Pablo Escobar was not simply a 'bad' or 'evil' person
Based on the show anyway. I dislike this dichotomous society we find ourselves in, where someone is obstinately deemed ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Many people try to chastise Escobar; however, based on the show, he was essentially a pretty good person - albeit a complex and troubled one. The crux of the matter is in distributing cocaine worldwide, Pablo Escobar gave the people what they wanted. If people want to indulge in recreational drug experimentation, then I firmly believe they should be allowed to. We should all be accountable for our own actions and Pablo here was simply providing the means to fulfil their wishes.
Various elements of his character were actually admirable. He was a bit of a Robin Hood type character: giving to the poor, investing in the local community and also sporting clubs. Would an evil man do this? He loved his family dearly - even his nasty mother - whom to me was the real villain of the show (admitting to stealing shoes and causing the death of Tata’s brother). During Carlos’ death, Pablo heroically risked his life trying to save him, throwing himself into the incoming gunfire. This was an extremely impressive, selfless act; yet more evidence to attest to his good nature. He even forgave his mother who caused his death.
Wagner Moura stole the show when his daughter innocently asked how Santa would find them now that they were not at home. He tearfully replied, ‘Santa will always find your good and kind heart’, which to me captures the understated sensitivity of the much-maligned Escobar. Towards the end of the season, we also saw him leave his remaining money to his father, such was his unselfish nature. This was the father who disowned him, but Pablo could see past this. Indeed, so much about him should be admired: amassing one of the greatest fortunes in the world, taking everything he wanted from life and not giving in to detractors such as the government and police. And he did all of this with quite a progressive approach: employing women and a multicultural workforce.
Obviously, Pablo Escobar was not innocent and that is not what I’m saying. He did some bad things without doubt. Often though he was provoked and simply defending himself, his loved ones and his territory. Of course, all men should be entitled to do this.
I think my favourite scene of the show was reserved for the finale where he reminisced with the imaginary presence of his cousin, Gustavo. Choking up once more, Pablo remarked that, ‘everything started to fall apart the day you left’. These are not the words of a ruthless, evil man; they are the words of a complex character with a lot of good to him. Following this, the show then concluded after another emotional conversation with his children. He advised his daughter that he had been taking careful care of her bunny. Ask yourself this: do evil men spend their free time caring for little bunnies?