 13 episodes, the show has managed to balance heroes and villain alike. The series unfolds with DEA Agent Stephen Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) serving as the narrator, similar to Season One. Murphy, alongside his partner Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal), are the two DEA agents responsible for taking down Pablo Escobar, forming an onscreen chemistry that adds an appealing charm to the show. Each episode is tightly packed with action and drama with building anticipation as to when we see the drug lord’s fall.

Tensions are raised through various subplots such as Murphy’s wife leaving him, heightening his rage toward those around him. Escobar’s former mistress, Valeria Velez (Stephanie Sigman), a key supporter of his political ambitions, is murdered by Los Pepes, enemies of the drug lord. Escobar himself goes through the various stages of emotional downfall, with Moura’s performance at the forefront that continuously moves the plot forward, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats.

The final episode of “Narcos” delivers a powerful look into the death of Escobar, adapting the scene of the 1993 Medellin rooftop blowout that ended the drug lord’s life. “Narcos” has been renewed for Season Three and Four, in which viewers come to the realization why the show is aptly titled “Narcos” and not “Pablo Escobar.” Season Three will explore the roots of the Cali Cartel.

“Narcos” Season Two is streaming on Netflix Sept. 2.