‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ Recap: ‘María’ & ‘Paola’

7/31/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Natalia Téllez and Bárbara Mori as Valentina and María in Episode 101 of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ – ‘María’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’.

Each and every one of us like to believe that our dream job or the one that calls to us, will provide us with the peace we so desperately search for in this life. For it is what we seek, what our soul desires, and that means it should provide our soul with the nourishment it needs and give us the joy we crave and of course… pad our bank account with the security we’ve always wanted for that. So, we chase that dream with gusto and grab hold of it tight, only to learn… that it is not the miracle we always thought it would be. For there are some hard realities that accompany stepping into the world we believe will fix everything.

In that, it comes with the same nonsense that any other job comes with. For while it is a dream for us, it is not a dream for everyone. For them it is a job, and they will treat it accordingly. Not to mention, there are rules and regulations to this new world we didn’t think about, and we must learn to navigate them in the early days before we can begin to settle in and move our way to the top and it is those early first days that determine who will continue to chase their dream or leave it to find another. Since we also sometimes learn that what we chase is not for us, and well, this reality is top of mind today, because it serves as one of the central focuses of the new Apple TV+ series, Women in Blue (Las Azules).

For this series premiere takes us through that process, by introducing us to four women in Mexico in 1971 who are… lost and searching for a dream. One that falls into all of their laps. For a directive from the president of the nation, a newly installed leader, demands that equality be seen throughout Mexico City. Which involves allowing women to serve in the police force. Which gives four women a dream to chase after, and more. For María, this is a chance to be more than a trophy for her husband, and for Valentina, this is her chance to enact change in a world that needs it. For Gabina, this is a chance to be part of the family legacy of police work and be seen as more, and for Ángeles, this is her opportunity to use her unique mental skill set to make a difference.

Which brings all of them to chase this dream in ‘María’ and ‘Paola’ and early on, yes, they find fulfilment and find joy in doing the work and being able to wear the badge. But soon… the hard wakeup call arrives. That the police department in Mexico City is not the joyous place one might expect since there are grizzled officers around them, and sexism abound. Since they aren’t even granted weapons on active duty and are seen as the publicity stunts, they are. Which brings about one incredible internal battle, regarding whether or not they should stick with the dream or walk away. But the persistence of a serial killer known as the Undresser, and their direct encounter with his work, will change that. Since María begins to realize that she and her sister (Valentina), and their new friends on the force… could perhaps do more with a case that everyday officers and detectives aren’t giving enough attention to.

Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado and Bárbara Mori as Ángeles, Valentina, Gabina and María in Episode 102 of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ – ‘Paola’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

A plot that truly explores how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and that sometimes dreams can be frustrating until we settle in. But what truly matters more here, is the sheer fact that this story has more to say outside of the central theme present here. For it clearly is an anthem for the importance of equality in all things. Because sadly, these four women, are seen as second class in every sense of the phrase. Since their dreams are seen as a joke by so many, and their desire to be more and showcase their natural skillset for the job is met often with resistance and disdain, despite the fact they clearly have a better understanding of the moment than some of the detectives on the case.

Not to mention, once the badge comes off, they are once again without regard and without respect. Which brings about frustration here since clearly, these four women are quite capable officers and see a great deal, and know they are more than just housewives and playthings and scenery. Which likely means we will see them stand tall this season and push back to do what’s right and to showcase their worth and that will make for a satisfying journey for certain. One that will give rise and inspiration to folks that tune in, and this series will also accomplish wonders from a representation standpoint as well. Since it does feature a Latin cast and Spanish is the core language of this series.

All of which brings forth, a pair of engaging and fascinating tales. That are relevant and poignant and truly speak to the progress we have not made. But at the same time, we are treated to a fascinating case, and a fascinating killer, which invests us further in the story. For this dastardly monster needs to be caught and needs to be brought to justice because of his cruelty and the impact he’s imparting on good people. Since this show also harbors some humanity and realism regarding the emotional fallout of murder and the impact it has on officers of the law as well. All of which invests us deeply in this story and leaves us ready to see how these women grow and show the world their worth, and how they will capture this disgusting monster. Until next time.

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