Ep 2. The Cali KGB

As the third season of Narcos progresses, the focus shifts from the infamous Medellín drug cartel to the Cali cartel, a powerful group of traffickers who have managed to evade law enforcement by working together and using more sophisticated methods of operation. In season three episode two, titled "The Cali KGB," viewers get a closer look at one of the most crucial components of the Cali cartel's success: their intelligence network.

The episode begins with Jorge Salcedo, the Cali cartel's head of security, frantically trying to track down the source of a leak within the organization. He knows that someone is giving information to the DEA, and he must act quickly to identify the traitor before the cartel is dismantled. Salcedo is a complex character, torn between his loyalty to the cartel and his growing disgust at the violence and corruption that come with the job.

Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal's Javier Peña is back in action, trying to track down the remaining members of the Cali leadership after the death of Gilberto Rodriguez. He's convinced that the cartel is still in operation, despite rumors to the contrary, and he's determined to bring them to justice. Pascal delivers another rock-solid performance as the determined agent, a role he's made his own since the show's first season.

As the episode progresses, we see just how effective the Cali cartel's intelligence network is. They have spies and informants everywhere, from the police to the military to the media. They're able to anticipate raids and arrests before they happen, and they have contingency plans in place to deal with any unexpected setbacks. It's a sobering reminder of just how difficult it is to take down an organization like this.

"The Cali KGB" is a tense, tightly plotted episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. There are several moments of genuine shock and surprise, as characters make unexpected moves and alliances shift. The show's writers do a great job of balancing the perspectives of the law enforcement and criminal sides, so that viewers understand the motivations of both.

In addition to the compelling plot, "The Cali KGB" is also visually striking. The show's location scouts have done an excellent job of finding locations in Colombia and Mexico that look like they're straight out of a movie. The colors are vibrant and the landscapes are stunning, but there's always a sense of danger lurking in the shadows. The show's production values are top-notch, and every scene looks like it was shot with care and attention to detail.

One of the standout elements of Narcos has always been the performances, and season three is no exception. As mentioned, Pedro Pascal delivers another great performance as Peña, but he's not the only one. Matias Varela is outstanding as Jorge Salcedo, giving a nuanced portrayal of a man who's caught between two worlds. Damian Alcazar, who plays Cali cartel leader Gilberto Rodriguez, is also great, exuding a quiet menace that makes him all the more terrifying.

Overall, "The Cali KGB" is a strong episode of Narcos that sets up the rest of the season nicely. It's a good introduction to the new players in the game, and it shows just how difficult it will be to take down the Cali cartel. If you're a fan of the show, you won't want to miss this one.