Season 1 of Netflix’s true crime drama Narcos first aired on our television screens in 2015. For decades TV companies had tried and failed to portray the fascinating life of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar with any real drama, gusto and talent.
Up until then dramatic voiceovers and longshots of the Medellin skyline were the very best that producers could come up with when they attempted to tell the story of El Patron.
It’s only natural perhaps then, that Jose Padilha’s superbly shot show Narcos took the world by storm. It was an instant hit with critics and fans across the world, single-handedly boosting international tourism to Colombia.
History is hard to adapt
Narcos: Mexico is back for a brand-new season on Netflix, but is it as bingeworthy as its predecessors?
Unfortunately for the writers, the problem with historical dramas is that there is no scope for deviation from the ‘script’. Pablo Escobar was shot and killed in 1993, and it seemed that was where Narcos would have to end.
Netflix had other ideas though, deciding to commission a spin-off that would focus on the illegal drug trade in Mexico. Fans scepticism was replaced with praise when Narcos: Mexico first hit the platform in 2018.
Viewers were hooked on the endless battle between the DEA (drug enforcement agency) and Gallardo, the leader of the Guadalajara Cartel. The success of that season really heaped the pressure on season two, which was released earlier this year but did it live up to expectations? Read on to find out.
Es Decepcionante
Is there an alternate reality where this scene didn’t happen and writers could bring back El Patron to rescue to the series? Unfortunately not.
The second season of Narcos: Mexico picks up where we left with Walt Breslin keen to avenge the death of his DEA colleague Kiki Camarena. Breslin’s deep-seated desire for revenge is the main driving factor of the show and it instructs almost everything that happens in season 2.
Unfortunately the show writers seem to have focused far too much on this plotline and forgotten about what made Narcos appealing to viewers in the first place. Season 2 features far less insight and voiceovers than its predecessors, leaving viewers incapable of making bonds with the main characters.
When someone inevitably dies, there is no element of jeopardy or feeling of loss for viewers. This makes for a confusing and disjointed storyline, which whilst littered with good action scenes, leaves viewers feeling underwhelmed.
Ultimately season 2 feels boring, which is something you would never have said about the previous 4 seasons. After watching this season in full you might begin dreaming of an alternate reality where Pablo Escobar never died, one in which he can ride in on a white horse and save the next season of this once great TV show.
Fans reaction
Hugely popular online slot games of the iconic series draw in tons of players.
The response to season 2 of Narcos: Mexico amongst fans has been mixed, with some sharing the views mentioned above and others praising the show for what they see as continued success. Although it must be noted that season 2 holds the lowest fan approval rating on many sites including Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB
The main talking point of fans on social media –spoiler alert- is a cameo appearance from a certain Migos member. The intense and often harrowing action scenes have come in for praise from fans on Twitter.
In fact, the fervour amongst fans has been so high that online gambling companies have been quick to launch a Narcos themed slot game to join in on the action. Binge-watchers can get their fix of the show by playing themed games featuring all of their favourite characters from the series. One of the best ones is available at the highly regarded site 888 Casino. Check out this how to win at slots guide before you play to sharpen up your skills before getting your Narcos fix.
Critics reaction
There are plenty of high-octane action scenes in Narcos: Mexico season 2 to make it worth your watching.
Whilst fans of the show may have been satisfied with a cameo and the odd violent scene, the critics have been harder to please. Here’s a snippet of what some have said about the latest season:
- “Narcos: Mexico feels like a bit of a slog. Perhaps it’s because the series is largely exploring similar thematic ground to before, or maybe it’s just that watching endless conversations between men about their business tends to get a little dull.” Patrick Cremona, Radio Times
- “It’s just not the same anymore, folks. I know, it hurts to think about it, but it’s true.” Ariba Bhuvad, Show Snob
- “Narcos: Mexico season 2 feels more like a docudrama than a drama – just one without captions to tell you who everyone is…” Stuart McGurk, GQ Magazine.
There are of course critics that disagree with these views, ones that think season 2 is just as good as its predecessor, however they are few and far between. The overwhelming consensus is that the directors and writers have let themselves, and the franchise down with this latest release.
There is just about enough action to satisfy fans of previous seasons but there is almost none of the genuine magic of the first few seasons that captivated viewers from all over the planet.
Summary
If you haven’t watched season two of Narcos: Mexico yet and have come here to find out if you should, you have to ask yourself a couple of questions. Firstly, did you love the four previous seasons of Narcos?
If the answer is yes, you should probably watch the latest seasons there’s more than enough about it to keep you interested and rekindle your Narcos passion.
If however, you’re looking for a show that will grip you and have you glued to the edge of your seat, unfortunately Narcos: Mexico season 2 is not that show. In short, this latest season is less of a ‘must-watch’ and more of a ‘could-watch’.