Prince’s father has contacted Ernest to ask for his help in the kidnapping. Ernest is unsure if he can help out, but asks for Violeta’s help in order to see if any sources of hers could lead them in the right direction.
In the forests, we see the rebels transporting Amber to a secured location. “Secured” is not in the sense of the word or military norms but a crowded area that singularly belongs to the rebels. They have spotters and allies covering an entire stretch, making it an almost impenetrable fortress in the local authorities’ minds. They are currently positioned in Bogota. Violeta meets with the Senator associated with FARC, who confirms that a younger version of their organization has taken her hostage.
Natalie Foster is the head of station at the US Embassy in Bogotá. She is a woman with a lot of power and she knows how to use it. She has been working for the US government for many years, and she knows how to get what she wants. She is not interested in helping the rebels, but she does not want to hurt them either. So, she decides to help Enrique and Violeta get the ransom for Amber. But, before she can do anything, Bambi and Prince arrive at the embassy and they start talking to Natalie about what they know. Natalie is not happy about this, but she does not have much choice because Bambi and Prince are very important people to her.
Natalie is in control of the situation from her basement, and she has been able to keep the CIA and Colonel Pereira together in the same room. They have located Amber and they have also obtained information that the kidnapping is a business deal. However, the neighborhood is hostile to the armed forces, and Prince and Bambi are in danger.
Graciela tells the rebels that she knows the beacon is not military-grade but they do not believe her. The rebel leader decides to take it anyway and give it to the DEA or CIA.
Although she hesitates to talk to Amber at first, she agrees to do so when she sees an opportunity to prove her mettle to the higher-ups. Prince is still of the opinion that they should attack themselves and rescue her. But Bambi asks him to be calm. When Graciela and her girlfriend talk to Amber, they decide not to release her for money and pull off the deal. Violeta reveals that she has been kidnapped before with her sister but unfortunately, her sister was killed in the crossfire.
Natalie informs the American duo of the rebels’ decision and Prince wastes no more time in procuring the guard and weapons to strike them that night. Fortunately for them, Amber is spending the night on the terrace, which is easily accessible from the outside. But when the duo reaches the spot, they find her gone. A member of the rebels comes upstairs to meet them but retreats when they allow him to go.
The entire neighborhood now knows that they are in the area and unites to hunt them down. Pereira has his snipers positioned in a triangle. He asks to protect the “purples” (Americans) and kill the “tangos” (Rebels). The two Americans now have to make it out of the place and do so by killing the untrained rebels on their tails. Some criminals from the most wanted are dead but a younger child, whom we saw earlier with Amber, is also killed when he picks up a gun.
The Episode Review
The last few minutes of episode 2 were executed at a frenetic pace and the stinging realism Boal has previously created. Most of that confronting was overwhelming at times and done with a sedate sense of theatrics. The recreation of a Colombian neighborhood allied with the rebels felt familiar. It added to the appeal of the setting.
The introduction of Violeta in the mix and her story about her sister is perhaps leading to an unfortuitousness end. Echo 3 now has all the elements of modern society – government, press, army, and the marginalized – running the show.
The story of the two groups of people who live together in a small town is still unfolding, with many questions unanswered. What is clear is that these two groups have different values and morals, and their relationship will be tested as time goes on.
