Ep 2. Cambalache

In Narcos season 2 episode 2 titled "Cambalache", the story unfolds in Colombia in the year 1992. The Cali Cartel, after the death of its head Pablo Escobar, is trying to establish itself as the new dominant force in the drug trafficking world. Meanwhile, Agent Peña, who is now stationed in Texas, receives a tip about the whereabouts of one of the cartel's key players - Gilberto Rodriguez. He sets off on a mission to capture Gilberto, but he finds that the cartel is always one step ahead of him.

On the other hand, the Rodriguez brothers are still seeking to expand their reach and power. They have a meeting with their bank manager in order to secure a large loan to finance their expansion. However, they learn that the American government is closely monitoring their financial activities, which threatens to shatter their plans.

Meanwhile, the hunt for Gilberto continues, and Agent Peña enlists the help of a local Colombian military unit. Together, they embark on a dangerous and risky operation to apprehend Gilberto. The Colombian unit faces a moral dilemma, as the operation threatens to put their lives in danger. However, after some soul-searching, they decide to stand up for what is right, and move forward with the operation.

Throughout the episode, we see the juxtaposition of the different characters' motivations. The Rodriguez brothers are trying to expand their business by any means necessary. Agent Peña is trying to capture Gilberto and bring down the cartel, while the Colombian military unit is trying to protect their country and its citizens. Each group has its own agenda, and their paths often cross, leading to intense and high-stakes confrontations.

The episode highlights the corruption that exists in Colombia, and the difficulty of bringing powerful drug lords to justice. Even with the efforts of Agent Peña and the Colombian military, the cartel seems to always be one step ahead. This is illustrated by the scene where Gilberto is shown living a life of luxury in a guarded mansion, while Agent Peña and his team are tirelessly searching for him.

Overall, "Cambalache" is an intense and thrilling episode that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. It highlights the complex web of power and corruption in the drug trafficking world, and the difficulties of bringing down powerful cartels. The episode sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping season, full of intrigue and action.