The Netflix series Narcos and Narcos: Mexico have captivated audiences worldwide with their gripping portrayal of the war on drugs. While the two shows appear to be separate entities, they are, in fact, connected in several ways. In this article, we will delve into the connection between Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, exploring the narrative threads, character crossovers, and historical events that link the two series.
The Origins of Narcos
Narcos, the original series, premiered in 2015 and was created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. The show is based on the true story of the rise and fall of the Medellín cartel, led by Pablo Escobar, and the DEA agents who pursued him. The series spans three seasons, covering the period from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.
The Story of Pablo Escobar
The first two seasons of Narcos focus on the life of Pablo Escobar, played by Wagner Moura, and his ascent to becoming one of the most powerful drug lords in Colombia. The show explores his relationships with his family, his partners in crime, and his enemies, including the DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal).
The Birth of Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico, released in 2018, is a spin-off of the original series, created by Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro. The show is set in the 1980s and explores the rise of the Guadalajara cartel, led by Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna). The series follows the story of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena (Michael Peña), who is sent to Mexico to investigate the cartel.
The Connection to Narcos
While Narcos: Mexico appears to be a standalone series, it is connected to Narcos through several narrative threads. One of the main connections is the character of Amado Carrillo Fuentes, played by José María Yazpik, who appears in both series. In Narcos, Amado is a minor character, but in Narcos: Mexico, he plays a significant role as a key player in the Guadalajara cartel.
Character Crossovers
In addition to Amado Carrillo Fuentes, there are several other character crossovers between the two series. One notable example is the character of Pablo Escobar’s cousin, Gustavo Gaviria, played by Juan Pablo Raba. Gustavo appears in Narcos, but he is also mentioned in Narcos: Mexico as a key player in the Medellín cartel.
Other Connections
There are also several other connections between the two series, including:
- The mention of the Medellín cartel in Narcos: Mexico, highlighting the rivalry between the two cartels.
- The appearance of the Cali cartel in Narcos: Mexico, which is also a major player in Narcos.
- The use of similar themes, such as the corrupting influence of power and the devastating effects of the war on drugs.
Historical Events
Both Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are based on real historical events, and the two series overlap in several ways. One notable example is the assassination of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, which is depicted in Narcos: Mexico. This event is also mentioned in Narcos, highlighting the impact it had on the war on drugs.
The War on Drugs
The war on drugs is a central theme in both series, and the two shows explore the devastating effects it had on Mexico and Colombia. The series highlight the corruption, violence, and corruption that resulted from the war on drugs, and the ways in which it affected the people and communities involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are connected in several ways, including narrative threads, character crossovers, and historical events. While the two series appear to be separate entities, they are, in fact, part of a larger story that explores the war on drugs and its devastating effects. By examining the connections between the two series, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often brutal world of the drug trade.
Key Takeaways
- Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are connected through narrative threads, character crossovers, and historical events.
- The two series explore the war on drugs and its devastating effects on Mexico and Colombia.
- The series highlight the corrupting influence of power and the devastating effects of the war on drugs.
- The two series are part of a larger story that explores the complex and often brutal world of the drug trade.
Final Thoughts
Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are two gripping series that offer a unique perspective on the war on drugs. By examining the connections between the two series, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often brutal world of the drug trade. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating topic, Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are two series that are sure to captivate and inform.
Are Narcos and Narcos: Mexico the same series?
Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are two separate series, but they are connected in terms of their narrative and the world they portray. While Narcos focuses on the rise and fall of the Medellín cartel in Colombia, Narcos: Mexico explores the origins of the Guadalajara cartel in Mexico. Both series are part of the same franchise, but they have distinct storylines and characters.
However, there are some connections between the two series. For example, the character of Amado Carrillo Fuentes, who appears in Narcos: Mexico, is mentioned in Narcos as a key figure in the Mexican cartel. Additionally, both series deal with the theme of the war on drugs and the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the cartels.
What is the timeline of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico?
The timeline of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico is not strictly linear. Narcos takes place in the 1980s and 1990s, while Narcos: Mexico is set in the 1980s. However, the events of Narcos: Mexico occur before the events of Narcos, and the two series can be seen as companion pieces. Narcos: Mexico explores the early days of the Guadalajara cartel, while Narcos focuses on the rise of the Medellín cartel.
It’s worth noting that the two series do not overlap in terms of their storylines. While there may be some overlap in terms of characters or events, the two series are designed to be standalone narratives. However, watching both series in chronological order can provide a deeper understanding of the world and the characters that inhabit it.
Are the characters in Narcos and Narcos: Mexico connected?
While there are no direct connections between the main characters in Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, there are some connections between the supporting characters. For example, the character of Enrique Camarena, a DEA agent who appears in Narcos: Mexico, is mentioned in Narcos as a key figure in the war on drugs. Additionally, some characters in Narcos: Mexico mention the Medellín cartel, which is the focus of Narcos.
However, the main characters in each series are distinct and separate. The characters in Narcos, such as Pablo Escobar and Javier Peña, do not appear in Narcos: Mexico, and vice versa. The two series have their own unique casts of characters, each with their own storylines and arcs.
Can I watch Narcos: Mexico without watching Narcos?
Yes, you can watch Narcos: Mexico without watching Narcos. While the two series are connected in terms of their narrative and world, they are designed to be standalone stories. Narcos: Mexico has its own unique characters, storyline, and themes, and it does not require prior knowledge of Narcos to understand.
However, watching Narcos can provide a deeper understanding of the world and the characters that inhabit it. Narcos provides a broader context for the war on drugs and the rise of the cartels, which can be helpful in understanding the events of Narcos: Mexico. Additionally, watching both series can provide a more complete picture of the narrative and the characters.
Is Narcos: Mexico a spin-off of Narcos?
Narcos: Mexico is not strictly a spin-off of Narcos. While the two series are connected in terms of their narrative and world, Narcos: Mexico is a separate series with its own unique characters, storyline, and themes. The series is designed to be a companion piece to Narcos, rather than a direct spin-off.
However, Narcos: Mexico does build on the world and the characters established in Narcos. The series explores the origins of the Guadalajara cartel, which is mentioned in Narcos, and it provides a deeper understanding of the war on drugs and the rise of the cartels. In this sense, Narcos: Mexico can be seen as a spin-off or a companion series to Narcos.
Will there be more seasons of Narcos: Mexico?
There have been three seasons of Narcos: Mexico, and it is unclear whether there will be more. The series has received critical acclaim and has been popular with audiences, but there has been no official announcement from Netflix regarding future seasons.
However, the creator of the series, Chris Brancato, has expressed interest in continuing the story of Narcos: Mexico. In an interview, Brancato stated that he would like to explore the rise of the Sinaloa cartel, which is a major player in the war on drugs. If there are more seasons of Narcos: Mexico, they will likely continue to explore the world and the characters established in the first three seasons.
Is Narcos: Mexico based on real events?
Like Narcos, Narcos: Mexico is based on real events and draws inspiration from the true story of the Guadalajara cartel. The series is fictionalized, but it is rooted in the real-life events and figures of the war on drugs. The characters and storylines are composites of real people and events, and the series is designed to be a dramatization of the true story rather than a documentary.
However, the series does take some creative liberties with the true story. Some characters and events are fictionalized or exaggerated for dramatic effect, and the series is not a strictly accurate depiction of the real events. Nevertheless, Narcos: Mexico is grounded in the real world and provides a compelling and thought-provoking portrayal of the war on drugs.