#opinion, «GRISELDA» The Netflix Limited Series

Well, the miniseries is a work of fiction, but it is based on real and historical events that did happen in the city of Miami during the late 1970s and throughout most of the 1980s. I would say that even though I haven’t finished watching the miniseries, I can already judge it, and it’s quite a story, a real humdinger…

First, I will tell you that I lived in Miami during those years and that also, starting in 1982, I was an officer of the metropolitan police. So the true facts, let the crimes be said, that they dramatize in the series I know first hand…

Ok, I’ll start by asserting that the series was not filmed in Miami. Nothing looks like Miami… Second, they have made all the «Marielitos» (Cubans that arrived by boats to South Florida illegally in 1980) as criminals. Although yes, many were and also became or continued their criminal activities in Miami, most were simple people, good people escaping communist tyranny and looking for freedom in the US. They did not venture across the Florida Straits to join criminal gangs. Therefore I am inclined to think that the writers, producers and director are using the series as a support vehicle to the anti-immigrant feelings so prevalent now in the US.

At the beginning of the series they also place the position of women as being totally discriminated, especially the scenes in the police department. This is an immense exaggeration and I know because I was an officer at the time. Yes, there was a macho attitude but not at the level they exemplify in the series. By 1984 I had a woman as the Commander of the Bureau that I was assigned to and there were many sergeants and lieutenants as well. So I think that with this issue they are also using the series to say «look how bad women were treated, discriminated, sexualised, put down…». I can tell you that they are trying to lie to fools.

Finally, I will say that it is the history, nefarious and horrific, of a ruthless psychopathic murderer who, pursuing her fame and glory and ambition for money and power, killed many in Medellin, Miami, and wherever she set foot. Yes, many were hitmen like her, others perhaps innocent, but Griselda was no Robin Hood or popular heroine.

Starring: Sofía Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Christian Tappan
Created by :Doug Miro, Eric Newman, Carlo Bernard, Ingrid Escajeda,
Directed by Andrés Baiz

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