Episode 9, titled "Gabina", throws the audience into high-stakes tension as the Azules team, along with local detectives, attempts to ensnare a man suspected of being the Undresser. This criminal has been tormenting women, and the stakes have never been higher. On paper, the idea seems solid—a trap set to catch their man—but, unsurprisingly, things take a sharp turn, leaving everyone scrambling.
The good in this episode lies in its sharp, escalating tension. The direction keeps you hooked, thanks to a relentless pace and a thrilling atmosphere that doesn't let up. The show's core strength has always been the characters' chemistry, and "Gabina" continues to deliver on that front. Watching the Azules work as a team, grappling with their personal and professional dilemmas makes for some of the best moments. These characters aren't just cops; they're fully fleshed-out individuals, which is why you're so invested in whether or not their plan works.
This episode’s key moment is when the trap falls apart. The tension before this implosion is palpable, and the aftermath sets up what will likely be an even bigger showdown in the season's final episodes. As viewers, we expect some failure here—things going off without a hitch would feel far too easy. But the way it unravels, exposing gaps in the team’s preparation and emotional vulnerabilities, gives the plot weight and realism. This isn't just about catching a villain; it’s about the human cost of what these officers endure.
The performances are stellar. The cast—both the regulars and guest stars—bring nuance and emotional depth to their roles. The show has done an excellent job of maintaining its gritty tone while allowing space for moments of emotional relief and camaraderie. However, it’s Gabina’s story arc in this episode that pulls the most emotional strings. She’s been through a personal rollercoaster, and her decisions here feel grounded in everything she's experienced up to this point.
Now, onto the negatives. The show occasionally falters with pacing. While the build-up to the trap is tense, certain scenes drag longer than necessary, which could have been tightened to maintain the momentum. Additionally, the subplot involving the detectives’ internal politics feels tacked on, detracting slightly from the more compelling main storyline. There’s an impression that the writers were juggling too many balls at once, and as a result, some of the subplots didn’t get the attention they deserved.
Moreover, there’s a slight over-reliance on traditional crime tropes. We’ve seen the “the plan goes wrong” setup before, and while the show executes it well, it doesn’t add much that’s fresh to the genre. As viewers, we know to expect twists, but "Gabina" plays it a little too safe with its narrative risks.
That said, the production quality continues to be top-notch. Cinematography-wise, the urban setting is depicted beautifully—gritty, real, and full of life. The show has always had a knack for making its environment feel like an active character in its own right, and this episode is no different. The direction of the action scenes, especially when the plan unravels, is sharp and gripping, drawing you into the chaos alongside the characters.
In conclusion, "Gabina" is a thrilling episode, buoyed by strong character moments and sharp direction. While it falters a little in pacing and originality, the overall package is engaging and leaves viewers eager for what’s next. If you’ve been following the series, this episode delivers enough tension and emotional payoff to keep you invested in the larger narrative arc. It’s not a perfect episode, but it’s a solid step toward what promises to be a dramatic finale.
Final Score - [8.5/10]