Ep 4. Escobar's Empire

In episode 4 of Narco Wars season 1 titled "Escobar's Empire," the show follows the rise of Pablo Escobar, one of the most notorious drug lords in history. The episode begins by introducing Escobar as a young man with a humble background, growing up in poverty in Medellin, Colombia. From a young age, he had a cunning spirit and was always figuring out how to make a quick buck.

As he got older, he became involved in various criminal activities, from stealing tombstones and reselling them to running a small-time marijuana operation. However, it wasn't until he became involved in cocaine trafficking that Escobar's empire really took off.

The episode covers how Escobar gained control of the cocaine trade in Colombia, forming the infamous Medellin cartel. This cartel quickly became the dominant force in the drug trade, smuggling cocaine into the United States and Europe. The show also explores how Escobar became so powerful, describing how he used a combination of violence, intimidation, and bribery to gain the loyalty of politicians, law enforcement officials, and even rival drug lords.

Despite his criminal activities, Escobar also cultivated a Robin Hood image among the poor in Colombia, using his wealth to fund hospitals, schools, and other community projects. This made him even more popular among the people, and it also helped him evade capture for several years.

The episode ends by exploring the beginning of the end for Escobar's empire, as the United States and Colombian governments began to crack down on drug trafficking in the 1980s. The show describes how Escobar's power began to wane, as he lost key allies and faced increasing pressure from law enforcement. However, despite the growing threat to his empire, Escobar continued to hold on to power, leading to one of the most infamous manhunts in history.

Overall, episode 4 of Narco Wars season 1 is a fascinating look at the rise of one of the most notorious drug lords in history. The show does an excellent job of presenting the complex forces that led to Escobar's success, as well as the factors that ultimately led to his downfall. Viewers will be engrossed by the compelling story of one man's quest for power and wealth, and the devastating impact it had on entire nations.