HE WHO DOESN’T KNOW HISTORY IS DOOMED TO REPEAT IT
PABLO ESCOBAR, THE LORD OF EVIL
- Did you know anything about this? - Do you think
I'd keep a thing like this to myself?
He has been arrested and he is smiling.
He's looking at the photographer like "I'm getting out very soon".
Something else weird too...
that Escobar said
and to your face
that he'd seen you in jail.
Well, he's lying.
I have never
visited someone in jail, much less in Medellín.
And things were going so well with the Minister.
Then look what happens with Escobar,
charged with possession of 39 kilos of coca paste.
This is bad,
this is really bad. We've no way to defend ourselves
and know this,
I won't put my hands in the fire for some gangster.
Me neither! We'll keep him at arm's length!
Then tell him to come to talk to me.
Tough luck, Senator.
You'll have to travel to Medellín.
It's as simple as that.
I'm not going to submit any proof
because the main evidence
was presented by El Espectador newspaper.
Representative Pablo Escobar is a drug-trafficker.
No Congressman is arrested carrying 39 kilos of coca paste.
So you won't withdraw your accusation?
Of course not. Not today,
not in 24 hours... Never.
He needs to prove that the accusations are false.
Well as far as I can find out
there are no legal proceedings against Mr. Escobar.
There weren't. But after the article was published,
legal proceedings were started against Pablo Escobar
for the murder of the detectives who arrested him and his cousin.
Murder?
Yes, a while after his case was filed,
the two detectives who arrested him
were found dead in strange circumstances.
Well, you can imagine who the first suspect is.
I imagine you like scoops...
Well, I have one for you.
They've just called me from the United States Embassy
to confirm that the tourist visa
which he boasts about so much
has been cancelled.
So no, I won't make a retraction.
You know what to do, Chili. Don't miss anything...
and you'll all do the other job later on.
Do it.
What did you ask them to do?
Stuff.
Tell me.
I can help you.
No.
Some things that can't be solved in press conferences...
Yes, they can.
This has a solution.
Tell them what you told me. That the charges were withdrawn.
You know what the problem is, Regina?
That I'm really no good at solving problems through a microphone,
that's not me.
- And I'm fed up with it! - Pablo.
Keep a cool head, please.
- A minister has a lot of power. - Me too.
Look, Regina, please.
I don't want to sound or be nasty or anything like that,
but I think that the best right now
is for you to go to Bogotá.
No. I want to stay here and be with you.
Listen to me.
Go to Bogotá. I know what I'm talking about.
A cool head,
tactics and patience.
Excuse me. El Espectador.
I need all your copies. Is this it?
Yes, but I can get more. How many do you need?
As many as you can get. I'll be back in an hour to get them.
- I'll make it worth your while - All right.
Hurry up.
They're being bought.
These are all mine. I'll take them all.
Why? Are you going to resell them?
Here, this is to buy more.
Let's go. And this too.
We'll take it.
- Where can I find more? - Two blocks that way
Thanks.
What's wrong, Pablo? What's all that smoke?
Chili, it would have been easier to set the van on fire
than to burn all these.
Why don't you stop talking shit and help instead.
- What you're doing will be of no help. - But there are no copies left in town.
Aren't you listening to me, Mole? Many people have read it already.
This will reach every station in the country.
Drug lord Congressman!
Then wash your hands of it, it's not you being crucified!
I appeared in this damn newspaper too, brother!
But you aren't an MP,
or a member of Congress.
Here, love, what was this?
Paty, why don't you go see if the sow gave birth yet.
Chili, is the other job done?
Yes, sir. It's in progress.
Darling, will you give me a minute?
I have no time for you right now. Don't you understand
this mister has no time!
Did you hear that?
See the thing is, Paty,
we're having a lot of problems.
Do you think I feel like having this baby after seeing that?
Probably not.
Please, go and tell him what I just said to you,
while I go check how the honorable representative's sow is doing!
Go on then.
Colonel, come in please.
Pardon me, sir.
- I apologize for not having advised you. - Don't worry, it's okay.
My comrade in arms is always welcome.
- How can I help you? - Thank you.
I have great news for you.
That's fantastic! Today is a day good news!
Look at this!
It's about time, we need support!
Listen carefully, sir.
If you love Medellín and Magdalena Medio
don't buy El Espectador.
Pablo, I agree with Gonzalo.
Asking people not to buy the newspaper is useless.
That's the issue.
Pablo wants to kill the message, not the messenger.
El Espectador isn't the problem.
Of course it is.
It's the only newspaper which is talking badly about us.
And the news?
This isn't news, Mariachi.
Or did you find about the origin of my wealth
through El Espectador?
Pablo.
Don't act the fool. You know what we're saying.
Listen to this one. The fool?
Who's foolish?
Hey, hey! Calm down. We're just talking.
Don't fuck with me.
Talking?
And on top of that I end up judged by my own partners. Fuck that!
Calm down, Pablo.
Nobody is judging you.
All we're saying is that the fight isn't against El Espectador.
You don't have to remind me, Pedro.
I know this fight is against Minister Rodrigo Lara.
A fight you started the day you went to Bogotá
to fuck with around with him.
That has nothing to do with it!
Of course it does.
Trying to involve the Minister with a dubious check.
Look, Pablo,
we all know you love political power and are ruthless in its pursuit
but what about us? And the business?
Have you got it that bad?
That's what Gonzalo is there for.
He's taking care of business issues.
Don't think for a minute
things will stay the same after the fiasco with the Minister.
Someone will have to suffer the consequences.
They'll keep persecuting us.
That's what's already happening,
and it's your fault.
They won't bother us! You'll see this'll benefit us.
- But conditions are different. - No, my sacrifice is improving them for.
- No. - Yes, things are improving, you're lying.
And you don't know shit about what you're saying.
- Enough. - Don't criticize me with lies.
- Calm down! . - Ah, now it's my fault!
Do what you want.
You give the orders here, Pablo.
Two points, two points!
This way, this way!
- Two points - No, it doesn't count.
Two points.
Okay. What's all that fuss? You're going to wake the baby up.
- Ready. - You can look.
- Huh? - Wow.
What a view!
This,
is one of the best kept secrets in Northwestern Medellín.
Isn't it incredible?
Spectacular.
No doubt about it.
Medellín at our feet.
And Colombia on our heels.
Yes, that's the unfairness of life,
just like that of Mariachi.
Did you see that he came to challenge me?
But that's our problem too.
You see your problems
are our problems.
I know that, Gonzalo.
I curse the day I decided to go into politics.
I must tell you something.
What?
Paty told me she didn't want to have the child she's expecting.
What?
You heard me.
Do you think this is a good situation to bring a child into?
Don't say that.
Look, Pablo.
I want to make it very clear to you.
This isn't what I want for my life.
- I... - No, let me speak.
In this house, I'm nothing but another decorative object
that you place and take away as you want.
Here to raise Emilio,
to keep the house in order,
but you don't love me.
You and I are no longer a couple, Pablo.
This is no longer a marriage.
Listen, Paty.
I want you to know you're the most important woman
in my life, okay?
You are the reason for everything I do.
I'm doing it for you, for my family.
Why do you have other women, then?
- Tell me. - Which women Paty?
Which ones?
- The whores. - What're you talking about?
- The whores you go out with. - It's not true.
- What do you mean no? - I don't know who's filling your head
with gossip and lies. Where did you get that from?
I love you; I love my family more than anything.
Get that into your head.
I'm sorry.
No, no... It's okay.
Don't worry.
This came for you by recorded mail, sir.
Thanks, Yamile.
Two DAI members murdered.
Yes, sir.
Thank you, you can go.
Thank you, sir.
This is the case against Pablo Escobar.
My God.
We're going to dream about an uncorrupted Colombia...
We're going to dream about a Colombia in peace.
Congratulations. Very impressive.
Minister, how are you?
May I have a word?
No, I'm afraid I'm not giving interviews at the moment.
Please,
Minister,
with all due respect,
don't enrage Escobar further.
You did your job already.
Now allow the judge to do his.
Is that a threat?
A warning?
Mr. Minister,
I'm just saying what I think.
- If this is someone sending a message. - No, no.
I'm warning you...
Mr. Lara, please. I'm nobody's messenger.
I'm here of my own accord
as I think you're one of few politicians
who really serves this country.
That's all.
Thank you.
Pablo, I came here days ago to talk to you.
I can't believe you're showing up now.
I was busy.
And we have to talk right here?
What's wrong with it?
This place belongs to the people,
and we, as politicians have the moral obligation to mix with the people.
You should know that Mr. Santorini.
Yes, Pablo.
But things have to be managed at top level.
At the level of presidential families,
or senators of the Republic.
But this is untenable.
That clash between you and the Minister,
has come to a point which,
you understand me Pablo,
I can no longer help you.
The clash with the Minister?
Have you forgotten it was you
who put that character assassination speech in my head?
The same as when your photo was published.
Do you understand me?
You know what I came to ask you.
Here is a letter,
It's very well written, I myself wrote it.
It states that you resign from Congress,
all you have to do is sign.
Pablo Escobar Gaviria. That's all.
I write my own letters.
Excuse me.
Niki.
- I'm almost finished... - No, no, now!
The Minister of Justice called me. He has a scoop!
Go there immediately.
- Come on. - Yes, sir.
Keep me posted, Colonel!
I'll inform you of everything that happens.
Sorry! I almost don't make it.
Don't worry, Niki,
you got here on time.
Take care of her, Colonel.
You owe me one, sir.
Pablo and I already decided to expand this place.
So, we're going to build
two more laboratories, exactly like this one.
Therefore all employees are authorized to clear jungle, woodland, whatever.
However,
You must respect certain areas for wildlife
and sleeping areas for the workforce.
I think that's all.
So let's get to it.
Enjoy the girls, because this without a good lay is too much.
Colonel,
where are we going?
We're in the middle of the jungle!
You'll see, Niki!
Today is a historical day in this country.
Do you think we'll be in danger?
Didn't you talk to the Minister?
This is a high-risk operation, I thought you knew.
Stupid gringos! I don't know how they can sniff this filth!
True, boss. But what matters is that we have their money.
Turn off the music.
Yes, boss.
Quickly!
- Shut your face. - Turn off the music!
What's that, Colonel?
The largest cocaine factory in the country,
perhaps in the world.
Those jerks got us!
Where is the runway, son? Come on!
Fire back, Captain!
Quickly! Where the hell is the runway?
Run! Those sons of bitches.
Take off.
They're spraying us!
Stop! National Police!
Women to the right!
Men on the ground!
Hands behind your head!
- Face down. - Get down!
Quick, Montoya, get to the kitchen in the lab!
My God! What a fuck up.
They got away.
They've escaped.
I make public my definitive retirement from politics.
A decision I made last year in September, which is irreversible
and I confirm it, despite the unwavering support
which I have received from all suburbs
and working class areas of Medellín.
Women walk slowly that way.
Hands back! Head to the floor!
Gather them in here! Fast!
Next to the women.
Don't move!
- Are these ones from the laboratory? - Yes.
Now I state the great difference
between my 17 years of untiring patriotic fighting,
and my few months of participation in politics,
to which
fully committed, thinking that many resources in favor of the people
could be achieved via it
...and resources for the people.
Yours Sincerely,
Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria.
The jungle is huge and we thankfully have enough capital
to consider an important reinvestment strategy,
and if necessary we can build another laboratory
twice as big and we wouldn't just be producing 500 kilograms
but we could go up to a full ton.
That's all very good, but who could guarantee us
that if they seized this load they won't return.
Because that guy at the Anti-Drug Squad
is quite a character.
He's no dummy.
He's an incorruptible decorated officer.
I'm talking about the same Colonel in charge of the operation.
He's the one who found Tranquiland.
- So, what do you think? - But we're clean.
There is no evidence at all that could link us to the laboratory.
Over there.
Put it down, slowly.
Hands behind your head. Cross your fingers.
Come on.
How long will it take the captives
to reveal the laboratory is ours?
Well then we find them first and we kill them.
What about El Espectador?
Because they've screwed us all.
You, Herber,
the Motoas and me.
And now they are spreading the story that
we're involved in soccer teams.
You know who made the link
with the soccer teams right?
Minister Lara Bonilla, that's another thing.
Exactly.
He's the one to blame. The one who has us running around
arms crossed and with no place to cook.
The drug-trafficking network
is suffering a hard blow. Something the whole country
should celebrate.
The largest laboratory ever seized,
with a daily production of more than
500 kilograms of cocaine.
A true factory of crime, corruption and shame.
Today our authorities have dismantled Tranquiland,
and this is a relief for Colombia because this shamed us
on the international stage. Any questions?
The only one to blame for what's happening to us
is Minister of Justice, Rodrigo Lara Bonilla.
Listen, Pablo.
The only one to blame here is you.
First, for trying to intervene and second
for letting yourself be talked into politics.
Let's do ourselves a favor.
Or is it that after all we went through together
trying to fight the Minister are you going to sit back and do nothing?
No, I'm not going to sit back and do nothing, Mariachi.
Excuse me for saying it,
but 6 months have gone by and you've done nothing.
How much longer do I have to wait
for you to take revenge for what he did?
Or should I wait for him to come to your house and fuck your wife as well?
Fuck who?
- Don't get upset... - No, no.
Fuck who?
Who?
I didn't mean to offend you. I'm simply trying to make you wake up
and realize that we need to do something with this Minister.
I'm sorry.
Listen, Mr. Minister,
finding that laboratory is the best thing that could've happened to you.
Thank you, I think so too, Don Guillermo.
And the worst.
The worst?
The damage you've done to Pablo Escobar and Mariachi
is incalculable. Do you know
how much cocaine was produced every day in that laboratory?
What I can't understand,
is how this could go against me.
On the contrary,
after all the scandals I've been through
this is irrefutable proof that my war is against those criminals.
That's exactly what it is, Mr. Minister.
In this war, as with every other, attacks come from both sides.
Could you be more explicit, Don Guillermo?
My journalists in Medellín
and those covering the emerald zone,
where Mariachi moves around,
informed me that the Tranquiland issue has been a very hard blow,
and that there are rumors in those areas that neither Mariachi
nor Pablo Escobar are going to lay low,
so what I recommend is that you be careful.
Don Guillermo.
Don Guillermo, I'm an active Minister of Justice.
Do you have any information
which could indicate a possible attempt on my life?
No, Mr. Minister, I don't, but sometimes
one can't know who they're fighting against. So it's better to be careful.
Hello Mommy? May I talk to Daddy?
Oh, Rodrigo. Why don't you call him a bit later?
-He's busy at the moment. - Okay, bye.
Bye, my darling.
Have a good day, Minister.
Excuse me.
Mariachi got upset. That's all.
If it weren't for his money and all the people he has,
I'd slaughter him without thinking.
Relax, man. He's your partner.
He's not just anyone.
Do you think I'm afraid?
What's up, Captain?
Hey, Pablo.
What are we talking about with these people?
You'll see.
Don't worry.
Hey, Pablo!
- How are you? - A pleasure
to see you here again.
What's up, Gonzalo? How is everything?
This is a surprise for me, man.
Tell me, did you change the day of the meeting?
Yeah.
Nobody's here yet, brother.
Is everything okay, buddy. You look rather anxious.
Everything is really bad.
As long as Lara Bonilla continues to be the Minister of Justice
things aren't going to change.
They'll stay bad.
What about what they did to our laboratory, Pablo?
Pedro, I'm fed up!
With the minister, with the accusations, with the testimonies,
with the raids, with everything.
Relax, man.
Hello?
Hi Rodrigo. What are you up to?
Playing.
That's good
but not much longer, okay? You know you have homework to do,
time flies and then there's problems.
Yes, sir.
Your mother told me you wanted to talk to me. Is anything wrong?
They sent a letter from school.
A letter? Why didn't you give it to your mother?
It was addressed to you. I already read it.
What does it say?
It's long but...
it says starting from tomorrow we can't ride on the bus.
What?
Gentlemen, I think that the decision made
against Mr. Bonilla is really too much.
I don't think so.
He's a Minister for God's sake.
I don't think so either.
Listen Pablo,
you're desire to be a congressman and subsequent
meddling in the Minister's life
has been no good for any of us.
Come on, gentlemen,
the only thing Pablo tried to do was to help the country
through political mediation.
Was it possible? No, it wasn't. But that man is our enemy,
the organization's enemy and the business' enemy.
How is it that you three want to be invisible in all this?
Wait a minute, nobody's trying to be invisible.
You know if this ship goes down, you're coming with it, right?
Or is it that
you've all decided to plead ignorance?
Hang on.
Nobody is trying anything.
Nobody is trying to save face.
We're here because this concerns us all
and I reiterate what Germán said.
We're going to get into real trouble
because he's the Minister of Justice of this country.
Pablo,
why don't you relax
and think it over and if you want to do whatever you're thinking.
You can do it.
But wait until they appoint him ambassador
all ministers are appointed ambassadors.
Good idea, Pedro.
That's a great idea.
Listen to him, Pablo.
A Minister, not an ambassador, offended me,
so it's the Minister who's going to die!
Slowly, Rodrigo.
Don't run.
Bye.
Carefully. Stay close.
Stay close!
I can't believe they're treating my kids like this.
I spoke with Principal, she said it's for security.
Security for whom?
For the safety of other children who don't run any risk
while my kids run more.
Don't say that Rodrigo.
It's not that I want to say it, but it's discriminatory.
It isn't my children's fault
it's also absurd to think something'd happen to them.
But dear, put yourself in their shoes.
We wouldn't want anything to happen to them
because of somebody else.
Let's go, Domingo.
Look at him.
He's the one.
The guy's got skills.
He's just a kid.
We'll give him a helmet.
That's our turn.
So, what do you think?
- What's up? - Good or what?
Good, I've been looking for you.
- Meet an associate of mine. - Nice to meet you.
- Everything ok? - Yeah, good.
Get off the bike,
and let's going to talk business.
The judge's name is Gonzalo Zuloaga, he lives here.
He's in his fifties and married with two children.
We know he's about to order
a warrant for your arrest and for Gonzalo's.
Another thing, the guy's handicapped.
He had polio and he walks with crutches.
Gonzalo what?
Zuloaga.
Are you sure this is a serious place?
That's why I brought you here. Don't you trust me?
You know how things work with me, Chili.
Hey, Serafín,
Serafín,
come on, man.
Who are they?
This is Chili and Mole.
Did you lose something?
What do you think, Chili? Do you like him or not?
Kind of freaky.
Who's freaky? Here, look!
Show some respect, you brat.
Take it easy.
Chill out.
So, do you like him or not?
Is that the idiot you're recommending to me?
Chili, he's the best gunman I have.
He's our guy.
You know that if anything goes wrong, the buck stops with you.
I'm sorry, Coronel,
my head is all over the place at the moment.
Minister,
you know I wouldn't want to alarm, confuse, nor scare you.
I know, Colonel. Don't worry.
Anything to drink?
No, thank you.
I was talking to Colonel Muriel Peraza.
And?
Your life is in danger, sir.
Escobar, Mariachi and other drug lords,
recently met in Medellín.
And according to you
- that implies a risk to my life? - They're moving in Bogotá.
They want to kill you.
I can't believe that, Colonel.
I'm a Minister, carrying out his duties.
That's why we must tighten security
not stray from protocol.
This is absurd!
Pablo Escobar and all those criminals
are the ones who should be afraid, not me.
I know.
All right, Colonel. I know you're quite busy.
Thank you for coming.
Thank you, Minister.
It seems that Graciela was having problems
in Sun City and had to move to California.
Come on brother, I need you to relax before
starting to hurl questions around,
because everything is set.
Graciela will end up in jail
if she continues provoking those Cubans.
But why should we care about Graciela?
I'm telling you I have everything set. I have people in Miami and in the Bahamas
to distribute the goods.
Relax.
Efficient as always, partner.
That's what I like because I'm fed up with this political fight.
We need to make business priority
and keep trafficking, I'll see to that.
Listen, Fabio.
Yes, sir.
We have to build at least 10 additional laboratories
but here in Antioquia.
Yes.
I won't be caught with my pants down again like in the jungle.
We need to prepare ourselves
to be ready for when the war comes.
What do you mean? What war?
Brother-in-law,
you don't have to worry about that.
That's what I'm here for.
We already have two laboratories,
and these are the blueprints for two more.
- All we need is your approval. - No,
wait a moment, Pablo.
Will you explain this war?
Is this the problem we're going to have
because of your plans for the Minister?
- Don't start bitching... - Pablo...
- Fuck's sake. - Listen, things are
too complicated for us to kill a man as important as Rodrigo Lara.
If that guy dies half the world will be against us.
He has to be made to pay.
And if half the world is going to be against us,
we'll hire the other half to defend me.
That's why our finances should be organized, Gonzalo. When that day comes
our pockets should be full.
Fine.
Come on then.
Pay attention.
These are two accesses, right?
This series is freely adapted from La Parábola de Pablo by Alonso Salazar.
Based on news articles and real events, the historical facts are surrounded
by fictional characters and dialogues that recreate non-documented situations.