Belascoaran, PI

Belascoaran, PI is a Mexican crime drama series that made its debut on Netflix in October 2022. The show is based on a series of cult classic noir novels written by the celebrated Mexican author Paco Ignacio Taibo II. Set in the 1970s–1980s, the series takes viewers into the heart of Mexico City, capturing its unique atmosphere, social turmoil, and the grit of an era that's ripe for a wide range of crimes and intrigue.

The central figure of the series is Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, a singularly shrewd and unorthodox private investigator with a dry wit, a weary heart, and a knack for getting himself neck-deep in the most complex of mysteries. Belascoarán is not your typical TV detective; he is a man of the people, with roots that run deep into the fabric of Mexican society, providing him with an intuitive grasp on cases that seem to baffle others. His profession is part detective, part social worker, as he often treads where police won't, helping the forgotten and the voiceless in a city full of corruption and violence.

As an ex-engineer who got bored with the predictability of his profession, Belascoarán decides to become a detective, much to the amusement of his family and acquaintance. He is a cynic yet deeply compassionate, steadfast in a city that's continuously changing around him. The character of Héctor is a fascinating mixture of hard-boiled detective tropes and a refreshingly human vulnerability that makes him a compelling lead.

He sets up shop in a tiny office in downtown Mexico City, where the city's rhythm throbs with life and a variety of clients bring in cases that traverse all layers of Mexican society. Each episode of Belascoaran, PI weaves together the stories of these very personal cases against the backdrop of larger social and political themes, often tying his investigations to actual historical events.

The supporting characters are equally rich and varied, serving as both foes and allies to Belascoarán. From an industrious secretary who helps to keep the office (and his life) in order, to a gritty police officer who represents the law, albeit in its flawed form, the cast brings to life the vast spectrum of personalities of a bygone Mexico City.

One of the defining features of the show is how it seamlessly blends genres, primarily functioning as a noir detective series, but with elements of drama, comedy, and even action woven in. The series takes its time to delve into gritty storylines and complex character development, but it also isn't afraid to embrace lighter moments and humor, often breaking the tension with Belascoarán's deadpan commentary on life and crime.

The production design deserves special mention for its ability to transport viewers back in time. The set pieces, costumes, and choice of music all play an integral role in establishing the time period and creating an immersive experience. The city itself feels like a living, breathing character, with its expanse serving both as a playground and a battlefront for the private investigator.

Its direction and cinematography are intentional in capturing the moodiness of the noir aesthetic, framing the shadow-clad alleys and smoke-filled rooms that Belascoarán frequents. The show's visual style pays homage to classic film noir, yet it finds ways to incorporate a distinctly Mexican palette, with vibrant colors that contrast the darkness of the crime underbelly.

The pacing of Belascoaran, PI also sets it apart from other shows in its genre. It doesn't rush through its plotlines for the sake of cliffhangers or shock value but rather allows stories to unfold organically, with attention to detail and character. The show is patient in its storytelling, rewarding viewers who are drawn into its slow-burning mysteries, and it's compelling in the way it handles both the procedural aspect of the cases and the more serialized elements involving Belascoarán's personal life and growth.

Despite being steeped in the genre's traditions, Belascoaran, PI also probes contemporary issues related to identity, social justice, and the ever-present reality of corruption. It tackles these subjects with an eye that is both critical and introspective, giving audiences a look into a complex society through the lens of its time.

Overall, Belascoaran, PI offers viewers a journey into the vibrant and often dangerous world of a private investigator in Mexico City. It's a show that respects its source material, bringing Paco Ignacio Taibo II's beloved character to life, and it stands as a fresh take on the crime drama genre – a slow-cooked tale that simmers with tension, charm, and a deep sense of place that is as much a nod to the past as it is a stark reflection on the ever-relevant themes that continue to shape society today.