‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is a Colombian television series that first aired on May 28, 2012. The show is based on the life of the infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar, and is an adaptation of the book ‘La parábola de Pablo’ written by journalist and author Alonso Salazar. The series provides a detailed account of Escobar’s rise to power, his criminal empire, and his eventual downfall.
The show was a massive hit in Colombia, and it has since gained international acclaim. With a gripping storyline, excellent acting, and a well-researched script, the series has managed to capture the true essence of Pablo Escobar’s life and the impact his criminal empire had on Colombia, as well as the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the true story behind the TV series, explore its key locations, characters, and memorable quotes, delve into the book by Alonso Salazar, and provide recommendations for similar shows and books.
The True Story Behind the TV Series
The true story behind ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is based on the life of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, a notorious Colombian drug lord who was the founder and leader of the Medellin Cartel. Escobar was born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Colombia, and was raised in a lower-middle-class family. He began his criminal career in the early 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks to become the head of the powerful Medellin Cartel.
During the height of his power, Escobar was responsible for over 80% of the world’s cocaine supply, and he was one of the wealthiest criminals in history, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion. He was a ruthless and cunning individual who had a vast network of loyal supporters and an army of hitmen known as ‘sicarios’ at his disposal.
The TV series ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ provides an in-depth look into the life of this notorious figure, detailing his rise to power, his criminal empire, and his eventual downfall. It also highlights the impact his actions had on Colombia and its people, as well as the international community.
TV Series Summary and Best Episodes
‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is a 74-episode series that provides a comprehensive account of the life and crimes of Pablo Escobar. The show is divided into four seasons, with each season focusing on a specific period in Escobar’s life.
The best episodes of the series include:
- Episode 1: “The Birth of the Medellin Cartel”: This episode introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the events to come. It shows how Escobar started his criminal career and formed the Medellin Cartel.
- Episode 28: “The Death of Moncada and Galeano”: This episode showcases the ruthless side of Escobar as he orders the brutal murder of his former allies, Moncada and Galeano, who were suspected of betraying him.
- Episode 50: “The Bombing of Avianca Flight 203”: In this heart-wrenching episode, Escobar’s war on the Colombian state reaches new heights as he orders the bombing of a commercial airliner, killing all 107 people on board.
- Episode 70: “The Death of Pablo Escobar”: The series comes to a gripping conclusion as Escobar is tracked down and killed by the Colombian authorities, bringing an end to his reign of terror.
Exploring the Book by Alonso Salazar: ‘La parábola de Pablo’
‘La parábola de Pablo,’ written by Alonso Salazar, is the book that served as the primary source material for ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal.’ The book provides a comprehensive account of Escobar’s life, delving into his childhood, his rise to power, and his eventual downfall. It also explores the impact of his crimes on Colombia and its people and how his criminal empire was dismantled after his death.
Salazar’s book is based on extensive research and features interviews with people who knew Escobar personally, as well as law enforcement officials and other key figures involved in the fight against the Medellin Cartel. It provides a detailed and well-rounded perspective on the life of the infamous drug lord and serves as an excellent companion piece to the TV series.
When and Where the Series Takes Place: Key Locations
‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ takes place between the 1970s and 1993, chronicling the life and crimes of Pablo Escobar. The series is set in various locations across Colombia, with key settings including:
- Medellin: The city of Medellin serves as the primary backdrop for the series, as it was the base of operations for the Medellin Cartel and Escobar’s hometown.
- Bogota: The Colombian capital features prominently in the series, as it was the site of numerous clashes between the Medellin Cartel and the Colombian government.
- The Hacienda Nápoles: This luxurious estate, located in Puerto Triunfo, was Escobar’s primary residence and the location of many key events in the series.
Who’s Who: Main Characters and Guest Stars
The series features an extensive cast of characters, including:
- Andres Parra as Pablo Escobar: The notorious drug lord and leader of the Medellin Cartel.
- Vicky Hernandez as Enelia Mejia: Escobar’s mother, who remains loyal to her son throughout the series.
- Cecilia Navia as Maria Victoria Henao: Escobar’s wife, who is often caught in the crossfire between her husband and the authorities.
- Christian Tappan as Gonzalo Gaviria: Escobar’s cousin and right-hand man, who helps him build and maintain his criminal empire.
- Nicolas Montero as Luis Carlos Galan: A Colombian politician and journalist who openly opposes Escobar and the Medellin Cartel.
- Toto Vega as J.J. Rendon: A mysterious figure who helps Escobar evade capture on several occasions.
Memorable Quotes from the Series
There are several memorable quotes from ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal,’ including:
- “Plata o plomo” (Silver or lead) – This phrase is used by Escobar to intimidate his enemies and force them to choose between accepting a bribe or facing certain death.
- “I prefer to be in a grave in Colombia than in a jail cell in the United States.” – This quote, attributed to Escobar, showcases his determination to avoid extradition to the U.S. at all costs.
- “When you’re poor, you learn to appreciate the little things in life.” – This quote from Escobar’s mother, Enelia Mejia, highlights the humble beginnings from which the drug lord emerged.
The Soundtrack by Yuri Buenaventura
The soundtrack for ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ features an original score by Colombian musician Yuri Buenaventura. The music is a mix of traditional Colombian rhythms and contemporary sounds, reflecting the series’ setting and themes. The soundtrack is a crucial component of the show’s success, adding depth and emotion to the gripping storyline.
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
There are several interesting facts and behind-the-scenes insights related to the production of ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal,’ such as:
- The series was shot on location in Colombia, with many scenes filmed in Medellin, Escobar’s hometown.
- Andres Parra, who played Pablo Escobar, spent months researching the role and gained nearly 30 pounds to accurately portray the drug lord’s physique.
- The show’s creators, Juana Uribe and Camilo Cano, are both closely connected to the story, as Uribe is the daughter of a journalist killed by the Medellin Cartel, and Cano is the son of a newspaper editor who was also assassinated by the cartel.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Your Favorite Characters
If you’re a fan of ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ and want to dress like your favorite characters, here are some tips:
- For Pablo Escobar: Wear a button-up shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket, along with a mustache and a goldchain. You can also add a fake scar to your face to complete the look.
- For Paty de Escobar: Wear a colorful dress with a high neckline, along with a headscarf and large earrings.
- For Doña Enelia: Wear a long, flowing dress with a shawl, along with a pair of glasses and a headscarf.
- For Gonzalo Gaviria: Wear a suit and tie, along with a pair of glasses and slicked-back hair.
- For Regina Parejo: Wear a simple dress or blouse and skirt combo with a cardigan, along with a pair of glasses and minimal makeup.
- For Peluche: Wear a tracksuit, along with a gold chain and a pair of sunglasses.
‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’ screenplay by Juan Camilo Ferrand, analysis, and where to download it
Juan Camilo Ferrand wrote the screenplay for Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal, doing an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the TV series’s format, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making. The screenplay provides insight into Juan Camilo Ferrand’s creative process and fine approach to storytelling.
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’
If you’re a fan of ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in. These include action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
Alonso Salazar: Biography and Other Works
Alonso Salazar is a Colombian journalist, author, and politician. He was born on May 21, 1950, in Medellin, Colombia, and has worked as a journalist for several Colombian newspapers, including El Espectador and El Colombiano. He is also a former mayor of Medellin, having served from 2008 to 2011.
In addition to ‘La parábola de Pablo,’ Salazar has written several other books, including ‘No nacimos pa’ semilla’ and ‘El cartel de los sapos.’ He is known for his expertise in the field of organized crime and has been a vocal critic of the drug trade in Colombia.
Filmography of Juana Uribe and Camilo Cano
Juana Uribe and Camilo Cano, the creators of ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal,’ have worked together on several other projects. Some of their notable works include:
- ‘La Vendedora de Rosas’ (1998) – A film about a young girl who sells roses on the streets of Medellin.
- ‘La Esclava Blanca’ (2016) – A TV series about a young woman who is forced into slavery in colonial Colombia.
- ‘Narcos’ (2015-2017) – A Netflix series about the rise and fall of the Medellin and Cali Cartels.
Similar Films and TV Series to ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’
If you enjoyed ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal,’ here are some similar films and TV series you might like:
- ‘Narcos’ (2015-2017): A Netflix series about the rise and fall of the Medellin and Cali Cartels.
- ‘El Chapo’ (2017-2018): A Netflix series about the life and crimes of Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
- ‘The Godfather’ (1972): A classic film about the Corleone crime family and their rise to power in New York City.
- ‘Scarface’ (1983): A film about a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami.
Other Books by Alonso Salazar and Recommendations for Similar Reads
If you enjoyed ‘La parábola de Pablo’ and want to read more about organized crime in Colombia, here are some other books by Alonso Salazar you might like:
- ‘No nacimos pa’ semilla’: A memoir about growing up in Medellin during the 1960s and 1970s.
- ‘El cartel de los sapos’: A novel about a young man who becomes involved in the drug trade in Colombia.
- ‘Los niños invisibles’: A book about the plight of street children in Medellin.
The Significance of the Series’ Conclusion
The conclusion of ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is significant in that it marks the end of an era in Colombian history. Escobar’s reign of terror had a profound impact on the country, leading to the deaths of thousands of people and leaving a lasting legacy of violence and corruption.
The series’ conclusion also highlights the importance of justice and the rule of law, as Escobar was ultimately brought to justice for his crimes. It serves as a warning to future generations about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of upholding the values of democracy and human rights.
When does ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal 2’ come out ? Sequel updates
Given the huge success of ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’, we are all waiting for the release date of the next season or the announcement of a spin-off of the TV series. They do that about anything now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it about Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal.
In recent months, some statements by Juana Uribe and Camilo Cano and Cecilia Navia hint at an imminent date on the release of ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal 2’, and we will keep you updated as soon as we have a firm date.
While waiting for the official release of Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’ new chapter, you could relive the emotions and mood of the TV series by reading the book ‘La parábola de Pablo ‘ or Alonso Salazar’s other books.
Where to watch ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’ – streaming, download and DVD options
‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’ is currently available to stream on various online platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Netflix. The TV series is also available on DVD and Blu-ray; nice idea for a gift to a ‘Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal’s fan.
Final Thoughts and Reflections on ‘Pablo Escobar, el Patrón del Mal’
‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is a gripping and well-crafted series that provides an in-depth look into the life and crimes of one of the most notorious figures in modern history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of standing up for what is right.
The series is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shed light on complex issues and challenge our perceptions of the world around us. Whether you’re a fan of true crime, historical dramas, or just great television, ‘Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal’ is a must-watch.
