Episode Title: Lady Comes to Town
Series: Griselda
Season: 1
Episode: 1
Original release date: January 25, 2024
Episode plot summary: Griselda flees Medellin for Miami to make a fresh start. With her sons and a hidden cache in tow, she seizes a chance to establish her own business.
* * *
“The only man I was ever afraid of was a woman named Griselda Blanco”
—Pablo Escobar
[insects trilling]
[vehicle approaching]
[vehicle halts]
[engine turns off]
[woman huffing]
[vehicle door opens]
[vehicle door closes]
[breath trembling]
[panting]
[suspenseful music playing]
[whimpers]
[telephone ringing]
Hello?
[woman] Carmen?
Yeah?
Hi, it’s Griselda.
Griselda? You okay?
Listen, I know it’s been a while, but I need a favor.
What’s going on?
[sighs] Something just happened between me and Alberto and I thought if anyone would understand–
Oh, honey. I’m sorry.
You wanna talk about it?
Yeah, when I get there.
Here? You’re coming to Miami?
With the kids. You have an extra room. Right?
Yeah, but it’s really small.
We’ll be there in the morning. Carmen. Thank you so much.
[softly] Shit.
[groans]
[in Spanish] Ready. Mom–
It’s so early. Couldn’t we take a later flight?
Are you fucking packed?
Yes.
[tense music playing]
What about Alberto?
I’ll explain in the car. Where’s Ozzy?
Not sure. In the bathroom?
Ozzy, we have to go now!
Just a minute, I have to poop before I go on the plane and it won’t come out.
Hurry!
Let’s go.
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
1978
[tires screech]
[Dixon] Mom.
Alberto and I are getting a divorce. And we’re moving to Miami.
I hated that fuck face anyways.
Don’t talk about your father like that.
He’s not my father.
Dixon, I don’t need the fucking attitude right now.
You need to work on your English.
[Ozzy] I don’t want to go to Miami.
I know, baby. But everything will be all right.
[pensive music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
[gripping instrumental music playing]
MIAMI, FLORIDA
[birds squawking]
[indistinct chatter]
[brakes squeal]
[in English] This is it.
Carmen, your house is beautiful.
Thank you. It’s getting there. I can’t believe you’re really here.
Me neither. You wouldn’t believe the fucking day I’ve had.
We’ll talk, all right? Let me show you the room. Come on.
Come on.
This is the room.
[Griselda sighs]
It’s great. One of you can sleep in the chair.
Fuck that.
Dixon! I’m sorry, long flight.
No, it’s okay. I wouldn’t want to sleep on that chair either, Dixon. So, um, how long do you think you’ll be staying?
Just until I get on my feet. Find a place. I hope it’s okay with you.
Of course. I’ll let you get settled.
[Ozzy in Spanish] Stop it, Dixon!
[Griselda] Enough! Listen, please. Soon as I can afford our own place, we’ll leave.
[Dixon scoffs] I promise.
In the meantime, I need you to be good guests. Don’t be assholes. No cursing, and put the fucking toilet seat down.
Mom, how do you know her?
[Griselda] You guys met her in Colombia. Alberto and I used to hang out with her when we’d go to New York.
Why doesn’t she speak Spanish?
She grew up here. That’s what happens.
I don’t wanna speak English all the time.
I know.
Check this out.
[in English] “Fuck you.”
[in Spanish] All you need to know.
You don’t need to speak English to know she doesn’t want us here.
I know, dear. I’m working on that.
[mellow music playing over speakers] [indistinct chatter]
[Carmen in English] I still can’t believe you’re here.
Me either. I know it’s a lot to ask. So, I just want you to know that if you have a problem, I can just find a motel and–
No, Griselda, it’s not that. You know I sympathize with what you’re going through. My divorce from Reynaldo was fucking brutal, okay? But– You don’t want me bringing that shit back around you, I get it. There’s a lot of women who leave the man, not the life.
You don’t know what he did to me.
He hit you?
Worse. Listen, Carmen. I didn’t call you just because we had so many good times together. I called you because I saw what you did. You didn’t just tell Reynaldo to fuck off. You came out. You did your thing. Now you have your own travel agency. It… It’s fucking inspiring.
All that time as a stewardess had to count for something.
You know, that’s what I want too.
What?
A business of my own. After all that I have been through, I swear, Carmen, I am fucking out of the drug business.
[chuckles softly]
[smacks lips] Why don’t you come work with me at the agency? You know, to help you get started. See how a business runs.
What time do we start?
8:00 a.m. And don’t be fucking late.
Someone’s gonna really enjoy being my fucking boss.
To Alberto and Reynaldo. May they one day get what they deserve.
I’ll fucking drink to that.
[dog barking distantly]
[sighs]
[boys snoring softly]
[grunts softly]
[intriguing music playing]
[clicks tongue]
[dramatic music playing]
[muzak playing over speakers]
Hm.
[sighs]
[upbeat Spanish music playing over speakers]
[in Spanish] If we can get 65 kilos out of this paste, the boss will love us. That’s why you study math, right?
[man 1] Arturo? It’s your mom.
Oh, dear…
On the phone.
She just doesn’t stop.
[sighs deeply] Mom, I’ve told you-
[Griselda] Arturo, it’s me.
What the fuck, Griselda! You shouldn’t be calling me. Are you and the boys okay?
Yes, I’m fine. We’re fine. Does he know where I’m at?
Nobody knows, and don’t tell me-
I’m in Miami.
Fuck.
He doesn’t know where you are, but he has people looking for you.
What about you? Did they rough you up?
No, I’m just the accountant. And I told them the truth. I didn’t know.
Thank God. Arturo, listen. I got out with a kilo. And I need to sell it. I can stay here and start over again. Build my own thing. I think it’s time.
Is that a good idea?
The best I’ve had in a while. Remember that guy, Manny Suarez, who used to buy coke from Fernando?
Yeah, the Miami guy. He’s dead.
Yeah, but he used to talk about a spot up here where all the action was.
The Mutiny.
The Mutiny. That’s right.
Sweetie, I’m going to share some advice with you. Be careful. You got nobody looking out for you.
I’ve never had anyone looking out for me except you.
[chuckles softly]
Gotta go. I’ll talk to you soon.
If you want, I could come over-
[line disconnects, busy tone beeps]
[Griselda in English] How was lunch?
It was fine.
Any customers?
Nope. But the mailman came in. I tried to sell him on some Puerto Vallarta ticket, but nothing.
It gets easier. I can help you with your pitch.
You know, I do need all the help you can give me with that. Yes, please.
Okay, good. Take your lunch. Coffee shop around the corner is good. Okay?
Okay, yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
[service bell dings]
Wipe that again. It’s not clean.
[in Spanish] Get your eyes checked, asshole.
You Colombian?
Yeah. But I came to America to wash dishes.
I know the feeling.
[“Hot Stuff” playing]
[girls cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
[in English] Hi!
♪ Sittin’ here Eatin’ my heart out waitin’ ♪
♪ Waitin’ for some lover to call ♪
[people cheering]
♪ Dialed about a thousand numbers lately ♪
♪ Almost rang the phone off the wall ♪
♪ Lookin’ for some hot stuff Baby, this evenin’ ♪
♪ I need some hot stuff, baby, tonight ♪
♪ I want some hot stuff Baby, this evenin’ ♪
♪ Gotta have some hot stuff Gotta have some love tonight ♪
♪ Hot stuff ♪
[imperceptible]
♪ I need hot stuff ♪
♪ I want some hot stuff ♪
♪ I need hot stuff ♪
[man] Oh, shit-
[gasps]
Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Fuck! That was full.
It’s all right. Hey, I’m going to buy you another one. Okay? Problem solved.
Coral Gables Travel. I think I know that place. Maybe I’ll come down there, buy some tickets to Rio.
Expensive.
That’s no problem. Shit, I practically live in a suite upstairs here.
[chuckles] Then I guess you like the finer things, huh?
[disco music playing over speakers]
[man] Fuck. [laughs] I bumped into the right chick. [chuckles]
It’s not your skinny gringo lines.
[laughs boisterously]
No problem, mama. No problem.
[chuckles]
What’s going on back there?
Rafo Rodriguez. Call him Amilcar.
You work for him?
We all work for him, mama. In one way or another.
[Griselda] Mm.
Oh, fuck. Ooh! [exhales sharply] You know your shit.
Not the garbage you’re used to, huh?
Hmm, yeah. Mmm. [exhales]
You know, I might even be able to sell you a kilo.
[chuckles] Hold on. You some kind of dealer now or something?
Do I look like a dealer to you? [chuckles]
And what makes you think I’m buying?
Now, I’ve seen your type. Huh? Yeah, nice clothes, walk a little…
Hmm.
Little too fast, talk a little too much.
Mm-hmm.
You need the work. I respect that.
Hot damn. Kojak with titties.
[laughs]
[chuckles] You know what?
Hmm?
I got a better idea. Come with me, mama. Let me do the talking, okay?
[woman laughing]
Move out of the way.
Who is this?
Get out of the way, you fucking goon!
Damn. Let’s go.
Next time, watch your fucking mouth.
What do you want, Johnny?
I’ve got some coke you’ve got to try.
What are you doing? I’m just giving him a taste. That’s it.
Hey–
Come on, Johnny. Let the man enjoy his drink.
Boss, we got a kilo of this shit.
Hey, there’s no we. It’s my coke.
Oh, Johnny, taking mommy’s coke again? Is that what you’re doing?
I’m serious-
No, I don’t want–
No! Come on. God damn it. I’m sorry.
Okay, I’m sorry.
[Amilcar] God.
[Johnny] Let’s go.
[Griselda] Mm-mm. Listen.
I have an uncut kilo, and I don’t give a fuck who buys it.
You Colombian?
Good ear. You sound like a gringo.
[chuckles] No, no, no. I came here as a kid from Venezuela. My dad was a cop, but he didn’t like the politics over there, so–
Cop? What does he think about all of this?
Mm. Well, his kid is living the American dream, and, uh, he’s driving a brand-new Caddy, so…
Sourced from Caquetá. You can still… [sniffs] smell the jungle when you heat it.
Mmm.
I smuggled a kilo in my son’s suitcase.
Oh, your son’s suitcase.
Yeah. He’s 11. Smarter than Johnny, but as much of a pain in the ass.
Now, that’s hard to do.
[Amilcar laughs]
Oh.
Thirty grand. But for the cop’s son, 25.
Mm-hmm. Uh, look, listen… [clicks tongue] …you need to understand that my business runs on volume, all right? So what am I going to do with one kilo, huh? Hmm? Hmm? [chuckles] Now get the fuck out of here, okay? And take this idiot with you.
[men laughing]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey. Where you going?
Home.
You fucking embarrassed me in front of my boss.
Come on, you did that on your own.
Give me the fucking kilo.
I don’t have it.
No?
[tense music playing]
Please don’t do that. I have three kids and we lost everything–
They’re going to lose their mom if you don’t give me the fucking kilo. Fucking get it!
[gun uncocks]
[trunk unlocks]
[Griselda groans]
Now get the fuck out of here. And don’t come back.
[breathing heavily]
No!
[rain pattering]
[thunder rumbling]
[door closes]
[thunder crashing]
[somber music playing]
[Ozzy] Mom?
[in Spanish] Ozzy, you startled me. Come here.
[Griselda sniffles]
I miss Alberto.
I know.
I miss my fish too.
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
[Alberto sighs]
Alberto, can’t you wait till we get inside? Your brother always serves it like an appetizer.
[sniffs]
We’re not here for a dinner party. We lost two more shipments in New York. Half a million worth.
I told you we should pull back.
You were right, but… All that matters right now is Fernando wants his money.
So you’ll pay him double on the next shipment.
We can’t. He’s cutting us off.
We will find another source.
No one’s gonna hire smugglers who lose shipments. We’re fucked.
Then why the fuck are we here?
Because he always had a thing for you.
So?
One night, Griselda. One night with him, he’ll wipe our debt clean.
Are you fucking kidding?
Baby, please. It’s not a big deal if you think about it. I mean, you used to do this for a living.
I’m leaving.
Wait. I know I should’ve listened to you, my brilliant, beautiful wife. Look what we built, our business, our family. Fernando’s jealous of what we have. That’s why he wants you. Any other time, I’d kill him for even asking for this. But he’s got us. And only you can save us. Save the boys.
[bottle thuds]
[pensive music playing]
[engine starts]
He’s upstairs.
[tense music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
[Ozzy] Mom? When are we leaving this place?
[upbeat Spanish song playing]
[mellow Spanish song playing over speakers]
[indistinct conversations]
[waitress] Hi, welcome. Something to drink?
Coffee, thanks.
[inhales sharply]
[sucks teeth]
[Johnny in English] Ahhh! What the fuck?
Fucking selling my coke to that guy? Huh? Does your boss know what you’re doing? What is he going to do to you, Johnny, when he finds out?
[groans, screams]
[hesitates] What the hell do you want?
Get me a meeting with that guy. Or I’m gonna tell Amilcar what you’re fucking doing!
[groaning] Okay! But if you fuck this up, they’re going to kill the both of us.
Get me a fucking meeting!
[Johnny] Fucking bitch. [groaning] Oh, shit.
[telephones ringing]
[indistinct chatter]
[whispering] Come on. You were supposed to call me–
I don’t talk about this shit over the phone. Meeting’s set.
What meeting, Griselda?
[Griselda] Nothing. He works for Uber’s school.
Your boss.
Let’s talk outside.
Your girl’s selling coke. 9:00 p.m. Don’t be late.
[sighs] You’re so fucking fired.
Don’t, Carmen.
No, I’m done. I’m done.
[sighs] This is not what you think it is.
Oh, no. It’s not that you lied to my face after I took you in?
I know, but I had already brought it from Medellín.
There’s coke in my house? Are you fucking kidding me?
It’s just one kilo.
Oh, my God.
My-One kilo. It’s gonna be out of your house by tonight.
I want you out of my house by tonight.
Carmen, no. This is a one-time thing. I just needed some extra money to be able to find a place and get out of your hair.
That’s why I gave you the job.
I know, and I am very grateful. But, we’ve had six fucking customers all week. And I need to feed three kids, buy a house. I can’t do that by working here.
Or you can’t let it go.
I can’t let it go? You wanna know why I finally left Alberto? He made me fuck his brother. To pay his debt. You’re right. I should have told you the truth. But… [sighs] I… I swear, I’m out of the business.
This is what that life does, you convince yourself, “A little more money, a little more juice,” then people start getting hurt.
I’m not trying to hurt you.
Listen. I can’t have this shit in my life. It nearly killed me once. And you fucking lied to me. I trusted you.
Okay. We’ll be out by tomorrow.
Good.
I’m sorry, Carmen.
I’m sorry too.
[somber music playing]
[service bell dings]
[in Spanish] So I’d be like your bodyguard. I just need you to stand there and look dangerous. $200. One night of work.
[indistinct chatter]
Why me?
[in English] Hey. Break’s over. There’s no sitting with the customers.
She’s my sister.
I just flew in from Colombia to see him, so fuck off and let me talk with my brother.
[sighs] [in Spanish] Okay. I’ll do it. I can wear my boots so I look bigger, if you want.
[Griselda] That’s okay. But can you get a gun?
No. Thought I just had to look dangerous?
I’ll take care of it. How about a suit. You got something nice?
Not really. I wash dishes, lady.
[upbeat Spanish song playing]
[imperceptible]
[song continues over speakers, muffled]
No. Give it a second. Don’t want to seem too eager.
[in English] Hey! Let’s fucking go!
[in Spanish] Okay, come ’round and open the door for me.
[in English] This is Chucho, in case you wanna try any more bullshit.
Let’s fucking go then.
[song continues over speakers]
The Cuban’s name is Eddie. They call him The Bird. You’ll see why.
Try not to stare.
[song continues, muffled]
The lovely Griselda.
The famous Eddie.
Something to drink? Nice rum here.
No, thank you.
[Eddie] Yes. So… what can I do for you?
I heard that you liked my product.
Beautiful.
Was like shoving a fucking coca plant up my nose.
Given the size of that thing, I bet you have the whole fucking brick up there.
[laughing boisterously]
[chuckles softly]
[in Spanish] What big stones!
[in English] Johnny, she’s got more balls than you do. Where did you find her?
That asshole tried to steal my coke. I had to beat him with a baseball bat.
Is that right?
Let’s just get back to business, okay?
So? What you got for me?
A kilo of what you liked. $25,000.
Fuck off.
I pay 18 now.
Yeah. But for that shit that you can only cut once. Mine you can cut two, three times, and it’s better than anything that is out there right now.
Nineteen.
Twenty. That’s my final offer.
Okay. But first, you’re going to do something for me.
Sure.
Touch it.
Come on.
Just be gentle, mama.
You want me to touch your nose?
Nice and slow.
That’s so nice, Eddie.
And big, no?
Mmm. But I’ve had bigger.
[laughing] Fuck!
[slaps thigh]
Be careful with that woman, damn.
[forced chuckle]
So, we have a deal?
Griselda Blanco, we have a deal.
Let’s celebrate, mami. Let’s celebrate. [laughs] Yes.
Salud.
Come on. Just follow my feet.
[romantic Spanish song playing over speakers]
Come on, mami.
[sighs]
[knock at door]
[gasps]
[in English] Shit!
[song continues over speakers]
[breath trembling]
[gunshots]
[groans]
[whimpers]
[both grunting]
[gasps]
[people screaming in distance]
[door opens]
[footsteps approaching]
[breath trembling]
[man whistling]
[man in Spanish] Go home, lady.
[sirens approaching]
[door opens]
[Chucho coughs]
[grunts]
[panting]
[groans]
[upbeat Spanish song playing over stereo]
Give me a ride?
[upbeat Spanish song playing over speakers]
Thanks for the ride.
[car door closes]
What’re you doing here? What happened with Fernando?
A man pays a woman to leave, not spend the night.
So you did it. Did you enjoy it?
Are you serious? I just paid off your fucking debt.
I asked you a question. I’ll take that as yes.
You know, now I don’t know what’s worse, that you asked me to do this or that I agreed to it.
Look, I’m sorry, I just lost my head for a minute.
It’s who you are. And I’m done with it. I’m leaving you.
You aren’t going anywhere, you hear me? Bravos own Medellín!
Then I’ll go somewhere else, build a life without you tied around my neck like a fucking anchor.
Are you kidding? I made you. Those fancy clothes on your back, those jewels on your ears.
Fuck you! I earned all of that. We were partners.
Partners? You came up with one fucking idea. Otherwise, you were eye candy for the apes I had to deal with.
[whimpering]
Without me, you’re nothing. You’ll come crawling back in a week.
Let go of me!
Just some old piece of ass with three brat kids. Let’s see how fucking far you get!
You want to see how far I get?
[gun cocking]
[groans]
[whimpers]
[upbeat Spanish song continues]
[groans]
[engine starts]
[tires screeching]
[pensive music playing]
[Alberto’s voice echoing] Let’s see how fucking far you get!
[“For Your Love” playing over speakers]
[crowd cheering]
I said go home.
Yeah, I don’t have one.
[in English] Hey! Good job tonight.
You guys go, okay? I’ll come back in a little bit.
♪ For Your Love ♪
♪ For Your Love ♪
♪ I’d give you everything and more And that’s for sure ♪
♪ I’d bring you diamond rings And things right to your door… ♪
Look at this mess.
Yeah, thanks to you.
Hey, that’s business, okay? That’s it.
I know. That’s why I’m here. I just need you to try my fucking coke. Because when you do, you’ll realize that it’s ten times better than any of that shit that you’re selling everywhere. And that you and me can make a lot of money together.
[knife clicks]
[inhales sharply] [clears throat] It’s excellent. But, um… [clears throat] I already have a supplier, so… Yeah, but you just took Eddie’s territory. So I think you’re gonna need a lot more. I seem to remember you saying you were all about volume. Just think about how much more you can make cutting mine.
You can get more? Huh? Because, I mean, you look like a–
Like a housewife covered in blood? I moved cocaine for ten years, Medellín to New York. And you have no idea what I have gone through since. So, to me… this is nothing. I’m going to be here every fucking night until you tell me “yes.”
You have one shot. Double my order next month and I’ll make you my supplier.
♪ For your love ♪
♪ For your love ♪
♪ I’d give the moon If it were mine to give ♪
♪ For your love ♪
♪ I’d give the stars And the sun ‘fore I live ♪
♪ For your love ♪
♪ To thrill you with delight I’ll give you diamonds bright ♪
♪ There’ll be things that will excite To make you dream of me at night ♪
♪ Oh, baby, for your love ♪
♪ For your love Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ For your love ♪
Ladies.
♪ For your love, for your love ♪
♪ I would give the stars above ♪
♪ For your love, for your love ♪
♪ I would give you all I could ♪
♪ For your love, for your love ♪
♪ I would give the stars above ♪
♪ For your love, for your love ♪
♪ I would give you all I could, yeah ♪
♪ Love, love, love, love Love, love, love, love ♪
♪ Love, love, love, love Love, love, love, love ♪
♪ Love, love, love, love Love, love ♪
