The drug war is a war that cannot be won. It will continue to go on and on as long as the demand for these substances is there (definitely) or until they are decriminalized. This first episode of Narcos makes that fact abundantly clear. You cut the head of a snake and four more grow in its place. With the death of Pablo Escobar, we now follow the rise to power of the Cali Cartel.
This episode shows us many characters we already know from previous seasons (Gilberto and Pacho) and some new ones (Chepe and others.) I can remember the very first episode of Narcos where we get to meet Pablo Escobar and his operation, but most of all the man behind the business. We don't know anything about the Gentlemen of Cali on a personal basis. We know they like to dress well, spend money, and lay low (while still being brutal). I would have liked some more character stuff, get to know these guys better.
Also, Peña is back, which should be amazing. However, in this episode he didn't have much to do, so hopefully in future episodes he'll be more hands on.
A lot of stuff is going on, and most of it doesn't deliver the impact I would have liked, mostly because we don't know these people. They are seen as heartless killers and buisnessmen. The great thing about former seasons was Pablo because we knew him on a personal level and care (on some degree). I don't care about these people.
Overall, it was OK. The last scene with the motorcycles is entertaining enough to justify the existance of the rest of the episode.