Netflix's latest series, 'Griselda,' delves into the captivating story of Griselda Blanco, one of the charismatic figures in the world of illicit substances. However, a lingering question remains: did Griselda Blanco and Pablo Escobar truly know each other? Uncover the details and connections between these notorious personalities below.
Griselda Blanco Restrepo is recognized as a member of the Medellín Cartel and a Colombian drug lord. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, she was a prominent figure in the drug trade, operating primarily out of Miami. Responsible for an estimated 2,000 murders while trafficking illicit substances from Colombia to New York, Miami, and Southern California, her criminal career was extensive. However, the price for such a notorious reputation was high, as she was assassinated in an armed attack on September 3, 2012. Her story not only exposes the dark side of the criminal world but also unfolds like a tense Hollywood thriller.
Her reign began after eliminating her second husband, Alberto Bravo (portrayed by Alberto Ammann). While there are sources suggesting she might have also killed her first husband, the series focuses on events after this incident. The murder or orchestration of her third husband's death earned her the moniker 'Black Widow.' Following Alberto's demise, Griselda aimed to establish a monopoly in the region's drug trade.
As she climbed to the pinnacle of success and power, Griselda made numerous enemies and left a trail of bloodshed. Much of the story depicted in Griselda is based on reality, including murders and highly suspicious and gruesome orgies.
The series revolves around Griselda Blanco, also known as the 'Godmother' of the drug trade. This show promises to satisfy the cravings of any true crime drama enthusiast with its ruthless passion for violence, murder, and deception.
Sofia Vergara stars in the six-episode mini-series, exploring all facets of Griselda's life as she rises in the criminal empire as the Queen of illegal substances.
The series begins with a gunshot at Griselda's home in Colombia, where she appears wounded and seeking refuge in a friend's house in Miami, Florida, with her three sons. This marks the starting point of her story and her journey to power.
Pablo Escobar established the Medellín Cartel in the mid-1970s and ruled it with extreme violence. Despite being exceptionally ruthless and brutal as a businessman, he was sometimes labeled as a Robin Hood figure, leading to his inclusion in the Colombian Congress in 1982. He instilled fear and garnered support from many living in Colombia who feared execution. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, his tendencies toward violence escalated, even going as far as bombing a plane to kill an informant. He was arrested in 1991, escaped in 1992, and remained in hiding until late 1993. A day after his hiding place was discovered, he was shot and killed in December 1993, one day after his birthday.
Most of Escobar's life and rise were depicted in the Netflix series Narcos, where he was portrayed by Wagner Moura.
In real life, there is little information about the relationship between Griselda Blanco and Pablo Escobar. They met in Miami when Escobar was just 15, and Griselda was five years older. Escobar wanted to enter the drug trade and sought to benefit from Griselda's experience. They collaborated by working with the planes and pilots of the Medellín Cartel to smuggle cocaine between Colombia and Miami before Griselda killed her husband. These points form the basis of their relationship.
However, it is believed that the origin of the nickname may stem from Griselda's admiration for The Godfather films, as she named her fourth son Michael Corleone. The only firm connection is that both figures, the queen and king of the drug kingdom, are buried in the Monte Sacro Cemetery in Colombia. Based on a quote expressing Escobar's respect for her, it can be speculated that Griselda appreciated her ability to rise independently and her skill in establishing a luxurious life. As a result, while there are series like Narcos and Griselda, don't hold too much hope for a Godfather and Godmother series that combines their stories.