After months of delay, I finally started watching the second season of ‘Marbella’, the series created by Alberto Marini and Álvaro de la Torre. I hesitated to begin it, recalling how addictive the first season was—I found myself walking through Zaidín, singing the theme tune by El Paisano, who also stars in the show. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of drug trafficking and the lure of crime in Marbella.
El Paisano’s work brings to mind the old tales of the blind reciting graphic stories, printed on coarse paper and spread by wandering performers. Noir, in any form, has always captivated audiences, and ‘Marbella’ continues this tradition.
I decided to rewatch the first season to remind myself of the plot, and I’m quickly becoming enthralled again. As we noted before, a series created by Alberto Marini and Dani de la Torre is bound to be good, especially as it draws from a detailed investigative piece titled ‘Marbella, sede global del crimen organizado’ by Arturo Lezcano and Nacho Carretero (yes, the one behind ‘Fariña’). The Mocro Mafia is a fascinating angle.
Now that I’ve finished the first season and am diving back in, it’s brilliant. The storyline kicks off with a slick lawyer, expertly played by Hugo Silva, sharing his life and experiences directly with us—and what a life it is!
As always, I won’t spoil much of the plot for those who haven’t seen it. The focus is not just on the story, but how it’s presented. While there are plenty of classic action moments, the heart of the series lies in the diverse characters and their complex relationships. The dependencies, deep-rooted hatreds, envy, alliances, power plays, and, naturally, betrayals all drive the narrative.
What do I hope for in the second season of ‘Marbella’? I expect it to keep surprising me and holding my attention. I want new plots that feel authentic and to see ‘our’ Natalia de Molina and Cristalino in action. With the subtitle ‘Expediente judicial’, I can’t help but commend the remarkable Elvira Mínguez from the first season. Since I can’t quite recall how it all ended, rewatching ‘Marbella’ feels like experiencing it anew.
What I appreciate most about the series is its lack of black-and-white morality. It neither glorifies the drug trade—a refreshing aspect—nor shies away from discussing the surrounding corruption. The drug trade benefits many, from nightclubs and luxury restaurants to real estate firms and high-end car dealerships. All in all, it’s a compelling series that is definitely worth watching.
Jesús Lens
