REVIEW: ‘The Gringo Hunters’ Is The Definition of Mid

The Gringo Hunters (Los Gringo Hunters) is a Mexican cop drama series that follows the Special Liason Unit (SLU) as it tracks down American fugitives and returns them to the U.S. Marshals. But when their commander turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, the unit finds itself wading into ever darker waters as answers come to light. 

The best word to describe The Gringo Hunters and the 12-episode journey it goes on is hectic. Between the overarching mystery, random cases the unit must wrap up, and personal drama that plays out on their off hours, the series tries to do far too much for any of it to coalesce fully. This leads to dramatic moments that never deliver enough punch, as many situations are wrapped up before they ever have a chance to build correctly. 

The overarching mystery surrounding the unit leader’s murder lacks any punch-worthy reveals. Every development comes to light with no shock or suddenness. Some are also held onto too long, only waiting to deliver the information long after anyone paying attention will have already figured it out. It’s tough not to figure out who’s behind things when only a handful of characters relevant to the plot are ever introduced. 

The Gringo Hunters is a paint-by-numbers Netflix crime drama.

While themain narrative doesn’t hit home, the smaller stories do entertain. The situations they navigate and the nature of the fugitives vary, making each short-lived case unique. This helps the series stay fresher than it otherwise may have been if they went after virtually the same violent criminal a half-dozen times throughout the show. 

Also helping add a little flavor to some scenes is a sprinkling of humor. The bulk of the SLU has been together for a while when the series begins. This allows for playful ribbing and banter that help bring some humanity to the cast. 

Though the occasional joke is handled well, the drama is not nearly as skillfully delivered. Whether in physical danger or grappling with emotional trauma, the cast rarely manages to truly sell the turmoil presented in The Gringo Hunters. Some of this is due to the multitude of plots the series introduces and wraps up, but equally responsible is the fact that none of the actors shine here. 

The actors find themselves buried under a heavy script in The Gringo Hunters.

Another thing that keeps the series from escaping mediocrity is the bulk of the characters including Nico (Jaime Zevallos), Beto (Manuel Masalva), Crisanto (Hector Kotsifakis), Gloria (Mayra Hermosillo), Archi (Andrew Leland Rogers), Gildardo (Gerardo Trejoluna), Joaquin (José María Yazpik) and others. Most are highly familiar personalities and hail from situations that are often utilized. This lack of freshness makes it even harder to become engaged with them, except for Camila (Regina Nava). 

When initially introduced as the unit’s newly appointed tech specialist, Camila felt like another familiar trope. Instantly presented as socially awkward, she seemed like she would be treated as another “weird techie” character. Rather than that, Camila explains early on that she is on the autism spectrum. 

This element of Camila’s character is wonderfully handled thanks to its measured implementation. Rather than presenting it as an omnipresent roadblock that must be constantly overcome, her situation is less extreme. It frequently colors her actions, but it’s not all there is to her. She functions normally much of the time, and goes on arrests and other sensitive operations. There are even moments where her approach to others is aided by her autism, as she says things others may be hesitant to.

Camila is the standout character of the Mexican Netflix Original Series.

Thanks to the even-handed implementation, Camilia never feels like a hurdle to be overcome. Her situation isn’t reduced to an excuse for her to say socially awkward things that others have to endure, as mental health situations can be at times. Rather, it feels like an element of the character, not the sole reason for the character’s existence.

The action moments throughout The Gringo Hunters are passable. Shootouts and chases are frequent, but never gripping. After the initial early death, the series fails to keep any sense of peril in its presentation. The best thing these sequences have going for them is clarity. Despite some firefights growing fairly large, the camera work and direction never allow the moments to devolve into disjointed chaos in a vain attempt to create an energy that isn’t there. 

The Gringo Hunters is a fine show. Despite rarely managing to shine, it never crashes and burns either. Each episode clips along, making them pass by fairly smoothly, despite the pace making most of the side content feel like narrative vapor. It makes a fine watch, but leaves nothing to recommend it over other options out there. 

The Gringo Hunters is streaming now on Netflix.