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At one point, it was estimated that Pablo Escobar made $60 million a day in cash. As both the United States and Colombian governments funneled more time, resources, and money into stopping the Medellín cartel’s reign, Escobar started to hide his money in increasingly more absurd places, from his own mother’s couch to his three private zoos. It was even rumored that the narcoterrorist buried millions throughout Colombia. When Escobar was finally shot and killed in 1993 by the Colombian National Police, it marked the end of a reign of terror. It was also an act that eliminated the one man who knew where all that money was hidden.
That’s the mystery Discovery Channel’s latest documentary series explores, and it’s one that’s as fascinating as it is immediately gripping. Finding Escobar’s Millions is like watching a modern-day version of Narcos in real time. The series follows Doug Laux and Ben Smith, two former CIA agents who believe that they have the skills and expertise to do the impossible — find Escobar’s hidden fortune. If anyone can find Escobar’s millions or billions, these two are a good bet. It just so happens that we’re allowed to watch the ride unfold.
Laux and Smith certainly aren’t some TLC Average Joes who decided to infiltrate Colombia’s cartels on a whim. Laux, who gained national attention last year for exposing his cover, going on NBC Nightly News for an interview, and penning his inside account and memoir Left of Boom, is a former CIA agent best known for successfully infiltrating the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Smith, which isn’t Laux’s partner’s real name, is a currently active CIA agent with several years of experience. They’re about as legit as network docuseries stars get.
There are certainly some surface-level ethical concerns about traveling to another country to search for a drug lord’s treasure. However, Finding Escobar’s Millions addresses those concerns early on. Laux and Smith explain that any money they find (and are able to take with them) will be given back to the Colombian government, though they will be given a 5 percent keeper’s fee. Smith even says that he plans on donating a large amount of his fee to the areas of Colombia and Medellín that were harmed by Escobar. It seems as if these two are in it more for the thrill than the money or glory. The docuseries is also good about noting that any damages that happen were paid for. As far as watching a real life investigation play out, this is about as authentic and compelling as it gets.
Not to give too much away, but Finding Escobar’s Millions and Narcos have more in common than just their Escobar connection. Laux and Smith have a dynamic similar to Season 1 and 2’s Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) or Season 3’s Chris Feistl (Michael Stahl-David) and Daniel Van Ness (Matt Whelan). They have a great energy that’s fun to watch even if there isn’t a giant, decades-long mystery on the line. Also, the docuseries does an excellent job of conveying what seem to be the real stakes of the situation. Typically in reality shows like this, the dangers involved are overhyped. In similar shows, almost every move may result in death, according to whatever talking head interview is playing at the moment. Perhaps its due to their CIA training or perhaps I’m being too forgiving, but Laux and Smith’s assessments of their situations almost always come across as rational and accurate. Though most of Colombia is nice and safe, they are going into some of its most dangerous parts and asking about one of the most controversial figures in all of history — Pablo Escobar. It’s unlikely that any former Escobar ally would appreciate two Americans barging into their lives and trying to take Escobar’s money.
Speaking of, there is an odd national undertone to the series, which is something Narcos reflected as well. On a couple of occasions I found myself asking why two Americans should be the ones to uncover one of Colombia’s biggest secrets, and on national TV no less. I don’t have a satisfying answer to this question, but it’s happening. In an odd way, the whole situation echoes the United States’ confusing relationship with Colombia and cartels as a whole. Regardless, if you’re finished with Narcos, Alias J.J., and Pablo Escobar, el Patron del Mal and looking for some other must-watch narcotics tale, this is indisputably it.
Finding Escobar’s Millions premieres on Discovery Channel tonight, November 3, at 10 p.m. ET.
