BASED ON TRUE EVENTS.
EVENTS, PLACES AND CHARACTERS RELATED TO THE MURDER
OF FRANCISCO STANLEY ALBAITERO WERE FICTIONALIZED TO REPRESENT
ONE OF MEXICO'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL CASES.
OTHER ELEMENTS WERE MAINTAINED TO PRESERVE
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
THE LEGAL VERSION IS RECORDED IN THE COURT FILES.
ON JUNE 7TH, 1999,
FAMOUS TV HOST FRANCISCO STANLEY ALBAITERO WAS MURDERED.
THIS IS A RECREATION OF THE CRIME
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SIX KEY CHARACTERS.
You might ask: "Why so much fuss
for a TV personality?"
A well-known man, a beloved man.
You might not imagine just how beloved Paco was
and how many people followed him.
We carry Paco in our hearts
no matter how much it hurts those thugs,
because he always gave us a good time.
May he rest in peace.
He only gave us kindness,
he only showed us the beautiful poems he wrote.
But sadly, evil hands murdered him!
What is Mr. Cárdenas doing?
What is his government doing?
You and Paco were in the bathroom.
-Paco finished first. -Yes.
He told you he'd wait outside.
MARIO RODRIGUEZ TV HOST
-Do you suspect anyone? -No, not at all.
-Did he have enemies? -No.
I don't need to explain to anyone who Paco was to me.
Right now I should be with him,
with his family, paying my respects.
And I'm here giving my testimony.
A lot of lies have been told, false things.
Mario may be many things,
but a killer he's not.
I wasn't friends with him.
I only wanted to be the hot girl on the show.
PAOLA DURANTE TV HOST
The murder of Francisco Stanley was an execution
possibly related to drug trafficking.
I'd like to ask you a question.
Just kidding!
Marito!
THE FIGHT CLUB ARRIVES
Do you talk to your children?
Parrot dance!
VAN ARRIVES MARIO SPENT 10 MINS IN RESTROOMS
Pay them!
Let me ask you a question.
Brenda.
Parrot dance!
Do you talk to your children?
Just kidding!
I'd like to ask you a question.
WHO KILLED HIM?
Mr. Gil, what did you do on that morning?
Mr. District Attorney, I've told you four times already.
And if you have to, you'll say it ten times.
What did you do that morning?
Did you know that in Mexico
JORGE CHAPTER 1
there are over 25, 50...
Thank you, Beto.
...exorcisms every day?
The idea is to travel the whole country
and understand why the devil gets in these people's
-bodies. -Jorge?
It's the most watched show in Mexico.
I always wear the same thing.
I'll talk to Paco, but get ready, we're about to go live.
Are you ready to see Paco?
Paco, Paco, Paco!
Great. They're just using me.
They think I'm an idiot.
Did you lose something, man?
The boss' cards.
-Are those flowers for me? -Who else, boss?
-Leave them there. -Yeah.
Here are your cards.
-Thanks, son. -I have a great idea for a show.
Come have breakfast with us and tell us your idea. Come on.
Darn, boss, I have my daughter's skating competition today.
Don't go. You'll only embarrass the girl.
With that doofus face. Join us for breakfast.
-Hello? -Honey, I don't think I'll make it.
Paco invited me for breakfast to talk about
the idea I talked to you about, I think it's important.
This is a great opportunity--
Honey?
Silence, please.
Sound check.
Five, four, three...
PACORRO AND THEN SOME
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you for tuning in to Pacorro and Then Some.
Today we're in for a truly horrible show.
PACO STANLEY TV HOST
Yes, it's awful, everyone better go home.
Change the channel. Do you think Mondays are easy?
Carry that weight and--
Saturday, Sunday went by. Did anyone rest?
-No, we didn't. -Cheer up, sir.
Yes, it's important to say, "Oh, I feel good today."
"Oh, I'm so happy I was born." Everyone.
-Oh, I'm so happy. -So happy to be born, right? You.
Do it right!
Joining us today, like usual,
the ever-optimistic, cheerful, fun guy,
Jorge "Colorless" Gil.
Oh, don't be like that.
Dear Colorless, tell us,
-what do you have for us? -Well--
Okay, okay.
-Tell me. -Well, today we have
a report on the archeological area--
Enough, enough.
-Let him talk. -Okay. Please.
-He has the right to talk. -We have to be respectful.
-Please. -Don't tease me.
Yeah, enough. Don't mess with him.
-What's this report? -It's about
the archeological area of--
Enough, stop, enough!
What's up, honey? Right.
No, we're going out.
That morning...
Yeah, for tacos.
I joined them for breakfast.
-Did you usually do that? -No, no.
This was a special occasion, I...
I was very excited to give Paco a show pitch.
-Honey. -Let's see.
Paco, you'll rile her up.
Brenda, honey.
Hi, babe, how are you doing?
When are you gonna dump this idiot and be with me?
Hello?
She hung up.
El Lago was a place Paco frequented.
I never thought something like that might happen.
And everyone knew him there.
It was like going home for him. Right?
After breakfast,
I saw my chance and pitched my show.
Boss, did you know that in Mexico there are over 50 exorcisms a day?
-Really? -Yes.
Here's the pitch.
We roam the country, interviewing people to understand
why the devil decided to inhabit their bodies.
Why they are possessed.
People are sick of soap operas.
Of María la del Barrio, María Mercedes, Marimar.
What's next? Mari in the sky?
People are sick of Thalía, boss.
-Know what the best part is? -What?
Don't be assholes with the guy.
Boss, this is the title.
Here it comes.
"Mexorcisms."
Fucking Gil. This fucking guy.
I knew you'd surprise us, fucking Mennonite.
We're going through with this.
-We are? -Of course.
-Really? -Really, yes.
You know? I think we can reach an 11 in ratings.
I like it.
-Really? -Yeah. Of course.
-What's with you? -Something I ate, Paco.
You never know when to stop.
-Let's go, it's gonna be noon. -I won't make it.
-I swear I won't make it, Paco. -Fucking hell.
For you, "Paco Stanley," here.
All right. Enough, enough.
"Paco Stanley." There. Let's go.
Let's see. Hi, gorgeous, how are you?
Nice to meet you. Hurry, you bums.
"Paco Stanley." You're old, retire already. Why are you...
We exited the taco house. I was very excited Paco liked my pitch.
What a surprise you gave me. What a good idea for a show.
-It'll be a hit. -I'm sure.
-Cigarette? -I quit smoking, boss, thanks.
Why do you think the devil would pick someone?
Because that person lacks faith.
We'll do your show, we'll change--
No!
Boss!
A new evil crime shook all Mexicans.
Paco Stanley was murdered at noon,
at the door of a restaurant in San Jerónimo, in Mexico city.
Some men shot Paco Stanley and his companions.
Besides Paco Stanley, another person died at the scene.
Stay with the kids. Don't let them watch TV.
...entertainer Jorge Gil.
The authorities are investigating who the perpetrators were.
Gustavo Castillos with more.
I'll ask a question.
What do you think as Mexicans and patriots?
What do you think?
Move.
Why do we want authorities?
Enough already.
Leave us alone.
Better yet, quit.
-Quit. -Sorry, sorry.
Come on, please.
Mexico City's authorities complain that the media
point out many of their mistakes every day.
Mistakes that cost lives...
-No, no. -...abuse, corruption,
and a lawless city.
-Move! -Today, in fact,
we feel overwhelmed, we feel alone.
Hey, could you take me to the hospital? Yes? Thank you.
Thanks.
Then what happened?
Then...
the press killed me.
Yes, he's fine. It was awful. They said on TV he was dead.
Thank God he's okay. I have to go now, he's waking up.
Bye.
Honey. How are you?
How do you feel?
You're okay.
They hit your leg, but you had surgery. You're okay.
You really scared me.
Please, tell me he's fine.
Honey, Paco was killed.
Around noon on Monday,
TV host Francisco "Paco" Stanley
died after getting shot four times when he was assaulted by three men.
Jorge Gil, colleague of Paco Stanley, who was on the same van,
was also wounded by gunfire, but is in stable condition.
Juan Manuel Jesús Nuñez also died by gunfire.
And his wife Lourdes Hernández Gómez was wounded
while exiting the restaurant.
-Mr. Gil? Good evening. -Yes.
Saúl Villareal, Mexico City District Attorney, at your service.
How are you feeling?
Hanging in there.
Ready to give your statement?
Here?
No, there's a more private room there.
But it has to be today.
I'll tell the head nurse to set it up.
But...
Find the head nurse.
So, did you see them or not?
No, no, no.
I couldn't see them.
Not just because the windows in the back of the van were tinted, but also...
because everything happened so fast.
Did those men ask for anything?
Did they want the car? Money?
-What did they want? -I don't know, I...
To kidnap you?
I don't think so.
That's what they're saying on TV.
Apparently, a failed kidnapping attempt
is the reason why Paco Stanley was attacked and killed.
But it doesn't add up.
That's the easy answer. I want the truth.
Will you help me find the truth, Mr. Gil?
Yes, yes.
The responsibility falls on Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, the Mayor,
a man who promised things, and I've only seen him
line up with another party looking for the jackpot.
Excuse me, but I'm Mexican, and I'm sick of going through this.
Do you think Mr. Stanley had enemies?
That someone wanted to hurt him?
No, no, he...
He was honorable and...
And kind, no, he...
He had no enemies.
We never received a threat, or a letter,
or call that was threatening.
What about Mario Rodríguez Bezares?
No, sir, they were...
They were inseparable, they were...
Like brothers.
Best friends. No, no, no.
The post-mortem revealed
that in Mr. Stanley's front pocket,
was a paper container with white powder.
The District Attorney's office concludes
that the murder of Francisco Stanley
was an execution
possibly related to drug trafficking.
Saint Benedict, man of God...
Pray for us...
Saint Benedict, man of venerable life...
Pray for us...
Saint Benedict...
Son!
Juanito!
Don't talk to strangers!
Juanito!
My children, my family were always my main concern, I...
Juanito, come inside!
I didn't know we were dealing with this.
Francisco Stanley, actor, comedian, TV host,
a great friend, an inspiration for generations.
With a 15-year career, he touched the hearts of every Mexican.
Since 1985, he entered our homes every day, sharing his...
Turn off the TV, please!
Why?
Because we're having dinner. Turn off the TV, come here.
We always dine with the TV on.
Starting today, we don't. Come here.
You have no idea how happy I am that you're back with us.
I'll always be thankful,
-we're lucky you're here. -No.
It wasn't luck, Susana.
It was a miracle.
God gazed upon me and touched me with His grace.
A miracle.
Let's pray, kids.
-It'll get cold, Jorge. -Susana.
We're praying.
Close your eyes.
Saint Benedict, man of God,
pray for us.
Say "Pray for us."
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
Saint Benedict, man of venerable life...
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
Saint Benedict, creator of future...
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
Saint Benedict-- Juanito, give me your hand.
Saint Benedict, conqueror of devils...
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
Saint Benedict, protector against evil...
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
Saint Benedict, patron of exorcisms...
-Pray for us. -Pray for us.
-Saint Benedict-- -Pray for us--
I'm telling you to hold my hand and pray!
-I do it for you! Don't you get it? -Jorge!
Jorge, calm down.
What's with you? Don't do that again, Jorge!
It's unlike you. Please, stop.
You're out of line. Way out of line.
It's okay. Dad doesn't feel very well.
Hello?
Hello? Brenda?
Who is this?
It's Jorge.
Jorge Gil.
I wanted to know if Mario is around.
Jorge, it's 2:00 a.m.
I wanted to check in on Mario, with all that's being said.
In case he needs someone to talk to.
Jorge, thank you for calling,
but Mario is not available right now.
Okay.
Is he asleep?
Because honestly, Brenda...
I'm struggling.
I'll tell him you called.
Brenda?
Mario?
Brenda?
Hello?
You're up early.
Yeah, I... I couldn't sleep.
And that's why you hid in the closet?
I hid in the closet because I didn't want to wake you up.
But since you asked,
I called Mario to see how he was,
-what would happen with-- -You called Mario?
-So what? -What do you mean "So what?"
There's an ongoing investigation and you're both witnesses.
-So I can't talk to him? -No.
I don't think it's a good idea.
Everyone says he was involved.
Susana, please.
-Those are just rumors. -How do you know?
Susana, we're in show business.
We're not gangsters, Mario wouldn't do that.
Sr. Gil, why do you lie?
I'm not lying, sir.
Paco and Mario tested positive for cocaine.
They had doses on their jackets and mills to grind them.
I... I never--
They had Secretary of Interior badges.
-Badges? -Permits to carry weapons.
Don't tell me you didn't know.
I don't know anything about that.
Look, we know perfectly well
that they did cocaine, that they carried weapons,
and that you accompanied them to the Secretary.
No, look, I...
They told me we were going for breakfast.
Hey, I look great, there's not double chin.
-No, come on! -Very handsome.
Let me see yours, dude.
You don't look much better, look.
Well, it's the angle, sir.
May we?
Officer, it's done.
I only saw the permits you mention.
But I never saw any guns.
Mr. Gil, let me ask you something, respectfully.
Of course, go ahead.
You graduated from Panamericana University
with a degree in Communication Sciences?
Yes, yes, yes.
And you do entertainment journalism.
Investigation, a bit of everything.
To be clear, Mr. Gil,
you are a graduate of the Panamericana School of Communication
and you were Paco Stanley's sidekick.
And I'm a Mexico City District Attorney,
I represent the government. For all practical purposes,
I am the government.
Let's drop the half-truths, shall we?
You don't want to have government on you if we find out you are lying.
Don't mess with that.
Sir, I'm not lying.
About anything.
Sir, we have to go.
Time flew by.
Shall we go to the taco restaurant?
Go with him.
Mr. Gil, we're waiting for you.
Yes, coming.
So, they came this way,
and you went to the back?
Well, first-- May I get in?
First, we were talking
about a show that we were both excited about.
I was very happy.
When suddenly...
the shooting starts.
I jumped to the back seat,
where I started to hear more shots, more...
screams, shattered glass.
That's when I started to feel the tingling from...
From my shoe upwards because of the gun wounds.
And the blood gushing out.
And during that time, you didn't see if Mario had exited the restroom.
No, I was just...
I wasn't thinking about that, I...
I had no idea what was going on.
Here's the one you wanted, boss.
I'm sorry sir, I ran late.
How are you, man?
Hang in there, man.
Mr. Gil was just mentioning,
-telling us that during the shooting... -Yes.
You came later because you went to the restroom.
What were you doing?
Something I ate, Paco.
I won't make it.
-I swear I won't make it. -Fucking hell.
-Wait, I'll go with you. -Yes.
According to testimonies, you entered the restroom at 11:50.
And the shooting was at 12:20.
I had broken a toe the previous night, right?
And I had a splint, okay?
And Mr. Gil here can testify how hard it was to walk
with the crutches.
Let's go, man. Mario will meet us at the car.
Let's continue, please. So, you were down there.
I was in this position in the back seat
when suddenly...
the car started, and I...
I felt very scared because I didn't know if...
If the person driving the car was a gangster
or one of these guys, because I never got to see them.
I didn't see them.
And it wasn't until...
Until I heard his voice...
It was our driver, he was nervous and cursing
and I recognized him.
Would you say he was trying to flee?
-What do you mean? -From the crime scene.
No, no. That makes no sense. I was nervous--
Wait, García. Wait.
Mr. Gil, why would he do that? Isn't it suspicious?
Now that you mention it, yes, but at the time--
He wanted to flee the crime scene but couldn't.
Mr. Gil, you've just enlightened us.
-No-- You're-- -Gentlemen, take García.
It wasn't like that, I didn't want to flee.
Why would I--
Why would I flee if the two bodies were here with me? It makes no sense.
I was going to a hospital!
-Let's go. -It's absurd!
Why would I flee? Let me go!
-What are you saying, asshole? -Walk.
Why would I flee?
Why?
Mr. Gil.
Thank you for clearing things up.
Thanks for you cooperation, Mr. Mario.
Mr. District Attorney!
I'm very worried. Did you see how the driver looked at me?
-I'd say that's normal. -Normal?
You just made him a suspect.
Gil, I just hope this isn't some other thing you came up with.
"Came up with?"
-Lies, Gil. -Lies?
Sir, didn't you hear what I said?
I'm scared. I'm scared and I--
-Watch your tone. -Why lie?
I have no reason to lie. I've done nothing but cooperate.
Thanks to my testimony, you have a suspect. Thanks to me!
Know what? I demand protection!
What about my family? What about my children?
-Mr. Gil-- -My children!
Look, Gil, keep calm.
-Go home-- -Go home to what?
To get shot by more hitmen?
I'll see what I can do.
What are you doing?
Jorge, what are you doing?
Looking for my gun.
What gun?
For God's sake, Jorge, you don't have a gun.
-Jorge, please, stop! -Call an ambulance!
Stop! Jorge, you're scaring me!
Jorge!
-Juanito, go to your room. -Okay.
What are you doing?
Breakfast, honey.
I know I've been very worried lately and...
And tense.
But I want to tell you that's going to change.
I promise.
I won't let this hurt us.
I've decided to be at peace with myself...
With God...
Thank you.
Thank you for your patience.
-We love you. -We love you, Dad.
In the Stanley case, the case against the driver continues.
District Attorney Villareal considers García the main suspect
of the investigation after proving he tried to flee the crime scene
after the incident.
-How have you been feeling? -Better.
Better, well...
Some tingling, but...
-That's good. -Better.
That's good, man. I'm very glad you're doing better.
I'm hanging in there, you know.
Trying. What else can you do?
-Yeah. -Trying, man.
Look.
This whisky was his favorite.
-He said it was... -His Irish blood.
He gave us one every Christmas at the show. You got one, right?
Sure. Yeah.
Thanks.
I remember when I was at the radio and didn't have a dime.
Yeah.
And he told me, "If you don't believe in yourself, I will."
I'll never forget that.
-To Paco, man. -Cheers to Paco.
And...
I wanted to ask you...
Whatever you want, ask away.
Here I am, man.
You know, in the spirit of moving forward...
-Yeah. -Of...
Of returning to our lives...
Right?
You do remember about the show Paco wanted to make, right?
What show?
The one about exorcisms. "Mexorcisms."
The one Paco liked!
Right.
Damn, Gil. I'm not in that mindset right now.
-I'm still processing. -Yeah.
-Mourning is tough. -Yes.
Yes, I get the picture,
but you know, TV takes its time,
-it doesn't happen overnight. -Wait, Gil.
It's not like you, what you're telling me.
No, I want to do it for Paco.
After all, it was his last wish.
Oh, his last... I didn't know it was...
Brother, after all we've gone through,
it'd be a shame to give up.
Is that why you're here, Gil? I thought it was because you're my friend.
No, no, no, wait, I...
-Precisely because I'm a friend... -This is rude, man.
-This is rude. -No, Mario, this is an opportunity...
-No. -...of paying homage to him,
-to our friend. -No,
Paco wasn't your friend, Gil, make no mistake.
Mario, please don't get upset.
Look, we discussed a lot of ideas, but...
He loved this idea, and this isn't a competition.
You think I'm jealous, man?
You come to my house, hours after we buried my friend,
and you tell me--
You know what? Leave, please.
-Mario. We have his blessing. -Leave.
-Leave my house. -Mario, please,
you know very well Paco wanted to do it.
And he gave you precise instructions.
Precise instructions?
Precise instructions to me?
Fuck you, damn Mennonite.
-Don't need to curse-- -Fuck off, Gil!
You think you knew Paco?
You have no fucking idea who he was.
We got you out of the radio because we felt sorry, asshole.
And snap out of it, your fucking show will never happen.
You'd know if you weren't such a dumbass.
And you wouldn't be here. Groveling.
Sir, I'm sorry, you can't go in.
Just a moment. Mr. District Attorney.
It's okay, Clarita, it's fine.
I really hope you find our Lord's peace.
Fuck you, Gil.
You know where the door is.
I just remembered something
which incriminates Mario Rodríguez.
And, well...
I am sure
he is involved in Paco's murder.
IN THE NEXT EPISODE
Cheers, my friend, for what is awaiting you.
Mario Rodríguez Bezares,
you're are under arrest for the murder of Francisco Albaitero.
Have you ever felt you're part of something greater than yourself?
I dropped this, sir.
Everyone ready in five...
-Are you a drug dealer? -Four...
-Rapist, kidnapper? -Three...
-Not at all. -Two...
If you don't start telling the truth, I can't help you.
Are you sure Brenda can't testify you beat her?
An innocent man doesn't need a lawyer, babe.
Mario, someone important wants you locked up.
And they want all of Mexico to know.
Translated by David Calbo
Creative Supervisor Rodrigo Toscano