In 'Narcos Mexico', some events are based on truth while others are fictional for the sake of drama. For example, the existence of the drug cartels and their general modus operandi are often rooted in reality. However, individual storylines and character relationships might be exaggerated or fabricated. The show uses real - life events as a backdrop but twists them to create a more engaging narrative.
The role of the authorities is another area. In the show, it sometimes gives the impression that the authorities were more or less effective than they really were. In real - life, the fight against the drug cartels in Mexico involved a lot of bureaucracy, corruption, and international cooperation. The show might not accurately represent all the difficulties and the real - life strategies that were employed.
In 'Narcos', the level of violence is sometimes dramatized. While the real drug trade was extremely violent, the show might enhance it for shock value. For example, some of the shoot - outs and torture scenes might be more elaborate in the show. Truthfully, the real - life investigations were also more about intelligence gathering and paperwork than what is shown. The show focuses a lot on the action - packed parts, but in reality, a large part of law enforcement's work was painstaking research, building cases slowly over time, and dealing with political and bureaucratic hurdles.
One way is to do research on the real - life drug cartels in Mexico. Compare the facts about their activities, leadership, and territorial control with what's shown in the show. For instance, if a cartel in the show is depicted as having a certain stronghold that doesn't match historical records, that's likely a fictional element.
Some aspects are quite accurate. For example, the general rise of the Guadalajara Cartel is depicted in a way that aligns with historical facts. The cartel's expansion and its key players are shown fairly realistically. However, there are still fictional elements. For instance, some conversations and personal relationships between characters are made up to drive the story forward.