Watch Surviving Escobar- Alias JJ
- 2017
- 1 Season
-
7.8 (1,099)
Surviving Escobar-Alias JJ is a gripping and intense Netflix original series that chronicles the life of John Jairo Velásquez, better known as "Popeye," who was the most notorious hitman for Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. The series follows JJ, played by Juan Pablo Urrego, as he navigates life after Escobar's death, attempting to evade the law and stay alive against all odds.
The show is set primarily in the early 2000s, and viewers can expect a realistic and gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld in Colombia during this time period. The show is not for the faint of heart, as it contains many intense, violent scenes that may be too graphic for some viewers.
However, what sets Surviving Escobar- Alias JJ apart from other crime dramas is its focus on character development. While the show is centered around JJ's life and experiences, it is also an intimate portrait of the many different people and relationships in his life. Viewers will get to know JJ's family, friends, and colleagues, and see how the violence and pressure of his lifestyle affects them all.
Juan Pablo Urrego is exceptional as JJ, conveying a wide range of emotions throughout the series. He is both charismatic and ruthless, vulnerable and fearless, and viewers cannot help but become engrossed in his story. He is surrounded by a talented ensemble cast, including Amparo Grisales as his mother, and Natasha Klauss as his partner.
The show does a great job of balancing JJ's criminal activities with his personal life. We see JJ navigate romantic relationships, try to reconcile with his estranged father, and struggle with addiction. These personal moments make JJ a much more complex and intriguing character, and would be absent in a show that only focused on his criminal exploits.
Another standout element of the show is its portrayal of Colombian culture. The show is shot entirely in Colombia, and viewers get to see the beautiful landscapes, bustling streets, and vivid traditions of the country. The show also does not shy away from the corruption and poverty that plagued Colombia in the early 2000s, giving viewers a glimpse into the societal issues that contributed to the rise of drug cartels.
Overall, Surviving Escobar- Alias JJ is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and character studies. It is a well-crafted, intense, and heart-wrenching series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While the show depicts the life of a notorious criminal, it ultimately paints a portrait of a man who is flawed but human, and viewers cannot help but root for him despite his many sins.