Season Three of this critically acclaimed series, which focuses on the rise of the Cali Cartel, began on Netflix on September 1. Season 2 will be available to buy on DVD and Blu-Ray from Monday, September 4. Seasons One and Two will also be released as a box set.

'Narcos' 2: The return of Pablo Escobar

The first series of "Narcos" ended with the all-powerful drug kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura) escaping from his self-designed prison, 'La Catedral.' Series two picks up the story where the first series left off.

'Narcos' 2, the violence intensifies

Angered by his perceived slight at the hands of the Colombian government, Escobar is keen to remind President César Gaviria of his position as the most powerful drug trafficker in history.

Now more dangerous than ever, Escobar works to build his empire and unleash war against the state.

The body count increases, as does the number of Escobar's enemies. Not only does he have the government-controlled 'Search Bloc' still after him, in this second series the drug lord also has to contend with vengeful widow Judy Moncada (Christina Umaña), the Cali Cartel and the violent vigilante group known as 'Los Pepes'.

The exiled Colonel Carrillo (Maurice Compte) returns for another attempt at capturing Escobar, while DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) continue to work tirelessly in order to achieve the same objective.

The verdict

Season One introduced us to the complex figure of Pablo Escobar and how he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the richest and most powerful men in the world.

Season 2 is even better than the first, with Brazilian actor Wagner Moura continuing to excel in the lead role.

The vast empire that he and the Medellin Cartel built up over the course of the first series gradually begins to crumble as different factions - the government, the Cali Cartel, etc. - all seek to destabilise it. Trusted allies and associates of Escobar turn on their former boss and the death count continues to soar as Escobar becomes ever more desperate.

All of this builds to a breathtaking climax in a shoot out on the roof of a Medellin house.

Aside from Moura's outstanding performance, special mention must also go to Diego Cataño as ruthless assassin "La Quica," Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña (who is also the main protaganist of Season Three) Christina Umaña as Judy Moncada, Boyd Holbrook as Steve Murphy and Paulina Gaitan as Tata Escobar, Pablo's dedicated wife.

"Narcos" Season 2, and the box set of Seasons 1 and 2 will be out on DVD and Blu-Ray in the UK tomorrow (September 4), courtesy of Arrow Films.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED