Pablo Escobar

Lore & Background

Escobar's rise begins in the late 1970s when he is an established black marketeer in Medellín, moving trucks of illegal goods into Colombia. He is introduced to Mateo "Cockroach" Moreno, a Chilean exile and underground chemist, who pitches the idea of producing and distributing cocaine. They expand from a small lab to larger labs in the rainforest, using Carlos Lehder's expertise to transport product in bulk to Miami. Escobar develops larger labs and more extensive distribution routes into the United States to supply growing demand. His story is told from the perspective of DEA agent Steve Murphy, who works with Javier Peña and Colombian authorities led by Colonel Carrillo to stop the flow of cocaine. Season 1 ends with Escobar's escape from prison. In season 2, Escobar adapts to life on the run, using tricks like riding in taxi trunks and using young lookouts. He is eventually tracked down via radio triangulation and killed on a rooftop by a Colombian policeman named Trujillo.

In Their Own Story

Pablo Escobar's journey from a small-time smuggler to the most wanted man in the world is marked by extreme violence and calculated moves. He builds the Medellín Cartel into a billion-dollar empire, controlling cocaine production and distribution. His war with the DEA and Colombian authorities escalates after his escape from prison. He uses bribery, intimidation, and murder to maintain power, but his empire begins to crumble as rivals and former allies turn against him. The series depicts his final days as a fugitive, hiding in safehouses and trying to contact his family. He is killed in a shootout on a rooftop, executed by a Colombian policeman amidst shouts of "Viva Colombia!"

Reader's Guide

Pablo Escobar is the central figure of Narcos seasons 1 and 2. He is the leader of the Medellín Cartel and a billionaire through cocaine production and distribution. The series shows his interactions with DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, as well as Colombian authorities and rival cartels. Escobar's story begins in the late 1970s and ends with his death in 1992. Key moments include his escape from prison, his war with the Colombian government, and his eventual death on a rooftop. The series also explores his relationships with his family, including his wife Tata and his mother Hermilda Gaviria.

Did You Know?

• Pablo Escobar is portrayed by Wagner Moura in seasons 1–2.
• Escobar's wife is named Tata, full name Maria Victoria Henao.
• Escobar is killed by a Colombian policeman named Trujillo on a rooftop.
• The series shows Escobar using young lookouts to report police movements.
• Escobar's mother, Hermilda Gaviria, is a former Colombian schoolteacher.