‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ Recap: ‘Valentina’

9/25/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Bárbara Mori as Mária in Episode 110 of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ – ‘Valentina’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular aspect of the amazing Apple TV+ series, Women in Blue (Las Azules), that we’ve praised often in our season one discussions of the show… is its innovation. Because it has over the course of nine episodes, defied convention and brought forth a vastly different kind of police serial. One full of surprises and one that has felt real at times because of the nature of the crimes and the thought processes of the criminal. Not to mention, this series of course… has made women the heroines of the story, focusing squarely upon Las Azules and their struggles and their battle to be respected, giving rise to incredible and refreshing storytelling, the kind that extended to the show’s season one finale.

For ‘Valentina’ was as unconventional as everything that came before it and it accomplished such a feat… by wasting little time in resolving what was going to happen to Valentina in a creative and inventive manner. After all, the Undresser was dead, shot by a member of the Herrera family and that left Laz Azules with no clues, no understanding of how to save Valentina and that was terrifying to say the least. Because there was a very real chance her death could happen in this story, because of its bold nature. But thankfully, Ángeles and her infinitely brilliant mind was able to ascertain a pattern and understand what the Undresser was trying to accomplish from a psychological standpoint. In that, he wanted to pay tribute to his father and his teachings, and that meant Valentina was to end where his journey began, at the water treatment plant.

Which brought Las Azules to the scene of an old crime to solve another and believe it or not, they were able to save Valentina from an awful fate and just like that… the case came to a close, with lots of time to spare, which was quite nontraditional in nature. Since usually the rescue is how you end a season, before wrapping up everything fast. But saving Valentina early allowed for this story to accomplish some incredible wonders. Such as first, showing the impact of a moment akin to this. Since Valentina had to face the reality that she was the victim of a crime and that she had to heal emotionally, and physically. Something we don’t see often in crime shows and that made for a powerful journey for certain and some fine acting from Natalia Téllez, and the unconventional nature of this story didn’t end there.

Amorita Rasgado and Natalia Téllez as Gabina and Valentina in Episode 110 of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’ – ‘Valentina’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Because this also allowed for the story to bring its greatest theme home. In that, the women in Mexico City in this era, were indeed treated like second class citizens, and that didn’t change initially, despite this incredible opportunity for women. Mainly because, the First Lady saw Valentina’s capture as an embarrassment and was ready to shutter the program. But Valentina and her friends would not let that happen and found a way to sway the moment to their favor to keep their jobs and dreams alive. Knowing full well though, they would have to fight three times as hard to be recognized and respected as cops. For they were still a joke to so many and that was a powerful call back to bring forward here… one that was further enhanced by some other surprises.

Such as the fact, that rather than honor Las Azules for their work, they instead honored Goyo Cadenas as he hero of the hour. Yes, that’s right, a murderer that was set free, was the champion of the case for his consulting work. All of which hammered home, the disrespect women receive and how hard they must work for a sliver of recognition… then… and now. But it wasn’t all bittersweet, for there were victories to be had. Since they did keep their jobs, and they did grow in life. After all, Ángeles found herself in a healthy relationship, Gabina and Valentina found focus and Mária enjoyed a promotion to Lieutenant and of course… received an apology from her husband. Who revealed, the promotion never arrived because of his own blowhard nature.

All of which brought forth a unique and realistic ending. One that also, set the stage for a potential second season. For a conversation between Goyo and Mária, hinted at the possibility that he might kill again, that it is calling to him. Which could mean a powerful cat and mouse game lie ahead between the two in a second season and we hope this show gets it. Because it was simply flawless in its first season. Courtesy of a compelling crime, timely commentary, amazing acting and writing… just… everything worked here, and truly it would be amazing to see more. But while we wait for such news, we can celebrate a flawless and engaging season finale. One that brought the journey full circle and brought safety to the city, courtesy of its real protectors, Laz Azules.

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