Reconciling the Allure of Drug Dramas as a Colombian watching "Griselda"

Editor’s Note: To read the Spanish version of this article, click here.

It’s a tale as old as time. One that almost every Colombian who has been abroad has experienced.

“So, can you get me some coke? “How many of your relatives are narcos?” and any other possible derivative of the drug smuggling stereotype we Colombians have carried for decades and unfortunately, will continue to bear for the foreseeable future.

That’s partly thanks to the continuous education on Narco history that Hollywood is graciously imparting on popular culture through vastly successful shows like “Narcos” and the most recent “Griselda,” portraying the life, ascend and decline of Colombian drug lady Griselda Blanco, brought to life by the Barranquillera Sofía Vergara.

To say “Griselda” has been a success would be putting it mildly.

Following an exhaustive media tour and a controversial marketing campaign, the limited series, produced by Vergara, debuted on Netflix on January 25, 2024 and quickly amassed 20.6 million views in four days, which made it No. 1 in 89 countries and the most watched title of the week on Netflix, according to Variety.

With numbers like that, it’s no wonder why the Colombian kingpins (and queenpins) continue to be a source of inspiration for Hollywood, and Colombian production companies, as well. People may complain, but the vast majority will watch. The complainers will watch, too, so they can have an informed opinion.

I’m a part of that second bunch.

To Watch or Not to Watch

Having lived the Colombian drug stereotype abroad and physically witnessed the effects of the drug wars in my hometown of Cali, Colombia, my thirst for this particular type of entertainment is close to none.

What kind of third grader can say that four of her classmates fathers’ died one year and that at least four others had died the year prior?

One going to school in Cali during the height of the cartel wars in the mid nineties.

Alas, I am an admirer of film, and with such a persuasive marketing campaign, my curiosity piqued and my partner and I watched the first episode, which turned into two, and then the whole six in about a week.

I now know more about Griselda Blanco than I know about the current state of Colombian politics. (Ok, but I never really know much about that, anyways.)

And what good does it do me? To know so much about a criminal so vile and cruel? To know the ins and outs of her ascent in the drug smuggling world and the many heads she chopped?

None.

But in order to enjoy the artistry in Griselda, one must venture in knowing what kind of entertainment one is about to consume.

“Griselda”, The Warning

Cocaine, prostitution, gunfire, explosions, treason, drug abuse, mariticide.

A protagonist hellbent on achieving personal success in crime no matter who bites the dust in the process, her own family included.

But why are shows like this one almost always a success?

The common narrative suggests that these expensive and elaborate productions should feature better role models, people who actually contributed something of value to society.

I would dare suggest that the reason these vice-ridden stories are fertile ground for productions is because most people in the world have no desire to become feared wrongdoers.

The Western societal norm encourages a college education and leading a tranquil life raising a family and devoting to a career throughout your productive, adult years.

So it stands to reason that seeing the lives of those who ventured into a life of crime portrayed in the small screen opens a window into that non-trudged path, with its rewards and punishments in plain sight. Explosions and high speed chases being the cherry on top.

To those with good sense, these stories should be almost like an Aesop Fable.

What happens to the drug dealer at the end of the story?

He dies. His family dies.

At best he/she spends decades in prison and none of those outcomes are desirable, no matter how big the fortune, how flashy the cars, how massive the homes.

An Acclaimed Production

During the first few episodes, “Griselda” does an excellent job of painting Blanco as a single mom trying to make it in a cut-throat business dominated by men.

Never mind the fact that the business involves supplying a highly addictive drug to much of the United States, but that struggle for recognition and authority is a key point that many professional women in men-controlled fields can identify with.

Little by little Griselda starts becoming infatuated with power and the benefits that come with it: money, respect, fear.

She tastes the fruits of success for some time, until her empire comes crashing down at her own doing, due to crack-infused paranoia that made even her closest allies run into the inviting arms of the law.

“Griselda” has received a barrage of positive reviews online, even touting a hard to reach 88% on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

In the end, the series is hugely entertaining, the cinematography precise and the ambience exquisitely on point. Critics have lauded Vergara’s performance as an impressive shift from her most well-known work on Modern Family, demonstrating her reach as an actress.

Despite the story depicting actual events, there are some very considerable differences between Sofía Griselda and Griselda Griselda and anyone who invests the six hours required to watch the limited series should peruse her Wiki to learn more about the woman behind the story who was far more ruthless than the character.

Creative licenses aside, Griselda’s massive success proves that audiences have not yet tired of Narco productions, no matter the criticism. It’s a sound pick for a storyline and an even better business decision, so it’s safe to say: there will be more.

If you’re looking for a thrilling show with an actual end in sight, and you can stomach these kinds of stories, add “Griselda” to your list. You’re not going to learn anything of value, but you will certainly be entertained.