[AIRPLANE WHIRRING]
[IN SPANISH] Be honest with me...
This piece of shit gonna stay in the air?
...Not trying to die over this.
Come on, man. Thing's a fucking stallion.
...Know where we're going?
Juárez for sure...
Mazatlán too.
Who the fuck knows...
The kid, he'll tell you. It's his thing.
AMADO: Huh.
What's he like?
- NETO: Skinny? - Mmm.
NETO: Uh...
Takes shit too seriously.
He's got ideas.
Like what...
Organizing the plazas...
to sell their weed together.
Don't bring it up. Once he gets started on it, he won't stop...
One big organization...
Smart. Who knows?
Two of you. With the big ideas.
What? We can grow, get bigger...
Bigger' gets you locked up.
Bigger' gets you killed.
Only way the world knows you were here -
Who gives a fuck you were 'here' or not? Don't be an asshole.
Hey, this supposed to wobble?
Don't break my shit, man. Still making payments on it.
Heads up, here he comes...
TELEPHONE
Don't embarrass me, ok?
What'd you say his name was?
NETO: Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo...
Her drum brake linings still good?
MECHANIC: I'll tighten 'em up, sir.
Maybe some new paint too.
Will do boss.
[THEME SONG PLAYING]
ANDRÉA: [IN ENGLISH] In December of 1994, it all fell apart.
For years, Mexico's Harvard-educated president was admired in the US.
He'd signed NAFTA,
brought American-style consumerism to Mexico,
pulled in billions of foreign investment dollars.
With his term ending and a successor chosen by party bosses,
the president's popularity soared.
On both sides of the border.
But the high didn't last, because it was all a lie.
There had been signs of economic trouble.
But devaluing the peso would have raised questions
about the man who modernized Mexico.
So he did nothing.
A week after he left office, it all came crashing down.
[IN SPANISH] What began as a dream full of hope
ended in an awakening to the abrupt reality of problems.
A sudden devaluation of the peso
that we had not known since 1987 presents us a new reality.
ANDRÉA: [IN ENGLISH] Almost overnight, our currency lost half its value.
A million Mexicans lost their jobs.
An entire generation's life savings got wiped out.
Even the rich felt it.
Sort of.
RESPECT WORKERS' RIGHTS
For the middle class, it was the end of a dream.
For the poor, something worse.
We all faced a new reality.
But as usual, the pain wouldn't be shared equally.
MANNY: [IN SPANISH] This shit's terrible...
CORRAL: It is?
Our business is all American dollars...
Our value just doubled, Manny.
This makes us bigger.
AMADO: [OVER PHONE] You knew this was coming?
We knew it was bad. Not like this.
The President let his friends down...
It won't go unaddressed.
Good time to be in a cash business.
AMADO: Americans always need drugs.
With all this turbulence -
It's important those dollars keep flowing.
I know changes are coming in Colombia -
You're ready for them?
You asking about my side of the business?
Thought I didn't have one.
I'm making sure there won't be any supply issues for our business.
I'll talk to Henao. Make sure it's all solid...
Get back to me with what he says.
I want assurances, yeah?
All the dollars you're holding...
You're the richest trafficker in the history of Mexico.
Maybe the world.
Just hope it lasts. Right?
I'll be in touch.
KÁREN: Thanks for meeting me...
How're you doing, Káren?
I'm meeting people in bathrooms.
- Said you had something... - [DOOR OPENS]
- [WOMEN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY] - [DOOR CLOSES]
...Last February, the President held a private dinner
for 30 of the richest men in Mexico...
Told them they were gonna fund the PRI's expenses.
He wasn't asking.
I heard about this...
That was the problem. It got out.
So he backpedaled...
But then we started hearing rumors.
The party had a new cash supply...
An "unofficial" one.
Like a slush fund?
With over 700 million dollars in it.
Money's for campaigns, bribes, investments...
buying power.
Where'd the cash come from?
From anyone who wanted access.
Businessmen, of course.
But also traffickers.
Mexican cartels, Colombians too. Supposedly.
This slush fund. Who controlled it?
Carlos Hank Gonzaléz...
[SOLDIERS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
Luis Colosio was my friend.
What's this for you?
Why do you want Hank so badly?
He's corrupt.
So are a lot of men...
Hank represents the system.
Nothing touches them.
The truth never sticks, so nothing changes.
I don't know...
At some point the bad guys have to lose, right?
So, this slush fund...
Think you could find proof it exists?
Don't talk about this with anyone...
especially not on the phone...
I don't talk to anyone anymore.
ANDRÉA: [IN ENGLISH] It felt like we were all headed towards some line.
And we'd have to decide to stop or cross it and keep going.
[DISTORTED VOICE] Alex.
[IN SPANISH] He wasn't there.
We need another address...
Told you all I know...
Please...
[BODY THUDS]
JACK: [IN ENGLISH] Anything materialize down there?
Materialize? As far as what, sir?
The new task force you're liaising with.
WALT: Just what's in my report, sir.
There's a woman at the consulate in TJ.
She's making noise.
She claims the Mexican army took her son.
Says he's an American citizen.
You wouldn't know anything about that, would you, Walt?
There's a lot in play here, sir.
I can't say I know everything.
Imagine the kid would be useful, if you had access to him.
Get you something on the Arellanos?
Walt, you need it.
The DOJ wants indictments. That's all they're in for.
Testimony, witnesses, anything they can sell.
If you don't get it, they move on.
Look, Jack, this shit takes time.
Want to put that in a memo?
Listen, I know you're chasing the big one, Walt.
I want Benjamín Arellano as well.
But you are running out of time.
You gotta get me something.
Something that looks like fucking progress.
I'll have it soon, sir.
And, Walt, this kid, the American, he eventually turns up,
I need him on our side, legally speaking, when all this is over.
You understand?
I understand.
[SOFTLY] Fuck.
AMADO: [IN SPANISH] Thanks for coming to see me...
Lord of the Skies' wants to talk...
Where else would I be?
Big things ahead...
Cali's going away soon.
You have big shoes to fill.
There's nothing the Rodríguez provided...
that my partners in the North Valley can't match...
Look, I need to know my coke keeps coming. On schedule.
No bullshit.
No complications.
Your operation won't miss a beat.
But there is one thing to discuss...
Pacho Herrera.
Some of my friends in Colombia
aren't comfortable with Cali cutting a deal with the government.
Pacho's not testifying.
Just gonna do a little time, retire...
And what happens if he decides... he doesn't like prison?
Misses one of his boyfriends?
Wants to leave earlier.
Fuck that.
Pacho'll be in Mexico soon...
on business.
That's when it'll be handled.
Letting you know out of respect.
I know the two of you...
...have a relationship.
Yeah. We do.
Our business has rules...
Talking to the government?
Walking out on partners? Not now, not ever.
We're in this for life.
Truth is, Pacho's made enemies over the years.
Want to avoid any "complications" with your supply?
Best to let this one go.
WALT: [IN ENGLISH] What did he give us today?
I had them ease off.
It's early.
WALT: His mother is making noise at the consulate.
This is taking too long.
I need Alfredo.
Alex knows where his fucking brother is.
The boys are blood.
Sometimes that's all we have.
We fight to hold on to it.
Give it time, he will break.
It's science.
How long?
It's his brother.
I want to talk to him.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
[DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE]
BELTRÁN: [IN SPANISH] Our thing in Tijuana's starting to make money, bro...
Shit's working?
Shit's booming, man!
Guys are changing sides...
Many fucking independents even started paying us a tax.
Mayo was right...
How'd you get the guys to flip?
Just took some convincing, you know... [CHUCKLES]
I'm telling you, Mayo's got product -
He's offering better returns...
And when Benjamín finds out?
Sends Ramón over here to 'visit'... what then?
Get the fuck outta here!
MAN: Let's go, fuckers.
[MEN SHOUTING]
[GUNS FIRING]
It's really good.
It's a risk, man...
What great opportunity isn't?
Yeah - I don't think so...
BELTRÁN: Think the dudes just started to get it...
Joining us - it makes sense...
I don't want any problems...
Tell Mayo he has a deal.
What about my thing with the peppers?
How'd that go...
Forgot to tell you, bro! It's a monster.
Coke inside jalapeño cans?
You're a fucking genius.
Customs don't know what hit 'em...
I got more ideas like that.
You're an artist, bro.
Hey Arturo...
What about Güero?
Heard anything?
Heard he's hiding in the mountains...
NETO: Look at that...
You became a good manager.
Beltrán says I'm an artist.
I'm cutting Güero in on this. Soon as he's back...
Right thing to do.
Soon as he's back...
Check out these tough guys...
Catch them kissing in the bathroom yet?
I don't use that bathroom.
They took everything...
RAMÓN: Third one this month!
ENEDINA: There are no bodies...
We weren't robbed...
Our guys gave it up.
RAMÓN: Motherfuckers.
I'm gonna kill all you fuckers -
BARRON: Enedina...
That thing you asked about...
I've got an address.
All right.
- [IN ENGLISH] I need to call my mom. - WALT: You aren't calling anyone.
It's time to starting thinking about how you're going to get out of here.
You need to start helping us.
You can't fucking do this, man.
You can't keep me here like this.
These men can do anything they want.
I don't fucking know anything, man.
I'm not asking you about the Arellanos.
Your brother.
All right? You know where he is.
I don't.
Alex, the only way this gets better is if you tell me where he is.
Alex, I know what you're doing.
You're protecting your brother because you have to, right?
And you think if you give him up, it ends badly.
But there's a way it ends worse.
The Arellanos know you're here, right?
What do you think that means?
How long till they get paranoid,
start wondering what you're telling us?
ALEX: I don't know anything.
[SIGHS]
What's he like, your brother?
He's not a bad guy.
People think he is.
But...
they don't understand him.
I know what that's like.
I had a younger brother.
And...
we had a fucked up family.
And when I left home,
my brother got into some bad shit.
Drugs and...
Instead of pulling him out, I covered for him.
And I told myself at that time, it was for him.
But I'm not so sure about that now.
'Cause my little brother's not around anymore.
I let him slip away.
Alfredo is in danger,
and you got a chance to save him.
And if you don't take it,
you're going to be spending the rest of your life wishing that you had.
Help me find him
before the Arellanos do.
Can I have one?
If I knew where he was, you promise he'd be okay?
I promise.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[IN SPANISH] Babe -
I got the food.
BARRON: [IN ENGLISH] Sup, bro.
There's a lot of people looking for you.
Where are we putting the wire transfers?
Domestic or international?
Both?
Fuck, I don't know...
Domestic there - international... somewhere else...
Let me see it.
Another Citibank transaction...
These too...
Could help. All this Citibank stuff...
ISABELLA: How...
That thing with the President's brother - in Geneva...
Yeah - the bank accounts...
They found millions Citibank was keeping secret.
There was an investigation -
Think there's court filings?
It's possible.
Some of those accounts are public record.
Might give us a way to track these transactions...
ANDRÉA: [IN ENGLISH] When the peso collapsed,
the PRI needed someone to blame.
They didn't have to look far.
The former president's real crime wasn't corruption or fraud,
it was the attention he brought.
The spotlight he turned on his pals.
That was the sin that couldn't be forgiven.
Just two months after the peso collapsed,
the former president's brother was arrested
for orchestrating the murder of the PRI secretary general,
José Francisco Ruiz Massieu, in the fall of '94.
Massieu was a political rival.
And his ex-brother-in-law, turns out they'd been feuding over business.
Suddenly their immunity had vanished.
Twelve days after his brother's arrest, the ex-president fled to Ireland.
The fall was complete.
Threaten the machine, the sword would drop.
Didn't matter who you were.
[PHONE RINGS]
Hello -
Mmm. Yeah -
Uh-huh.
Yes.
I understand... Ok. I'll head over.
Okay.
Fuck...
Make you turn in the badge?
CIUDAD JUÁREZ POLICE
VICTOR: Fuck that -
Paid for this shit myself.
ROGELIO: What'd the Captain tell you?
Budget cuts. The economy -
I don't know.
Motherfuckers...
CIUDAD JUÁREZ COMMAND CENTER STATE POLICE
Heard they laid off half the force.
How'd you keep your spot?
Gotta play the game, bro.
I paged you last night.
Fell asleep early.
ROGELIO: Really?
Cause you look like shit...
Listen...
These guys we're dealing with now, I feel they're getting nervous.
Don't want 'em wondering if you're solid...
Fuck am I gonna tell my wife, man?
Vicente's got this place off the highway.
Needs someone to work security...
He ever find the snitch?
Must've...
Shit's quiet.
This place off the highway...
What is it?
Like a club...
[LINE RINGING]
PACHO: How are you?
AMADO: Hey, man. What the fuck you doing home?
PACHO: Getting old... Didn't you hear?
Got a package ready for you. One of the last...
AMADO: Yeah. Sending a couple of birds your way.
PACHO: Clockwork, every time.
Lord of the skies.
We had a good thing, man.
You getting sentimental?
I'm retiring, not dying.
[SIGHS] Gonna live forever, man.
Doesn't matter though, there's a new king now...
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Look...
Mexicans used to be a joke.
Runners moving our stuff into the States.
You changed all that, man.
We fucking work for you now...
Helped that you had my back.
You were different than the others.
And you were right... Shit changes.
Doesn't have to.
You sure you want this?
Cutting a deal with the government?
I don't know...
Maybe there's another way -
I pull out now, it fucks up Gilberto's move.
I owe these guys.
And maybe he's right...
Either get out early, or you get out too late.
What's up, man? Everything cool?
Yeah, it's cool. You know what's best.
See you soon. I'm coming to Mexico on business...
Last dance.
Right. See you soon...
So long, brother.
[LINE DISCONNECTS]
How's it going in there?
Not sure it's going anywhere. Yet.
Thought you quit.
Just got off the phone with another advertiser -
The business is going under.
Fourth account we lost this week.
Hey, no one said changing the world'd be easy.
To be honest...
I'm not sure we're making any difference at all.
Hope we are...
Or what're we doing here?
Keeping the lights on.
Putting out a paper,
even when the world tells us it doesn't matter.
That's the job.
I'll let you get back to it.
[WHISTLES]
PROVIDENCIO: Let's go, move in!
- Check the bedrooms! - [SOLDIERS SHOUTING]
SOLDIER: Bedroom's clear!
PROVIDENCIO: Nothing in here -
Check this out -
[CHATTER OVER TV]
[PROVIDENCIO CHUCKLES]
Fucker had it coming...
[IN ENGLISH] Fuck!
VICENTE: What's up, man?
Keeping these girls in line?
Yes sir.
Good.
♪ Nothing really matters anyways ♪
♪ Everything ends ♪
Hey man...
Kill that motherfucker.
[EXCLAIMING]
Fuck him up!
Son of a bitch.
♪ But I'd like that day ♪
♪ When you remember, you understand ♪
♪ What you've done with me ♪
[PANTING]
TENCI: How was work?
What happened to your hands?
It's nothing...
You know...
You got home late...
It's work, right?
TENCI: Mmm-hmm.
Inés, from down the street...
she got a job.
Said she'd talk to her boss...
I was thinking I could -
No, Tenci.
No.
- Maybe just till you find a steady job.. - I said no, goddamnit!
I don't provide now? Is that it?
I don't take care of you anymore?
What do you need?
- What's going on, Victor? - With what?
Look at you...
I'm the man of the house.
Hmm?
Right?
Or has that changed, too?
Fuck...
Fuck, Tenci...
[DOOR SLAMS]
[CHIRPING]
REBOLLO: [IN ENGLISH] We should kick him back to San Diego.
Buy some good will, buy some time.
You said yourself.
These people are looking for indictments.
Walt?
WALT: The last time I was down here, ran a mission in Mexico...
It was fucked.
Bouncing the kid north,
a bunch of bullshit indictments,
that gonna get us any closer to Benjamín Arellano?
When I came to TJ, you asked why.
Why here instead of El Paso or Chicago or...
All the things I've done...
mistakes I've made...
people that I've fucked over.
I mean, it's all gotta add up to something.
The kid knows things about the Arellanos.
He can still help us.
Alfredo was our only leverage.
He doesn't know he's dead.
He trusts me.
Let's use that.
He's going to get us Benjamín.
BENJAMÍN: This shit keeps up, we're done -
ENEDINA: Mayo's been playing us - for years.
Anyone doing business in Tijuana.
they need to know who this family is, what we can do...
Use Ramón.
How the fuck did this happen, Enedina?
It doesn't matter.
Ramón will make clear - deserting us isn't an option.
Mayo's doing this to us from inside...
He's in Tijuana.
So find him -
fucking kill him!
We will.
ensuring others pay the tax...
Benjamín, it's dependent on you.
I'll be fine. I'm safe here...
You need to keep moving!
You've been in that house too long.
We've got people in custody.
There's been leaks.
It's complicated. You know that.
The doctors are using a new treatment for her tumors.
They say it'll be a few weeks before we know anything.
We can't risk it.
There are other doctors...
If something happened to you...
we wouldn't survive it.
I'll talk with Ruth.
[IN ENGLISH] You found my brother?
I want to see him.
Is he here?
He wasn't at the apartment, Alex.
No. No, he has to be.
- I'm telling you, that's where he'd be. - Alex, he wasn't.
I'm sorry.
We're running out of time.
All right, Alfredo needs you to come through.
[EXHALES SHAKILY]
[SNIFFLES]
I know.
Just tell me what to do.
You spent time around the Arellanos.
You know them.
How they talk,
their voices.
If I played you some tapes, wire taps,
I think you might be able to help us understand what's being said.
Huh?
Figure out where they might be.
And what about my brother?
You think those tapes can help find him?
We have to try, Alex...
to save him.
Your brother needs you right now more than ever.
Okay.
Let's do it.
I want to start now.
LAW FIRM
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
AMADO: Hey...
Some place we can talk?
Want you to start setting money aside - every week.
In this account.
How much?
What's the most you can pull without Hank noticing?
Maybe ten million?
Make it fifteen. A week.
Start now.
This tied to the thing with the Sinaloans - in Tijuana?
Mayo called.
He wants a thousand kilos on top of what they got last time -
[SIGHS] Hey, don't worry about that shit.
Just handle this money. Keep it quiet.
You sure about this?
What the fuck's going on?
I'm sure. Just do it.
The tank full?
MECHANIC: Want to take her up?
Yeah. Going to Sinaloa.
VICTOR: The fuck...
ISAAC: I think we might have something...
[SIGHS]
What'd you get?
One of the Citibank accounts...
lists multiple transfers from a bank in Texas -
[IN ENGLISH] El Paso Savings and Loan'
[IN SPANISH] It's in a strip mall outside El Paso.
Wouldn't even notice it.
But this shitty little bank...
it's moving hundreds of millions of dollars on a regular basis.
ANDRÉA: That close to the border?
It's a drug bank.
Juárez cartel.
ISAAC: That's where it gets interesting -
This same bank in El Paso is making regular transfer -
$200,000 on the first Monday of every month
to a bank account right here...
in Tijuana.
ISABELLA: Every month?
It's some kind of payoff.
Whoever's getting that money could tie Hank to the Juárez cartel.
What's this bank's address?
On top.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Come on, motherfucker...
Motherfucker.
[ENGINE ACCELERATING]
Got you, motherfucker...
Fuck... Fuck.
Fuck.
Motherfucker!
Fuck.
[PANTING]
[MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY]
ANNA CARRILLO ORTIZ 28-8-87- 11-7-91
MY BEAUTIFUL ANGEL, YOUR PARENTS WON'T FORGET YOU.
YOU'LL BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.