Veneno Season 1 Episode 1 The Night We Crossed the Mississippi

In the first episode of Veneno, titled "The Night We Crossed the Mississippi," we are introduced to the world of Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, a.k.a. La Veneno, a Spanish transgender icon who rose to fame in the 1990s through her appearances in television, music videos, and talk shows. The episode takes us back to 1996, when a young aspiring journalist named Valeria Vegas decides to interview La Veneno for a local magazine.

As Valeria travels to La Veneno's hometown of Adra, in the province of Almería, we get a glimpse of the rural Andalusian landscape and the poverty that pervades it. We also see how La Veneno's story is intertwined with the history of Spain, from the Franco dictatorship to the transition to democracy in the 1970s. La Veneno's own family history is also explored, including her difficult relationship with her mother and her early experiences of discrimination and violence.

When Valeria finally meets La Veneno, she is struck by her charisma, wit, and irreverence. La Veneno is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge societal norms, whether it's by dressing in flashy outfits, using provocative language, or revealing intimate details about her sex life. She also reveals to Valeria the painful secrets of her past, including a childhood marked by abuse and neglect, and a youth spent working as a sex worker and living on the margins of society.

As Valeria spends more time with La Veneno, she begins to realize the impact that her story could have on Spanish culture and politics. La Veneno's unapologetic embrace of her transgender identity and her refusal to conform to cisgender norms challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, and inspires a whole generation of LGBTQ+ people in Spain and beyond. Her message of self-acceptance and empowerment resonates with Valeria, who decides to write a book about La Veneno's life and legacy.

"The Night We Crossed the Mississippi" sets the stage for the rest of the series, which follows La Veneno and Valeria's friendship over the years, as well as the impact that La Veneno's public persona has on Spanish society and media. Through interviews with Valeria, La Veneno's family and friends, and famous Spanish figures such as Pedro Almodóvar and Boris Izaguirre, the series provides a multifaceted portrait of a complex and unforgettable woman.

Overall, the first episode of Veneno is a compelling and moving introduction to a fascinating character and a crucial chapter in Spanish LGBTQ+ history. It combines humor, drama, and social commentary in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you are familiar with La Veneno or not, this series is a must-watch for anyone who cares about LGBTQ+ representation, human rights, and the power of storytelling to change hearts and minds.