Queen of the South Season 1 Episode 8 Review: Billete De Magia
Christine Orlando
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After seven weeks of feeling as though Teresa was running in place, Queen of the South Season 1 Episode 8 was the installment I’d been waiting to see.
Other than working as James right hand, it didn’t feel like Teresa was really moving forward or taking control very often. That changed during this hour.
Camila made the situation clear.
They were going to rob a fellow dealer during a transaction in order to double their money. It wasn’t a plan spawned by greed as much as survival. Without that money, Camila’s business crumbles, sending her back to Mexico and Epifanio.
To her, that is a fate worse than death and for now, her fate and Teresa’s are linked.
I like this version of Camila much better than the one we’ve witnessed in the last two episodes. Instead of reeling from losing shipments and begging Epifanio or the Colombians for help, she was taking charge and that’s way more entertaining.
She also made it clear what was on the line for Teresa.
I know you're scared. Use that fear to stay alive. After all, you're a survivor.
Camila
Camila has no clue that Teresa knows the location of a journal that could bring Epifanio down. Given the glimpses of Teresa’s future, I’m assuming that instead of sharing it with Camila, she uses it for her own interests, but does she take Camila down as well?
On a side note, I’d love to know more about those sunglasses future Teresa always wears. I’d love a pair but I’m betting their out of my price range.
Current Teresa was still straddling the line between compassion and survival. She let the maid live but will that come back to haunt her? I can’t imagine the woman will say anything, but cartel’s don’t stay in business by leaving witnesses.
If Teresa hadn’t killed Talky John, she’d certainly be dead. All that bravado from him was just play acting and adrenaline to distract her so he could get to the gun. As much as Teresa doesn’t want to hurt or kill anyone, she’s hard wired to survive.
If only she’d killed Epifanio when she had the chance, her life might be very different right now.
Another crucial moment was Camila pushing Teo to change the paperwork concerning their transactions in this Queen of the South quote…
Teo: I was clear. I told you, I don't want my hands dirty.
Camila: Well, they sure will get dirty when you're digging your way out of one of my husband's graves.
He’s right. If he does what she says, he’s basically setting another colleague up to possibly be tortured and killed. He’ll also end up completely under Camila’s thumb.
If he doesn’t, he may very well end up in that grave she mentioned…in pieces.
James was in the middle of yet another shootout and getaway. I'd complain about the repetitiveness if I didn't enjoy the heist so much. My only fear was that the money would burn when they blew up the car!
Then there was Brenda, who was feeling sorry for herself as she had her minions make meth in a sleazy motel. I doubt she ever expected she be putting out a fire with toilet water.
As much as I understand Brenda having her own pity party, her son is the only person for whom I actually feel any sympathy. I can't even imagine what the future holds for this kid.
So, will the money be enough to set Camila’s business straight? Will Teresa be able to protect the maid? And how does Teresa go from being James partner in crime to a drug kingpin in only two more episodes?
Check back next week for my review of Queen of the South Season 1 Episode 9 and if you can’t wait until then, you can watch Queen of the South online here at TV Fanatic.
C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.
