El Candidato

El Candidato is an intriguing political thriller series from Amazon that first premiered in 2020. It's a gripping manifestation of espionage, corruption, and power games in the world of politics and intelligence agencies. The show cleverly assimilates the backdrop of the unpredictable political scene in Mexico with the shadowy operations of the CIA.

The story revolves around two central characters – a high-ranking CIA officer, Lalo Yzaguirre, and a fledgling agent, Isabel Alfaro. Lalo is a veteran who has spent his entire life in the trenches of the service. A man of seasoned experience and sharp intellect, he is known for his ruthless strategies and audacious planning. Isabel, on the other hand, is a driven and determined young woman who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries to accomplish her mission. Their paths cross when both are assigned the same task – to unearth the true identity of a mysterious drug cartel kingpin, simply known as "The Candidate."

This assignment takes the duo on a thrilling journey through a transformative phase in Mexican politics, that's rife with uncertainties and dangers. As they navigate through exploitation, violence, compromised loyalties, and treachery, they must also confront their own contradictions and confrontations.

In the backdrop of this dangerous mission, the political scene in Mexico City forms an integral subplot of the series. As Mexico gears up for its presidential election, the stakes are higher than ever. The intrigue of the political labyrinth, the power struggle for the highest office of the nation, and the unpredictable consequences it has on the common populace create a compelling narrative.

The complexity of the characters is a significant strength of the show. The series delves into their past and personal life, uncovering layers that make us empathize with them while also questioning their actions. The protagonists may appear as typical agents on the surface, but as the story moves forward, we get to see their internal conflict, their weaknesses, their beliefs, and how their decisions affect the people around them.

The supporting characters also play pivotal roles in keeping viewers hooked. Each of them, the politicians, the informants, the cartel members, the innocent bystanders, have their unique backstories, tightly interwoven with the main plot, which further adds to the depth and richness of the narrative.

El Candidato is set in a world where morality is a gray area and right and wrong are often ambiguous. It explores the morally compromising decisions that the characters must make, shedding light on the dark underbelly of politics and espionage.

The show also touches upon topical issues like drug trafficking, police corruption, political power games, and media manipulation. It paints a realistic picture of these social issues, using them not just as elements to drive the plot, but to make viewers question and rethink. The portrayal of these sobering realities is undoubtedly one of the most gripping aspects of the show.

Furthermore, the cinematography is an important characteristic that brings out the essence of the narrative. The visceral streets of Mexico City, the subtle details in the set design, the aftershocks of violence, and the high-tension chases are created impeccably. This attention to detail in creating a realistic atmosphere makes the city an integral character of the story, reflecting its charm, chaos, and challenges.

The series is also marked by power-packed performances. The synergy between the actors brings the complex characters and their intricate relationships to life. The characterization and the visual storytelling raise the bar, making the human drama as intense and gripping as the political turmoil.

Overall, El Candidato is a must-watch for viewers who love intense political dramas interlaced with tension, betrayal, and intrigue. It offers a fascinating glimpse into its characters' internal landscape while showcasing the tumultuous external world that they inhabit. This Amazon series perfectly blends the stimulating thrill of espionage thrillers with the convoluted machinations of political drama, making for an engaging watch.