In “Belascoarán, Private Detective” (Netflix), a young man investigates in 1970s Mexico City amid corruption and Keli Cola. MeinMMO editor Lydia is a crime fan and reveals what makes the series special.
What kind of series is this? In “Belascoarán, Private Detective”, the titular Héctor Belascoarán Shayne gives up the security of his well-paid engineering job and his loveless marriage to become a private investigator when he recognizes the work of a serial killer behind a series of murders.
The police – whether overwhelmed or corrupt – are not interested in the strangled women, so Belascoarán puts himself in the crosshairs of the killer. Along the way, he repeatedly crosses paths with the stunning and incredibly cool race car driver Irene.
The series is based on the book series by Mexican author Paco Ignacio Taibo II and takes place in 1970s Mexico City. The Netflix production from 2022 is the latest adaptation. So far, there is one season with 3 episodes of 70–80 minutes each, each revolving around a different case.
You can get a first impression from the embedded trailer in the original Spanish language. You can find German trailers on Netflix.
Private Detective in a Leather Jacket instead of a Trench Coat
What makes the series so good? “Belascoarán, Private Detective” skillfully plays with the clichés of the genre but knows how to stand out at the right moments. Our investigator sits chain-smoking in his shabby office, which he shares with plumber Gómez, and he is hardly ever paid – that’s the way it goes.
Yet Héctor is not a hardened guy who lets himself be sent on the hunt for the Maltese Falcon by some random beauty. He maintains his belief in happy endings and stubbornly tries to change the world – or at least his city – for the better. He bravely puts himself in great danger and is not deterred even by a beating from corrupt police officers.
Murder Hunt with a 70s Feel
Another highlight is the setting, which comes with a nostalgic 70s flair. Everything is filled with tube televisions, bulky phones, and sideburns. Additionally, Belascoarán develops a penchant for Keli Cola – original with a glass bottle and paper straw.
Real historical events, like the final of the 1970 World Cup, a visit from the Pope, or the founding of unions, are woven into the cases. In some clips, it even seems to be original footage.
“Belascoarán, Private Detective” comes with a dry sense of humor, but it does not skimp on action in the form of violence and wild chases. In this country, the series is rated for ages 16 and up.
Currently, some members of the MeinMMO editorial team are reporting on their series highlights on Netflix:
In the age of streaming services and binge-watching, the series is comparatively short. However, this can also be an advantage. After all, not everyone has the time or desire for a series marathon where you go through 8 seasons of 24 episodes each in a few days.
I can wholeheartedly recommend “Belascoarán, Private Detective” to anyone who loves endearing investigators, a 70s feel, and Keli Cola. For those who prefer to spend an entire weekend captivated in front of the screen, my MeinMMO colleague Christos’ series recommendation might be just right:
A series on Netflix is for anyone who wants to see a dramatic GTA
