SERIES INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS. THE EVENTS, PLACES AND CHARACTERS RELATED
TO THE HOMICIDE OF FRANCISCO STANLEY ALBAITERO HAVE BEEN FICTIONALIZED
IN ORDER TO REPRESENT ONE OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND WIDELY PUBLICIZED CASES
IN MEXICAN HISTORY. SOME OF THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORY
HAVE BEEN CHANGED, WHILE OTHERS HAVE BEEN RETAINED
IN THE EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION TO REPRESENT
A DRAMATIZED VERSION OF A STORY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
THE LEGAL TRUTH OF THIS STORY IS CONTAINED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS
AND THE RESPECTIVE COURT DECISIONS.
Paco Stanley was murdered in the south of Mexico City.
That morning I joined them for breakfast.
Did you usually do that?
Cheers to Paco.
There's an investigation underway, you're both witnesses.
Will you help me find the truth, Mr. Gil?
Francisco Stanley's murder was an execution
possibly related to drug trafficking.
You do remember the show Paco wanted to make.
Your fucking show is never gonna happen.
I just remembered something,
something that incriminates Mario Rodríguez.
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.
Have you seen what happened to useless Mario today?
I broke a toe, sir.
From kicking kids around, right?
Yes, well, he moved, sir, so I hit the wall.
He chased them like dogs.
Sir, I'd like to say hi to someone.
-Say hi? -Yes.
Pay them! That's what you gotta do!
-Pay them! -I just wanna say hi.
-Pay them! -My toe hurts, sir.
-Pay them!
Not with the papers. Okay?
Pay them!
Look, Francisco...
Not with the papers.
Why not?
Even with a broken foot.
Parrot dance!
Come on, Ruby boy.
Hey!
To the cabin! See ya!
Son of a bitch!
Unbelievable, Mario.
What did you order? So I can avoid it.
Gross.
Were you already sick?
-I'll wait outside, you turd. -Yeah.
Paco.
Mr. Mario, no. Wait, Mr. Mario.
Mr. Mario, no!
Paco!
I wanna see if they're okay!
My friends! They have to be okay!
-No, Mr. Mario! -I wanna see if they're okay!
Mario.
I'd like to ask you a question.
Just kidding!
Marito!
THE FIGHT CLUB ARRIVES
Do you talk to you children?
Parrot dance!
VAN ARRIVES MARIO SPENT 10 MINUTES IN RESTROOM
Pay them!
I'd like to 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?
Today marks two months since the murder of beloved comedian Paco Stanley.
The investigation has become stagnant.
So far the only one arrested has been Stanley's driver.
According to sources, this might change in the next few hours.
District Attorney Villareal has...
Who could be the new suspect?
We'll tell you--
You went running?
Yes, of course. I'll be too busy later.
With all that's going on?
Gotta respect the routine, honey.
How can you be so calm?
Why wouldn't I be?
When I give my statement, everything will be clear.
Mario, every time you speak things get worse.
At least go with a lawyer this time, okay?
An innocent man doesn't need a lawyer, babe.
That's not enough in this country. Haven't you seen the papers?
Stop reading them, Brenda, I told you.
Look at how you get.
It's bad for you. The kids will get scared.
They're scared, all right.
-Leo hasn't slept in two days. -Look.
How can they prove all they're saying?
How will they prove something that didn't happen?
It's that simple.
What's going on?
Mr. Mario Rodríguez Bezares,
you're under arrest for the murder of Francisco Stanley Albaitero.
Take him away.
You can't take him, he has to make a statement!
We know his rights, ma'am.
Mario! Don't talk!
Don't talk. I'll get a lawyer.
Don't talk to anyone, Mario.
Let me go into my house.
You're under arrest until further notice.
-Why? -We got a tip from Foreign Affairs.
You and your wife made an appointment to renew your passports.
Any plans to leave the country?
You better get a lawyer.
Mario, over here, please!
Do you think the DA's office has enough evidence to charge you?
What do you think about Mr. Gil's accusations?
MARIO CHAPTER 2
Mario Rodríguez, sidekick and friend of the recently murdered Paco Stanley,
was arrested this morning for allegedly being linked
to the murder of the beloved comedian on June 7th.
Authorities have been unwilling to share more information so far.
Mario.
Brenda, honey.
They won't tell me anything. Are you okay? Where are you?
Yes, honey, I'm fine.
I'm under arrest.
What do you mean?
-I'll need you to get me a lawyer. -I told you.
Don't worry, I'll get one.
How are the kids, babe?
The kids are okay.
Mario, why is this happening to us?
Kiss them for me, okay?
Everything will be okay.
I'll speak with my client alone.
Can we uncuff him, please?
-Did you eat anything? -What? I'm fine.
No, you need to eat.
Bring a full meal, please.
Juice, fruit, water, coffee?
Who are you? I'm sorry.
Mr. Rodríguez. Gustavo Pascual, criminal attorney.
Your wife called me.
-You want to talk? -What's going on?
What's happening?
-First I need to ask you something. -Of course.
Are you a drug dealer? Rapist? Kidnapper?
Absolutely not.
Great.
I don't defend kidnappers, rapists or drug dealers.
Is that clear?
Crystal clear, yes.
Normally we'd be able to talk more,
but given the circumstances
-we must get to the point. -Yes.
As you know, Mr. Gil testified against you.
And we need to prepare for your confrontation with him.
Please, tell me your whole story with Mr. Stanley.
Now? I'm gonna fall.
Cold, cold...
My dream always was to be a stage actor in the big city.
-Boiling hot... -Enough. I'm getting dizzy.
-Boiling hot. -Enough.
Then one day I finally took the step.
Do you happen to know who I could give my photos and CV to work on future plays?
-I'm just the janitor, sir. -Right.
We said we'd decide together.
Yeah, but you take too long, and these things don't last.
We should've stayed in Monterrey.
I inspired the youth when I tore those doors down
and I spat on the hypocrite monk.
And, you know, all beginning are tough.
At least there I have someone to babysit the kid when I work.
Brenda, you won't work.
Someone has to work here, right?
And in one of those moments...
I provoked who I wanted to!
...when you want to give it all up...
...I fought and I never considered It could kill me.
...I met Paco.
For with laughter
you can beat even death.
Coming.
Ready?
Paco, come in.
-It's here, right? -Yes.
It's kinda dark, huh?
Come in, Paco. Make yourself at home.
Brenda, honey.
-A pleasure. -I finally get to meet you. A pleasure.
-Mario told me a lot about you. -Oh, yes?
He's already being informal.
He used to be more formal.
Hey, what a nice apartment, huh?
-Right? -Yes, very cozy, very nice.
And the neighborhood. Such a nice neighborhood.
-There's some great tacos. -Yes, Don Beto's.
Made of beef.
No, the good ones are next door, of woof meat.
A drink?
Were you really Miss Nuevo León?
Yes, in '89.
Wow! That's just, what? Two years ago.
Practically nothing.
Cheers, my friend, for what's coming your way.
There you go!
I'll get the salad.
Give me your glass, I'll pour another one.
We have to celebrate, dear Mario.
All right, what are we celebrating?
Starting next week, you'll be the stage director for the show...
Gánatelo!
Today we have a very fun show!
With the most hilarious comedy for the whole family,
Mr. Paco Stanley!
And joining him with his orchestra,
maestro Benito Castillo!
STAGE DIRECTOR MARIO RODRÍGUEZ
Stay tuned for another family evening with Gánatelo!
Hello! How are you? Good afternoon.
Thank you for joining us
for this last show of Gánatelo!
That's nice there. Zoom in on her.
Now with the girls. There.
Slowly...
I worked there for four years.
I'll admit it wasn't what I wanted at first but...
Up until the day it was over, it was good money.
The atmosphere was nice.
My input as a director was very well-received.
Was Stanley at odds with the team?
Have you ever felt...
you're part of something greater than yourself?
That's how it was.
A round of applause for you, for being such a nice audience!
We'll bring you some drinks soon, I know that's why you came.
Mario, do you have a moment?
What's up?
Any news of the new show proposal?
It's up to the higher-ups, we gotta wait--
Gimme a sec.
You leave me alone!
I'm sorry.
"Sorry." Go already!
What's wrong, Paco? Everything okay?
Benito fucked up really bad.
With the band or what?
No, he got grounded for being a loudmouth.
El Tigre himself has him on hold for a year.
-No way. -Now I have
no band director and no sidekick.
He was both.
Oh, darn. Now what?
I'll talk to Tony. Maybe he can manage.
Right.
Tony, right.
What gives?
I'll do it, Paco.
Trust me.
I got experience, I know your timing.
I get your references.
Why do you think I'm a good director?
So, what instrument do you play?
Well, none.
But I can dance better than anyone in this fucking set.
Mario, two ads and we're back.
Don't overthink it, you're up in 30 seconds.
All right, let's go.
Let's close this nicely, it's the last show.
Stand by for the intro.
We're back,
everyone ready in five, four,
three, two...
What's up?
What's with you?
I'll be the sidekick in the new show!
What? Hadn't they left you out?
They suspended Benito. I'm taking the vacancy.
What vacancy?
Not now, Mario, I'm busy.
Please, have a drink with me.
I have to take the kid to your mom's.
You know she hates me, imagine if I arrive late.
What's wrong?
Aren't you happy?
No, of course I'm happy.
You'll get Benito's job.
Okay, if you think it's that small of a deal...
I don't think that. I was asking--
Can't you at least pretend you're glad?
-I don't like that man. -You don't like Paco Stanley?
What did he ever do to you?
This isn't about him.
This will be our show.
Honey, could we, for God's sake, have a toast?
Sure.
Now we'll have a show that's Paco's and Mario's.
What's the show's name?
We're back with Pacomanía!
Allow me to say tomorrow's my birthday.
But I don't want presents anymore.
But If you'd like to bring by a small gift,
-I'd be grateful. -Sir, how old?
-What? -How old are you?
What does it have to do with what you're getting me?
Well, sir, to know if we get you...
A cane.
I see you, girl. A cane.
-How old, then? -You can get me an umbrella,
-it's rain season. -Yes.
We could give you a sweater.
Slippers.
A rocking chair.
-Glasses for-- -Enough!
I'm only suggesting presents!
Can we give you something?
"Something..."
What did I say?
I'm only suggesting presents.
Pacomanía was the best time of my career.
That's where I had the idea that made me famous.
We'll be back with Pacomanía!
It happened just like that, live, unrehearsed.
What is it?
You had to be there, man.
Enough, Mario, enough!
Everyone on their feet, laughing, clapping...
How are we gonna name it?
The parrot dance! All right!
Well...
not everyone.
-I don't like that man. -You don't like Paco Stanley?
How come your wife didn't stand Mr. Stanley?
What did he ever do to you?
Was there a problem between them?
No. Not at all.
Not at all. It's...
Brenda is from Monterrey.
Gustavo, she's... Monterreyan.
It's just...
Paco's ways, you know...
shocked her.
You don't think she might be somewhat right?
Mario.
There are good things in store for you.
There are some investments I'd like you to join, you know?
Some change here, some change there.
And suddenly you have a lot of money.
-And you never tried it? -No.
No, not at all.
I would have to talk about it with Brenda.
That's why I brought the snow, Mario!
Then why does the DA's office say you tested positive?
For the same reason they say I'm an accomplice of my friend's murder.
-Because they're liars. -You sure?
Look, Mario...
In a normal case, an arrest warrant takes
about 15 days
to be issued.
In your case, the judge issued it in 15 minutes.
You were arrested at 7:10 a.m.
Look, open my briefcase.
Get the newspaper.
Those papers were printed hours earlier.
So, your arrest was so planned out that even the press knew what to write.
Mario...
A really big fish wants you locked up.
And they want all of Mexico to know.
If you don't help me, and start telling me the truth...
I can't help you.
I can't represent you.
I... I tried it a couple of times.
So as to not look bad, that's all.
Let's just try it.
So, when do you know it...
Shakira is with us today.
A round of applause, please!
There's plenty for everybody!
Paco loves you, of course.
We do everything, sir. We do jingles, spots,
we do live events.
-A bit expensive, isn't it? -Not expensive,
it's costly.
Enough, man, enough!
I dropped this.
What time is it?
It's late, Paco.
Mario!
-Stay a bit longer, you'll arrive early. -I can't.
No, Paco, I mean it.
Look, your wife knows you're working.
What's the problem?
Things with Brenda are very bad, Paco.
She drives me mad,
I feel like she doesn't understand me anymore.
If she doesn't understand you, understand her.
I do understand her. She's not...
I'm always absent, Paco.
Between the tours, the shows and dinners,
-I'm never there. -No!
Dude, it's not that. Think.
What does Brenda feel?
I don't know!
-What does your wife feel, asshole? -I don't know!
Think about it. Think.
Who is she? Come on.
An ex-pageant queen
who dreamed of having all you have now.
Envy doesn't forgive even love.
What does Brenda feel
about you being at the top?
I'll tell you one of the harshest truths I've had to learn.
When you're at the top,
you're always alone.
Not that alone, my friend.
Not that alone.
All right, my friend!
Get in that fucking jacuzzi and celebrate what you've earned!
All right... All right, I'm going, I'm going.
You know what? All right, hot mommas and hot daddy.
One more...
-And that's it! -And that's it!
Where were you?
A dinner party with Paco.
-Work related-- -Until 6:00 a.m.?
It dragged on, honey. You know how this works.
It dragged on? Like every day, right?
-I'm talking to you. -I told you I was working, honey.
In two hours, I have to be ready again.
Paco asked me for a favor, that's all.
What do you work on at 6:00 a.m.?
For the umpteenth time, like I said this afternoon,
-I was at a dinner party with Paco... -Yeah.
...with the company executives, okay?
People got drunk. What did you want me to do, leave?
Why don't we wake the kids so they see who their father is?
I don't think they remember.
-Kids! -What are you doing, Brenda?
-Kids! -You sound crazy.
-Come look at your dad, drunk as always! -Come on, enough!
You have two kids, fucker!
I was working, I have to be on the frontlines with Paco.
-Paco! -Yes, Paco.
It's like you're in love with Paco!
Now you're jealous of Paco?
-You don't get anything. -No, you don't get it.
Maybe I should put myself in one of your 250 pair of shoes
-to get you, honey. -I knew you were gonna rub it in.
If you wanna live in El Pedregal,
if you want your kids to go to a decent school,
your fucking trip to San Antonio, I have to work.
And that's with Paco, like it or not.
Whether you like him or not.
And I'm fucking tired
of you wanting to make me feel guilty of my success!
Wanting to make me feel bad
-for all I've achieved! -What did you achieve?
Only the most successful show in the country.
You think it's easy to make millions of people laugh every day?
They're not laughing with you.
They laugh at you.
Mario.
Sure, Brenda, whatever you say.
You do it if it's so easy.
Have one hit in your life, babe.
You just... criticize me to feel better.
That's a bit rich coming from you.
From a frustrated model who thinks she's an artist.
There're lines of those in front of the studio every day. So...
-Why don't you get in line? -Fucking pig.
And you're fucking jealous.
Why would I be jealous of a guy who dances like a parrot
and is Mexico's laughingstock?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, honey.
-I'm sorry. -Stay away from me.
I'm sorry, darling.
-I'm sorry, I don't know-- -Don't touch me!
I'm sorry, Brenda...
Brenda!
Mario?
-Mario, look at me. -Yes.
You're sure Brenda can't testify you hit her?
Absolutely, Gustavo.
I'm completely sure because...
Because it never happened.
Yeah.
And it was only that time, and I...
I regretted it immediately.
There came a point I realized
that by trying to be loyal to my friend, I was...
distancing myself
from my family.
Look, honey...
I won't ask you to forgive me.
Whatever you see fit, I...
I'll respect your decision.
I was...
lost.
I didn't know what to do.
And I thought my marriage was over.
I just want you to know that...
From today on...
I'm no longer working with Paco.
Distancing yourself from Paco...
Was it to be with your family or...
because your boss cancelled the show?
It was because El Tigre cancelled the show.
Boss! What has that hair been up to?
I don't think the joke landed, Paco.
Everything changed when Pacomanía ended, I...
I quit drinking.
I stopped self-medicating.
It was nice. Like taking a weight off my shoulders. And...
I could be here and now again.
I was able to get back on stage, which I sorely missed.
Theater has always been my home.
It's a tale told by a fool,
full of noise and fury
that means nothing.
Let's no longer believe in those demons
that confuse us
with those mistakes!
They keep a promise in their words
and steal our hope.
Bravo!
-Well done! -It already brings more rhythm, right?
-Very good! -See you soon.
So I told him, we need to...
-To emphasize... -You can tell.
-People... -Did you see that ovation?
Bravo, Mario!
Good evening, Brenda.
Hello, Paco.
I'll wait in the car, okay?
Yeah.
How are you, man?
My friend.
-Man... -I don't know, how do you see me?
Let me see you up close.
No, you're messed up, Paco.
You want a beer, some anisette?
-Some water? -Not now, thanks.
You should've told me you'd attend, I would've gotten you some good seats.
They were good, don't worry.
-What'd you think? -Very good.
I didn't think this could be so interesting.
That's good.
So...
I've been talking with Miguel Tello. He wants to do a new show.
Miguel Tello from Azteca TV?
Yes.
A change would do us well, Mario.
A clean slate, right?
Really?
And how would that do us well?
Well, if you join in...
What can I say, man?
It's just... We're a huge hit.
And I'm really comfortable here at the theater, honestly.
I just read the season's over in two weeks, Mario.
Yeah, but we're already rehearsing The Cherry Orchard, don't tell anyone.
The Yawn Orchard.
They wanna go full-on. Do it right.
You know, live audience, studio 11, so we can do what we want.
Right.
Well...
If it's such a good deal, why don't you do it?
Because they don't want just me.
They want us both.
I knew...
that returning to Paco would be difficult for my family.
Did you see what happened to useless Mario today?
They wanted us both.
There was no show without me.
After all he had done for me, I couldn't abandon him.
Sir, I'd like to say hi to someone.
Say hi?
-Pay them! -In the last few months...
Paco wasn't well anymore.
-My toe hurts! -So what? Pay them!
-Just wanna say hi. -Pay them!
He had changed a lot. He was unrecognizable.
-Not with the papers. -Pay them!
Look, Francisco...
Not with the papers.
And yes, I saw him getting involved with people that...
That were not good for him.
And I thought that if I remained close,
maybe I could help.
And look where I ended up.
Mario...
You can't say
absolutely any of this or they will incriminate you.
-But it's the truth. -No.
No, the only truth here is that you're innocent.
Trust me, Mario. Not a word of this in front of Gil.
Good afternoon, Mr. DA.
Good afternoon, everyone.
We're here for the confrontation between Mario Rodríguez
and Mr. Jorge Gil.
Keeping in line with the prosecution's investigation,
I'll allow Mr. Rodríguez to speak.
Make your statement.
Yes.
I want it on record...
that I know nothing and...
I'm not accusing anyone.
I have nothing else to declare.
I'll allow Mr. Jorge Gil to speak.
Could you describe what happened on June 7th?
Gladly, sir.
As I've already stated
in several testimonies,
we finished the morning show,
and Mr. Stanley invited us for breakfast.
Thanks, man.
Shall I bring the usual?
We arrived at the restaurant. The place was half-full.
And we had breakfast.
It was uneventful.
But...
as soon as Mr. Stanley asks for the check...
-Sorry, it must be Brenda. -...Mr. Rodríguez, who, by the way,
that morning had arrived to work with a splint and crutches...
Where are you going? Don't run.
See how they treat me.
It seems a bit curious, right?
If your leg hurts,
you don't cross the hall, you take the call--
How was I gonna take the call?
They were shouting from one table to the next.
Don't be mean, assholes.
You couldn't hear shit.
-Mr. DA, may I continue? -Proceed.
Thank you. Mr. Rodríguez
returns to the table after the call,
he sits down and immediately places his hands on his stomach.
What's with you?
Something I ate, Paco.
And I remember his words perfectly.
Damn, I won't make it, Paco.
-Wait, I'll go with you. -Minutes later,
Paco returns,
but Mario stays in the bathroom.
Let's go. Mario'll catch up to us in the car.
Yes, boss.
-We waited for him... -Let's go.
We went to the van...
Hi, gorgeous, how are you?
And...
I'm sorry.
Paco didn't die instantly, Mario.
And remember he who dies by someone else's hand
dies twice.
What are you suggesting, asshole?
Jorge, you realize what you're doing, right?
You realize what could happen due to the things you're saying?
You do know making a false statement is a serious crime, right?
Aren't you afraid?
No, Mario, I'm not afraid.
You can't go to the bathroom here.
Mario!
Let me go!
Gentlemen!
Let me go, fucking Mennonite!
-Please. -My leg.
Mr. DA, this is atrocious.
-Can I sit down? -Could you let him sit?
I think after all this, we can all be sure my client
has nothing to do with the charges he's accused of, it's...
Are you accusing my client of going to the bathroom?
The least Mr. Rodríguez deserves
is to be home while we finish this process.
If this affront persists,
what I do know is that the press will know that my client
was attacked while in your custody, during your investigation.
Mr. District Attorney...
What can you tell us about the release, Mr. DA?
Mario!
How do you feel about your release?
I still feel very upset but...
I think today's a good day,
I feel...
Oh, no way. Come on, let's go.
My release is just another proof
that the accusations were false.
Mario, any plans to return to TV?
Yes, there are some plans to be back in front of the cameras.
I can only give you the title, it'll be called...
Friend.
It's a tribute I want to make
to Paco.
I know it'll be very hard
to fill his shoes, but I'll try my best.
Thank you.
That was the release of Mario Rodríguez this morning
due to lack of evidence.
Hello?
But the Stanley case has taken another turn.
Please, move a bit, let me walk.
Another great friend and colleague of Stanley, musician Benito Castillo...
Is everything okay?
I don't have to tell anyone who Paco was to me.
I should be with him now, with his family,
paying my respects.
Enough, Benito!
He declared today that Paco Stanley
and Mario Rodríguez
were linked to drug trafficking.
That's not true.
I asked you when we met,
I told you I don't work for drug dealers.
Let me explain, Gustavo, it's not like that.
After this turn of events, the DA's office
is keeping Mario Rodríguez under investigation.
Gustavo!
He remains the main suspect of Paco Stanley's murder.
NEXT EPISODE
We're talking about drugs.
One of the biggest issues our country faces.
Drugs kill.
What's next for Benito?
Lots and lots of work.
Big things are coming, thank God.
I'll rephrase the question.
Were you and Paco more than friends?
My partner puts the money,
and you and I, our names.
Paco and Mario worked for drug dealers.
They were high all the time.
Be a good friend. Lend your wife.
You're my family, Benito.
The family you choose.
Paco was a bastard.
He messed with the wrong woman.
I'm sure about that.
Creative Supervisor Rodrigo Toscano