Netflix starts the year with a new series centered and inspired by Griselda Blanco Restrepo. Sofía Vergara takes upon the role in the new series portraying ‘the Godmother’, who built a drug empire and most powerful cartels between the 1970s and 1980s, involving cocaine trades all over the United States. Blanco was based in Miami, Florida, where she caused chaos and dominated the cocaine business for years. The Netflix series, executive produced by Sofía Vergara and directed by Andrés Baiz brings the series alive with drama, action, and plenty of gunshots.

Director Andrés Baiz attempts to bring Griselda Blanco story in six episodes, but yet seems to fall short in delivery. The series doesn’t need six episodes of repetitive revenge and betrayal. The series begins strong and then falls apart in episodes 3-4 where the story focuses more on action rather than human connection. The series tries to focus on Blanco’s emotional state, but after a few episodes, begins to lose sight of what is more important in Blanco’s life. What is more important to Blanco? Is it her empire or her family? Baiz attempts to fix this towards the end but falls short of giving Blanco human traits, which then instead tries to captivate with repetitive liners and emotionless scenes. Baiz could have possibly brought a sense of illusion scenes to uplift Blanco’s thoughts and desires, which could have shown empathy or sympathy for Blanco. He instead focuses on strong facial shots of Blanco that lack a sense of urgency, self-doubt, and thrill.

What saves the series from complete bombing is Sofía Vergara’s performance as Griselda Blanco Restrepo. Vergara commits as soon as you see her for the first time. Vergara leads the way in her first drama role, which is 95% Spanish tongue. Vergara never disappoints as she channels a woman who showcases vulnerability, power, rage, and enmity (of course, with the material that she is given). Vergara brings her Colombian background to the role, which shows more authenticity to the story. The role can land her first Emmy nomination in a Drama Series, she is that great!

Netflix ‘Griselda’ falls short of impact or to teach the viewers a lesson, but Vergara saves the day with her performance. The series feels unbalanced with many side missions and a lack of human connection not just for its main protagonist but for all others involved. Perhaps a full refund of your delivery is what you will ask Griselda for when you finish the complete series.

Netlfix Griselda premieres on January 25th