Season 5 of El Marginal revolves around Miguel as he is sent back to prison after his failed escape attempt while Diosito tries to make a life for himself outside by carrying out odd jobs. All episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
Story
3 years after an unsuccessful escape attempt, Miguel has written a critically acclaimed book titled ‘El Marginal’ and gained a huge amount of respect inside the prison and out. He wants to use this position to improve things for his son on the outside.
Mario and Antin have total control over the prison, with Mario being supported by Columbia and Bardo. It is an uneasy alliance, however, with rumblings of discontent floating in Bardo’s mind.
The Sub-21 gang with Cesar at the top are still aggrieved by the Borges gang’s treatment and is always looking for opportunities to get back at them.
Diosito struggles to make a life for himself on the outside and is given a shock when it is revealed that he has a son. This ray of hope gives him a new perspective but it’s not long before he’s forced back into old habits.
The situation in the prison is heating up and with so many different aspects in play, there is no telling how things will turn out in the end.
Performances
Juan Minujín steals the show in the lead role as he portrays a man with honour who is learned and yet not afraid to get his hands dirty for the right cause.
Claudio Rissi has a more subdued role in this season as he’s playing the older Borges whose life is catching up to him and who is struggling to maintain control amid the hungry wolves in the prison.
Nicolás Furtado carries most of the emotional burden in this season as he is forced to mature when he finds out he is a father as well as make peace with Mario and accept his cruel fate at the end.
Positives
The script is a brilliant display of skill and understanding as there are many deep conversations as well as Miguel’s monologues that offer a commentary on human life within a prison.
The ending when Diosito is killed while he pictures Mario watching him with the overlay of Miguel’s monologue culminated in an emotional moment that cannot be replicated often.
Negatives
There were a few too many subplots that were included as the showrunners tried to wrap up every loose end they possibly could by the time the end credits rolled.
This meant certain issues weren’t given the attention they required and felt a bit rushed.
The background score isn’t something to talk about as the same beats or songs were used consistently without really contributing anything to the setting.
The emotional end is undercut almost immediately by the dance sequence between Mario and Diosito. It felt out of place and frankly ridiculous following such a poignant moment in the series.
Verdict
This season brings about a mediocre end to ‘El Marginal’ that won’t be talked about for ages to come. For fans who have followed the series throughout it may serve as nothing more than satisfactory without really exciting the masses.
Rating: 2.5/5
Also Read: El Marginal season 5 summary and ending explained