The inaugural episode of "Griselda" opens with a chilling quote from Pablo Escobar, setting the tone for a series centered around Griselda Blanco, a woman whose notoriety in the criminal world was unparalleled. The story kicks off in 1978, in Medellín, Colombia, introducing viewers to Griselda in a moment of vulnerability and strength as she tends to a gunshot wound. The urgency of her situation becomes evident when she reaches out to an old friend, Carmen, for sanctuary in Miami, promising to explain the dire circumstances that led to her flight from Colombia with her children in tow.
Carmen, once entangled with the mob herself, now leads a quieter life in Miami, running a travel agency and wanting no part of her former drug-laden world. She hesitantly agrees to help Griselda, who vows to leave her past behind and start anew. Griselda’s determination to provide for her sons is clear, but her intentions are quickly compromised when it's revealed she smuggled drugs from Colombia, a decision that sets off a chain of events entangling her further into the criminal underworld.
Griselda's attempt to sell the drugs introduces her to Arturo, a loyal friend who helps her navigate the dangerous Miami drug scene. Despite initial setbacks, including a violent encounter with a local dealer's henchman, Griselda's resolve only strengthens. Flashbacks reveal the depths of her tumultuous relationship with Alberto, her husband, including a harrowing demand from his brother Fernando that sets Griselda on a path of no return. The flashback culminates in a pivotal moment where Griselda, pushed to her limits, kills Alberto in self-defense, marking a definitive end to her old life.
The narrative then shifts back to Miami, where Griselda's entrepreneurial spirit and refusal to be underestimated lead her to Amilcar, a key player in the drug trade. Despite initial skepticism, Griselda impresses Amilcar with the quality of her product, earning a chance to prove her worth as a supplier. Meanwhile, Chucho, a diner waiter turned bodyguard, finds himself in the perilous world of drug trafficking, illustrating the dangers and exploitation faced by immigrants seeking a better life.
Carmen's discovery of Griselda's involvement in drug dealing strains their friendship, highlighting the moral dilemmas and justifications individuals confront when faced with difficult choices. Griselda rationalizes her actions as a means to an end, a sentiment echoed throughout the criminal underworld where survival often necessitates crossing moral boundaries.
As the episode concludes, Griselda secures a partnership with Amilcar, signaling her rising prominence in Miami's drug scene. Her journey from a desperate mother seeking refuge to a formidable figure in the drug trade is marked by resilience, cunning, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her family and secure her position.
The series "Griselda" promises a deep dive into the life of Griselda Blanco, exploring the complexities of her character, her impact on the drug trade, and the personal and professional battles she faces. Through a blend of intense drama, strategic maneuvering, and poignant human moments, the show offers a compelling look at one of the most infamous figures in the criminal world, underscored by themes of loyalty, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power.
