Ep 1. Fantasmas

The highly anticipated fifth season of the hit TV series Queen of the South premiered with its first episode named Fantasmas. Set against the backdrop of drug cartels and the dangerous world of Mexican trafficking, the episode begins with Teresa Mendoza and her team struggling to navigate the newest challenges that threaten their position of power.

The episode opens with a startling scene where Teresa Mendoza appears to be battling for her life. After a nail-biting sequence, it is revealed that it is Teresa's subconscious battling with her past demon. As the central protagonist and leader of her drug empire, Teresa is still haunted by ghosts of her past. The episode dives deep into Teresa's psyche, depicting her vulnerability underneath her hardened exterior.

The primary plot revolves around the aftermath of the bloody war between Teresa's empire and her enemies. Despite her triumph, there are still many hurdles that she and her team face. The episode portrays Teresa attempting to consolidate her position in the cut-throat world of drug cartels without being perceived as weak. She is steadily trying to regain her power and to do so, and she must play a balancing act between the rivals in her circle. She is shown to be seeking redemption for past sins and is portrayed as torn between seeking revenge and moving forward.

The episode is filled with tension as Teresa is constantly under threat. She has to face the ghosts of her past as the DEA and prosecution are hot on her heels, always trying to catch her in the act. Teresa is warned that she needs to tread cautiously and protect herself and her team, but she brushes these warnings aside to prove her might. The narrative also explores the relationship between Teresa and the people who work for her in her drug empire, depicting how even a tight-knit team's loyalty can be called into question when faced with adversity.

As Teresa and her team navigate through the complex and treacherous underworld of drug trafficking, they also make strategic alliances with other cartels and organizations to boost their firepower and resources. Despite their best efforts, new players emerge on the scene, posing unforeseen challenges and threatening their power.

Fantasmas maintains the high production quality that the series is known for, delivering excellent performances from its cast. Alice Braga portrays Teresa with conviction, driving home the message that the story is indeed about a strong woman who is fighting her way up the drug cartel ladder.

The episode is also characterized by its intense visuals, with the director taking a stylized approach to the shooting, employing dramatic silhouettes, shadows, and lenses. The fast-paced editing adds to the tension, delivering thrilling action sequences and nerve-wracking showdowns.

All in all, Queen of the South's season five premiere, Fantasmas, hits it out of the park, setting the stage for what promises to be an unmissable season. With immensely engaging conflicts and charismatic actors, the episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and viewers looking for high octane crime dramas.