"Look at what it's doing to our people, our community. It's not solely about the crime. It affects how we are seen."
"Do you wish to alter that perception?"
These words are shared between two Latino law enforcers in the third episode of Netflix's new drama "Griselda". Meant to soothe skeptical viewers who question the need for yet another Narcos tale, these lines shed light on the concerns that such stories tend to stereotype Latinos and immigrants as innate lawbreakers. This, despite solid evidence to the contrary.
The series tries to address this issue by focusing on a central detective character, June, played by Juliana Aidén Martinez. She is a Latina cop who partners with another Latino officer to dismantle the operations of a cartel run by Sofia Vergara's character, Griselda. While Griselda gives the series its name, it's a valuable reminder that Latina women can occupy different spaces beyond the relentless world of criminality.
However, the series is flawed. It tells the story of a ruthless Colombian immigrant involved in drug trafficking and violence, only reinforcing damaging perceptions of our communities. June's world may be diverse, but Griselda's business operation is overwhelmingly Latinx. Despite the buyers of her product being affluent non-Latinos, her business associates predominantly hail from Latin American nations such as Colombia and Cuba.
The show misses a chance to showcase regular community members - individuals who don't belong to the world of crime or law enforcement. When a grieving mother (Marlene Forte) of a slain cartel member commends Griselda and wishes her sons to work under her, it resonates a loud message. The show suggests even the seemingly respectable members of the Latinx community harbor a fondness for criminal life.
With the series tracing the life of one of history's most notorious Narcos, viewers are prepared to encounter traces of criminality. Sofia Vergara's interpretation of the character earns praise. Despite her transformation with prosthetics for the role, Vergara retains her magnetic star appeal. The character's journey, filled with the hardships and pitfalls of a traditional crime boss, is well-portrayed in Vergara's performance.
The show admits to the thrill factor associated with drug use. Nevertheless, this is overshadowed by Griselda's deep-rooted capacity for violence hinting at a grim future. By episode five, this viewer felt weary of the relentless exposure to Griselda's world of unfettered greed and cruelty.
The series attempts to set itself apart in the cartel genre by casting a female lead. It repeatedly notes how unusual it is for Griselda to be a woman, but the series ends up delivering more of the same. The characterization of Griselda mirrors male characters in similar roles, offering nothing significantly new or different other than the gender of its protagonist.
The fact that Sofia Vergara and other Latinx cast members have been given substantial roles in "Griselda" is commendable. However, if Vergara, who also serves as executive producer, aimed to challenge the Latina stereotypes that haunted her "Modern Family" character, she might have done that better with a less clichéd role.
Fans of "Narcos" and "Sons of Anarchy" may enjoy "Griselda", but those seeking progressive portrayals of Latinx characters will find little substance here. Ultimately, "Griselda", like any intense high, leaves you slightly worse off. The series premieres on Netflix on January 25th.
