The world of crime and the personalities associated with it have always intrigued audiences. Most crime dramas are about the famous criminals and their empires. Few are about the people forced to live in their shadows. Dear Killer Nannies attempts to offer that perspective through a very personal story.
Season 1 is about the son of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, Juan Pablo Escobar. This Disney+ original series is eight episodes long and explores Juan Pablo’s childhood, with a particular focus on the women who raised him, nannies who were also protectors, bodyguards and, in many cases, part of his father’s dangerous world.
A Fresh Perspective on the Escobar Story
Shows like Narcos focus on Pablo Escobar’s criminal empire. Dear Killer Nannies, however, focuses on the people closest to his family. For the viewers, it’s a glimpse into Juan Pablo’s world, to experience what it was like to grow up in constant danger, with loyalty from those around him often coming at great personal risk.
The series starts with an interesting look at Juan Pablo trying to have a normal childhood with the weight of his father’s legacy. His lack of ability to make friends and live a normal life sets an emotional bedrock that lures viewers in right away.
An Uneven Tale
The premise is intriguing, but the series struggles with objectivity. Because the story is told mostly from Juan Pablo’s point of view, it sometimes seems designed to elicit sympathy without going into the nuances of his role or the broader implications of his family’s deeds.
And this type of narration makes the story a bit one-sided and there is not much opportunity for the viewers to judge for themselves about Juan Pablo as a real person.
The Nannies Steal the Show
The real strength of Dear Killer Nannies are the supporting characters. The nannies themselves are much more interesting than the main narrator, and they add emotional depth, tension and veracity to the story.
Their sacrifices, loyalties and complicated roles in Escobar’s world create some of the strongest moments in the show. And whenever the series focuses on them it just feels so much more interesting and grounded in reality.
Pacing Problems Overall Detract From Experience
The season begins well but the middle episodes are increasingly melodramatic. The change slows down the pace and weakens the emotional impact of the final episodes.
By the time the story reaches its end, the conclusion feels unsatisfying for what it should be and a number of emotional beats feel under-developed.
Last Word
Dear Killer Nannies offers a different perspective on the life surrounding Pablo Escobar, if not a whole lot new to the crime drama genre. While the documentary style of the storytelling builds intrigue, uneven execution prevents the film from reaching its full potential.
It’s a worthwhile one-off viewing for fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories, in particular for its fascinating depiction of the women who lived and risked everything behind one of history’s most infamous criminal families.
