Foundation of ethics

Assignment- 1

NAME- Rakshit Badyal

PRN- 22030122076
DIVISION- C
SEMESTER - 4th
BATCH- 2022-2025

TOPIC- Narcos ( A documentary on popular drug lord,

politician & businessman)
 ABSTRACT

Netflix has adopted an emerging subgenre known as Narcos drama in the

production of their new original series, Narcos. What motivates Colombian and
American audiences to watch Narcos? What are the differences in uses and
gratifications between American and Colombian audiences when it comes to
violence in television shows? This survey among Colombian and American
audiences attempted to better understand the motivations that push them to
watch Narcos. The results show that Colombian and American audiences differ
on almost all four variables, which is supported by open-ended responses where
Colombians were more likely to refer to national history and how drug
trafficking has affected the country.

The show garnered a lot of attention in the first few months following its
release. With nine out of ten stars on the Internet Movie Database website and
a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Narcos was able to capture the attention of
critics and audiences alike. Mackenzie Dawson (2015) in his review in the New
York Post commented about the reality-based drama: “You cannot make this
up. People say that all the time, but in this case, you simply cannot. While some
dramatic liberties have been taken in this show, particularly with the timeline,
all of the major events actually happened, and you can Google them after each
episode to read up on them.” Matthew Gilbert (2015) compared the show to the
Wire in his review in the Boston Globe, “
 REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF SERIES

The fascinating and complex Netflix original series "Narcos" delves into the
emergence and dissolution of drug gangs in Colombia in the late 20th century.
The three-season program, which was created by Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard,
and Chris Brancato, offers an engrossing plot that blends historical realism
with skilful storytelling.

Storyline: The show follows the rise of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar and
the establishment of the Medellín Cartel. It explores the intricate relationships
that exist between politicians, police enforcement, and the drug trade. The story
progresses with a mix of drama, suspense, and dark comedy as the DEA, under
the direction of agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, steps up its operations.
The program traverses Colombia's political terrain, highlighting the
interdependence of crime, politics, and law enforcement.
Characterization: "Narcos" excels in character development, particularly with
the portrayal of Pablo Escobar by Wagner Moura. Escobar is depicted as a
multifaceted character, transcending the typical crime lord stereotype. His
charisma, family devotion, and ruthless ambition create a compelling and
nuanced antagonist. Other characters, such as Steve Murphy, Javier Peña, and
various members of the cartels, are equally well-crafted, adding layers to the
narrative.
Historical Accuracy: One of the strengths of "Narcos" is its commitment to
historical accuracy. The series seamlessly weaves real footage and events into
its fictionalized narrative, providing viewers with an informative and engaging
portrayal of Colombia's turbulent history during the drug trade boom. The
show captures the essence of the era, illustrating the social, political, and
economic factors that fuelled the rise of drug cartels.
Cinematography and Direction: The cinematography in "Narcos" is visually
stunning, capturing the vibrant landscapes of Colombia alongside the gritty
urban settings. The direction, spearheaded by talented directors such as Andi
Baiz and Andrij Parekh, is sharp and immersive. The series effectively uses its
visuals to enhance the tension, emotion, and intensity of key moments.
Soundtrack: The series boasts a powerful soundtrack composed by Pedro
Bronfman, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere. The music
complements the storytelling, heightening the emotional impact of pivotal
scenes and creating a sense of authenticity within the Colombian setting.
Critical Reception: "Narcos" has received widespread acclaim for its
storytelling, acting, and historical accuracy. Critics have praised the series for
its ability to humanize complex characters and present a balanced perspective
on the drug trade. Wagner Moura's performance as Pablo Escobar has
particularly garnered acclaim for its depth and authenticity.

In conclusion, "Narcos" stands as a compelling and well-crafted series that

skilfully navigates the complexities of the drug trade and its impact on
Colombian society. The combination of strong character development,
historical accuracy, and excellent production values makes it a standout show
that captivates audiences and provides a thought-provoking exploration of a
tumultuous period in recent history
 ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT CHARACTER IN
SERIES

"Narcos" on Netflix features a diverse array of characters, each contributing to

the intricate narrative and capturing the essence of the drug trade in Colombia.

Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura): The central figure and the mastermind behind
the Medellín Cartel, Escobar is portrayed with depth and complexity. The series
delves into his ruthless pursuit of power, his charisma, and the contradictions
within his character – a family man with a violent criminal enterprise.
Escobar's rise and fall are depicted in a way that elicits both sympathy and
condemnation.

Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal): The two DEA
agents play a crucial role in the narrative, representing the American
perspective in the war against drugs. Murphy's narration serves as a guiding
voice, while Peña's character evolves from a determined agent to a more
morally ambiguous figure. Their personal and professional struggles add layers
to the series.

Gustavo Gaviria (Juan Pablo Raba): Pablo Escobar's cousin and right-hand
man, Gaviria is portrayed as a loyal and conflicted character. His journey
illustrates the toll that involvement in the drug trade takes on individuals, even
those close to the kingpin.

Connie Murphy (Joanna Christie): Steve Murphy's wife provides a humanizing

element to the story, representing the impact of the drug trade on the lives of
those indirectly involved. Her perspective highlights the emotional toll of the
war on drugs on families.

Colonel Carrillo (Maurice Compte): As the head of a specialized anti-drug unit

in Colombia, Carrillo is portrayed as a relentless force against the drug cartels.
His character reflects the challenges and sacrifices faced by law enforcement in
the pursuit of justice.

Valeria Velez (Stephanie Sigman): A journalist who becomes entangled with

Pablo Escobar, Velez represents the media's role in shaping public perception
and the risks journalists take to expose the truth.

Judy Moncada (Cristina Umaña): A powerful and ambitious figure within the
drug trade, Moncada's character highlights the complexities of gender
dynamics in a male-dominated world. Her evolution from victim to a formidable
player adds depth to the series.

The ensemble cast of "Narcos" contributes to the success of the show by

portraying characters with depth, allowing viewers to understand the multiple
perspectives involved in the drug trade, from law enforcement and journalists to
those directly engaged in criminal enterprises. Each character's journey adds
layers to the overarching narrative, creating a comprehensive and immersive
exploration of the complex world of drug cartels in Colombia.

CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE

Even while "Narcos" mostly concentrates on events that took place in Colombia
in the latter half of the 20th century, its relevance today goes beyond the
historical account. The following elements demonstrate how "Narcos" relates to
contemporary issues:
  Global Drug Trade: With numerous criminal groups engaged in the
cultivation, trafficking, and distribution of illicit drugs, the global drug
trade remains a critical concern. The show highlights the difficulties and
complexities that law enforcement organizations encounter while trying
to stop these illegal businesses, a problem that still exists in many regions
of the world today.
 Political corruption: "Narcos" eloquently captures the Colombian drug
gangs' and politicians' entwinement. This issue is still relevant since
government corruption can still encourage criminal activity, obstruct
efforts by law enforcement

 Crime and Violence: The show depicts the horrific violence linked to the
drug trade, which regrettably still exists in many parts of the world.
Narcotic trafficking organizations frequently use violent methods that
affect not only law enforcement but also innocent bystanders.

 Effect on Society: The drug trade's social and economic effects, as

depicted in "Narcos," are still felt today. The problems that societies
impacted by drug-related activities continue to face include drug
addiction, poverty, and community destabilization.

 Media and Public Perception: As portrayed in the series, the media's

influence on public perception is still a relevant topic. Public perception
of law enforcement initiatives, political personalities, and the war's
overarching narrative can all be influenced by media coverage.
 Impact on Society: The social and economic impact of the drug trade
portrayed in "Narcos" is still evident today. Drug addiction, poverty, and
the destabilization of communities continue to be challenges faced by
societies affected by drug-related activities.

Essentially, although having historical roots, "Narcos" still has relevance today
since problems with drug trafficking, government corruption, violence, and
international cooperation are still prevalent around the world. The show offers
a perspective that viewers can use to comprehend and consider current issues
pertaining to politics, law enforcement, and societal influence.
 AUTHOR’S OPINION

The writing crew of "Narcos" may hold differing views, and their viewpoints are
not clearly recorded in publicly accessible sources. Nonetheless, in interviews
and promotional materials, the show's writers and creators, Doug Miro, Carlo
Bernard, and Chris Brancato, have talked about how they went about crafting
the series.

Their goal was to present a complex and fair account of the circumstances
driving the emergence and dissolution of drug gangs in Colombia. They tried to
convey the complexity of the players—both cartel members and law
enforcement officers—in their portrayal of them. The authors aimed to provide
readers a more thorough grasp of the socio-political processes at work at the
time.

It's noteworthy to mention that "Narcos" has received accolades for its
historical authenticity, character development, and storyline. While conceding
the necessity for some artistic license to heighten the narrative's dramatic
components, the creators have stated their dedication to offering an accurate
portrayal of the events.
If the authors are unable to provide clear, individual statements, one way to
comprehend the collective vision of the writers is to examine their panel
discussions, interviews, and official statements. These sources typically
highlight the writers' dedication to telling a compelling, well-balanced story
that is based on historical events.

Supporting the view point of author:

Yes, I completely support the view point of writer because The show "Narcos,"
which was masterfully created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug
Miro, is notable for its attention to detail and nuanced examination of historical
events. Their method of storytelling offers viewers a gripping account that
explores the intricacies of the Colombian drug trade while striking a balance
between theatrical aspects and factual veracity. Through their nuanced
depictions of the various characters—ranging from members of drug cartels to
law enforcement officers—the authors demonstrate their commitment to
conveying the complexities of the socio-political factors at work during that
turbulent time. The show demonstrates their goal of giving viewers an
entertaining and educational experience while bringing attention to the
difficulties experienced by individuals on both.

Core philosophical ethical values:

"Narcos" explores basic issues of morality, authority, and the ramifications of
one's actions as it digs into a convoluted web of philosophical and ethical
ideals. The show shows a sharp contrast between the moral values that law
enforcement agencies defend and the frequently brutal and ethically dubious
choices made by individuals involved in the drug trade. The characters debate
issues of fairness, the rule of law, and moral concessions made in the name of
achieving social as well as personal goals. Philosophical questions concerning
the nature of power and the wider effects of one's decisions are brought up by
the story. Viewers are also prompted to consider the hazy boundaries between
good and evil as characters manoeuvre through a world where moral absolutes
are evasive. The show's central subject emphasizes the human cost of pursuing
wealth, power, and control, making viewers consider the moral ramifications of
their own decisions in the context of a society that struggles with violence and
corruption. In the end, "Narcos" offers an insightful examination of the moral
and philosophical issues raised by the fight against drug cartels as well as the
ramifications of existing in a society where the desire for survival and power
frequently eclipses morality.