Belascoaran, PI (2022) s01e01 Episode Script
Días de combate
1
[brass instruments warming up]
[announcer] We go live in
five, four, three,
two, one.
ON AIR
- [band playing funky game show theme]
- [applause]
THE $64,000 JACKPO
WORLD CUP 1978
[song ends]
[alarm ringing]
ANOTHER WOMAN STRANGLED
- [thunder rumbling]
- [rain pattering]
[siren wails in distance]
[host on TV] Good evening, everyone.
And welcome to
the most popular TV show in all of Mexico,
- The $64,000 Jackpot!
- [car horn honking]
[audience applauding]
[host] Hello to all the families
tuning in from all across the country,
to everyone watching us at home,
and those who have been lucky enough
to join us here in the studio tonight.
Without further ado,
let's give a warm welcome
and big round of applause
for tonight's contestant!
[applause]
[increases volume]
[playing funky theme music]
- [applause]
- [song ends]
Mr. Héctor Shayne!
[man] Belascoarán Shayne.
[host] Okay Mr. Belascoarán Shayne here
has chosen the category,
"Famous Stranglers Throughout History."
That's interesting.
What made you choose
this specific category?
[Belascoarán] Well, it's definitely
still a phenomenon in big cities.
Crimes like these happen all the time
and no one seems to care.
There's a lack of resources to stop them.
So we simply ignore the news.
But most of these crimes remain unsolved.
Sometimes it's due to shoddy police work.
And other times it turns out
to be simply a cover up.
Good. Very well. We wish you luck.
Let's give him a round of applause.
[applause]
Now our two lovely assistants
will help you get into the booth.
- [suspenseful music playing]
- [motor idling]
[audience applauding]
I'd like to take a moment
to thank tonight's generous sponsors,
Cigarros Bravo and Chocolatote La Azteca.
[cheers and applause]
FIRST PHASE
8,000 PESOS
[suspenseful music intensifies]
- [dog barking in distance]
- [heavy breathing]
[host] Before we begin,
I'd like to tell our audience
that our contestant is not only an expert
on the subject of historical strangers
[gasps]
he also works as a private detective.
Oh! [gasps]
[choking]
[suspenseful music continues]
[music fades]
[lighter clicks]
[dog barking in distance]
[host] I must ask, what drew you
to that exotic career path
of private investigation?
[Belascoarán]
That's the 64,000 pesos question.
How did I end up a private detective
making a fool of himself on TV?
I used to have a happy life.
I was a time study engineer,
making good money at General Mechanics,
with a beautiful home, a beautiful wife,
and a beautiful garden.
Your cholesterol, hon.
We need to eat healthy.
I've read that
they call it "the silent killer."
- Hmm.
- And papaya will lower your levels.
CRIME OF PASSION
Three women were strangled.
That's no coincidence.
Héctor, stop reading that morbid stuff.
What can we do about it?
The police will figure it out.
Oh, by the way, yesterday
I went to Sears to get carpet samples.
Which one do you like? Beige or coffee?
- What's wrong with the one we have?
- It's just boring.
Evolve or die, Héctor.
[ballad playing on radio]
Mmm.
GENERAL MECHANICS
I spent 10 years taking shit
for a Yankee company,
AWARDED 1ST PLACE
And for what?
Díaz, Márquez, and Galindo.
They're running around like commies
trying to unionize
everyone in the factory.
Make sure these reports
justify firing them without severance.
Make up something,
as long as it's their fault.
[rock music playing]
[Belascoarán] To lease
a boring car I just sit in traffic in?
To live with a woman I don't love,
that hates me?
[music continues]
BECOME A DETECTIVE
CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
DETECTIVE NETWORKS AND TECHNOLOGY
REX STOU
COLLECTED DETECTIVE NOVELS
["Cambia, Cambia" by Los Dug Dugs playing]
Excuse me, you can't go in there.
Write your own
fucking excuses, piece of shit. [grunts]
What the hell!? Lulú, call security! Lulú!
Heads up!
Tell your union rep that they're
trying to make shit up to fire all of you.
See you around, Javier.
[song continues]
[inaudible]
The last step was the hardest,
but she said it herself,
"Evolve or die."
[song continues]
BE A DETECTIVE
[knocking on door]
Héctor Belascoarán Shayne
is a perfect name for a private detective.
It's right out of a novel.
You gotta admit it.
And for me,
that was all the reason I needed.
BE A DETECTIVE
MANUAL 1 & 2
[man on tape] Congratulations.
This tape is your first step
on your way to learning
how to be a real-life private detective.
This profession is
more of a science than anything.
So, forget about the cliche
of a detective in a trench coat,
smoking in the shadows.
The key to becoming a great detective
is learning how to
blend into a crowd completely unnoticed.
OFFICE FOR REN
Find a well-lit office
in a respectable part of town.
This will inspire
confidence in your clients
when they come to meet with you.
[woman] I need you to fix it!
What's wrong with you?
You're such a sleazeball!
Barbarian!
You rude little man!
Don't even think about hiring
that awful human being.
What's up?
Hello. Is this the office?
Huh?
Oh, yeah! Yes, yes, yes, this way.
Follow me, it's right here.
Let me give you the mini-tour.
Your area would be from here to there.
Or over there.
But I recommend you take
the side with this big window,
you'll get more air
and a little bit of a suntan. Huh?
I didn't know it was a shared space.
This is better.
That way we get to split the rent,
not to mention, a little bit of company
will make the time fly faster.
Over here's the bathroom,
it's a little small
[Belascoarán] It stunk of armpit and lye,
but for some reason it felt like
the perfect space for me to work out of.
My detective's gut
had a good feeling about this
foul-mouthed, pot-bellied plumber.
Uh, what is it you do, by the way?
[jazzy drumming]
Nah!
- You're kidding with me?
- No.
You're telling me
you're a private detective?
Not private, independent.
GÓMEZ LETRAS - PLUMBER
[Belascoarán] Hand me the tape, please.
[Gómez grunts]
It's a pain to open, just jiggle it.
I have just one rule.
In this office,
whoever finishes the last soda
has to restock.
Not a problem.
[Belascoarán] All I had to do now
was solve my first case.
CRIME OF PASSION
STRANGLED - TERROR
ESCORT STRANGLED
[man on tape] A successful investigation
hinges on your ability
to focus on the smallest details.
An aspiring detective must collect
as much information as possible
in order to find patterns
that will yield fresh clues.
STRANGLED IN HER SLEEP
[jazzy music continues]
[Belascoarán]
The crimes had all been committed
on the outskirts of the city.
Empty lots, drainage ditches,
crack houses, and landfills.
[song fades]
[dramatic music playing]
[doorbell rings]
- Hello.
- [man] Welcome.
Hey. How are you?
[man] What can I do?
I have a question for you.
Just out of curiosity,
would you know the brand of this?
This butt seems to come
from a German-made cigarette.
HB, see it?
[Belascoarán] My initials.
Héctor Belascoarán.
Is there any place I can buy these?
- Only by special order, I'm afraid.
- Oh, interesting.
Must be a coincidence. Or a sign.
[host]
Your first question for 8,000 pesos.
Tell us, what was
the exact name and profession
of the Boston Strangler's third victim?
Helen Blake, a retired teacher.
Correct, sir!
She was 65 years old when she was
strangled to death with her own bra,
by Albert DeSalvo.
Okay, your first answer was plenty.
Question. Do you want to walk away
with the 8,000 pesos you've won so far?
Or do you want to return
and try to double it?
Of course, risking that
you lose it all in the process.
[Belascoarán] How do you catch a murderer
hidden among millions of people
in this chaotic city?
- You draw him into the open.
- [host on TV] Dear viewer
if you consider yourself
an expert on any subject known to man,
don't hesitate
and come put your knowledge to the test
for a chance to win 64,000 pesos!
[Belascoarán]
How do you get the attention of a killer?
You become the bait.
Continue.
HE'LL RETURN
A winner's attitude!
[Belascoarán]
Sure, I'd been winging it a little,
but the plan was solid.
NETFLIX PRESENTS
I was going to smoke out the strangler
stalking Mexico City.
[jazzy theme music playing]
BASED ON THE WORK "TODO BELOSCOARÁN"
BY PACO IGNACIO TAIBO II
EPISODE 1:
DAYS IN COMBA
Hang on.
[chuckles] My little brother,
the famous detective.
[woman grunts, laughs]
Famous?
You sure you don't mean "ridiculous"?
You always look ridiculous, my dear,
- but this time for a good cause.
- Yeah, so?
- The cheapest I could find for you.
- As always.
Yeah.
How can you drink that imperialist crap?
Have you forgotten
what our parents fought for?
I believe, uh, it was Che who said,
"The war we fight is against capitalism,
not Keli-Cola."
[laughs] At least you quit working for
that blood-sucking company.
I know. You hated to see me
collaborating with the enemy.
I was surprised you invited me to dinner.
[woman] I'll admit it was hard for me
to see you as a salaried family man.
- Paying taxes.
- Mm.
- I saw your ex, by the way.
- Oh, yeah?
- She looks better than ever.
- You don't say.
And thrilled about
this fancy carpet that she bought.
[Belascoarán] It was for the best.
[woman] She asked me to remind you
to pay the mortgage on time.
Ah, that reminds me,
you think I can borrow some money?
- [laughs] You wish.
- Why not?
Do you have any idea
how much college professors make?
I know that, but I'll pay you back
when I win the contest.
Then you better win that prize.
So, what about you?
What about me?
What about that history professor
you were seeing sometime ago?
- [laughs] Ay
- What?
It got boring.
I think all men
are boring to me these days.
Mmm.
Have you heard from Mama?
- No, you?
- No.
Last I heard she was in Ireland.
You know what they say,
no news is good news.
I'm going.
I need to have an early start tomorrow.
No. Wait.
- What?
- Wait.
Look.
- Oh, you found them all.
- Mm-hmm.
They were at Aunt Beatriz's house.
Hmm.
["Gracias a la Vida"
by Mercedes Sosa playing]
How old was she here?
- [woman] Twenty-something.
- Hmm.
[woman] Look.
Their wedding.
- [Belascoarán] They're just kids.
- Mm-hmm.
"BELASCOARÁN SHAYNE"
BELCHITE, ZARAGOZA 1937
[sniffs]
Is it Papa's?
No.
It's Mama's.
The one she used in the war.
Go and use it to find that son of a bitch.
[man on tape] Any good detective
will inevitably make enemies.
[gunshot]
Therefore, we recommend
you purchase a reliable revolver
- and make it an extension of your body.
- [gunshot]
Taking the time
to work on your marksmanship
[gunshot]
could mean the difference
between life and death
if you're in a dangerous situation.
[Belascoarán]
In all of the detective novels I read,
not one mentioned
how uncomfortable the bus ride is
with a gun barrel jamming into your nuts
every time the driver
hits a pothole or dodges a pedestrian.
ANOTHER YOUNG WOMAN MURDERED
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[man on radio] When Mexico
faces West Germany
[man 2] And that's the Germany
that's going to play against Mexico?
- Obviously, who else?
- There are two of them.
What do you mean there are two of them?
Hello.
Another victim, huh?
[both] Yup!
Found any clues?
Maybe fingerprints?
If we start looking,
we'll find a million of them. No.
And also, those powders and liquids
are extremely expensive.
They'd take it out of our salary.
[Belascoarán] It became clear
that deductive and inductive methods
were useless in a country like Mexico.
So, I decided to pivot and become
one of those quasi-metaphysical detectives
that don't give a shit about science,
and instead, follow their gut instincts.
Born August 23, 1955.
[host] That is 100% correct!
[audience applauds]
And now the next question.
All right, Belascoarán.
What led to the discovery
of the notorious Twilight Murderer?
The owner of his guest house
accidentally found
newspaper clippings cleaning.
- Perfect!
- But here's the interesting part.
He would've been found much sooner
if the police had paid more attention.
At every crime scene,
the cowardly killer left behind
He left behind his cigarette butts.
[host] That answer was
much more detailed than we needed
- but you are absolutely correct!
- [applause]
Mr. Belascoarán, you have won
for the second night in a row.
Look who we have here.
The detective from the TV.
[Belascoarán] The corrupt cop
I'm Officer Paniagua.
you can't have
a detective story without it.
And in Mexico City,
no crime scene is complete without one.
Or two. Or three.
- Belascoarán Shayne.
- Why are you here?
Seems like victims are piling up out here.
So you came to play detective. Right?
Listen up, those cases are already solved
and the culprits are all in jail.
You keep playing pretend
and one day you might find yourself
spending a few months in the can, too.
So you can meet 'em.
That's not necessary.
I don't think it would be wise of you
to stir up a hornet's nest, Mr. Detective.
- See you around.
- Have a good day.
[sighs] Fucking hell.
Do you want to return next week,
or take your prize?
Uh
The prize money is funded in part
by our good friends at Cigarros Bravo.
Robust tobacco, rice paper,
unparalleled flavor.
Yeah?
I'm coming back.
- You heard him! A winner's attitude.
- [applause]
Ladies and gentlemen,
don't forget to tune in
for the next episode of
The 64,000 Pesos Jackpot.
And please keep on
cheering for Mr. Belascoarán.
Thank you.
Um, pardon. Excuse me.
I'd like to say one more thing. Um
HE'LL RETURN!
There's a killer the loose in Mexico City.
A strangler.
If anyone has any leads
that could find him
call my office.
My number is 233512.
[host] I hope everyone wrote down
Mr. Belascoarán's telephone number,
and I'm sure he's going to receive
plenty of calls from you.
- Come back next time
- [telephone ringing]
for another episode of
64,000 Pesos Jackpot!
Belascoarán Shayne, detective.
No. No, I don't do cheaters.
I just don't.
[telephone ringing]
Ma'am, I'm really sorry about your cat,
but I'm busy with another case.
Is that right?
Well, in that case, fuck you too, asshole.
- Fucking moron.
- [telephone ringing]
No, the plumber is
only here during the daytime.
"Drain septic tank." Where?
Got it.
Okay. All right.
Okay.
[telephone ringing]
Belascoarán.
[man] This tree
stands lonely here on the hills,
it hath grown up high
above man and beast.
For what does it wait?
It dwelleth too close
to the seat of the clouds.
It waiteth,
perhaps for the first lightning?
Who is this?
You'll know my name soon enough.
And I think you'll admire my next work.
Hello? Hell
[hangs up telephone]
Lonely. A tree on a hill.
High above beast
[thunder rumbling]
Lightening.
[knocking on door]
[guitar strumming]
[woman] Look what the cat dragged in!
Hey! My little brother, the detective.
[Belascoarán] Hello. Hey everyone!
What a miracle. Have a seat.
- Wait, what happened?
- I think he called.
- Who?
- What do you mean?
The killer.
Look.
Uh, he said, "A lonely tree on a hill."
- Mm-hmm.
- Uh, "grown like an animal."
And something about clouds
and then a lightning bolt, I think.
Let's see if anyone knows it.
Hmm.
- Want a beer?
- No, thanks, I'm good.
- Are you a professor?
- No, man, no.
Renato Barrera.
The union captain at the Delex factory.
- Héctor Belascoarán. How are you?
- I'm great.
Your sister is helping me out,
we're working on some negotiation demands.
I'm not surprised.
She's always been helpful.
Yeah. [laughs]
Do you really think you can pull off
the whole being-a-detective thing?
[guitar strumming chords]
No.
Do you?
If I'm being honest, not really.
[both chuckle]
Here. My colleagues knew right away.
Read it. This book
has all those phrases in it.
Can you please just summarize it for me?
Essentially, what it says
is some people are superior to others,
and that they shouldn't let
the common people bring them down.
That's why the Nazis loved it.
They needed to prove
the superiority of the Aryan race,
and that book helped the argument.
Sure you can't stay?
- They know more than me.
- No, I should go.
Good luck with the union stuff.
Sorry to interrupt. Have a good night!
- Have a good one.
- All right.
[cumbia song playing]
THIS TREE STANDS LONELY HERE ON THE HILL
Hey, mind turning down the radio, please?
[radio DJ] That's right, folks.
That was Grupo Niche.
[Belascoarán] For some reason,
philosophy and tropical music
go together really well.
Nietzsche. Grupo Niche.
In this city, stuff like that makes sense.
- Good morning, Don Eulogio.
- Morning.
What's up?
What's going on
with that 64,000 Pesos game?
The questions have been
a bit easy so far, we'll see how it goes.
So you'll pay your tab?
Of course.
Just keep track of it all, all right?
Have a good day.
Keep up with the good luck!
- It's a famous book. Thoughts?
- Hmm.
- Anything?
- I have one.
The tree and the lightning thing
sounds like the chicken or the egg.
- [laughs] Why do you say that?
- Who cares which came first?
The point is, you eat one sunny side up
and the other one is all broth.
I don't know what that means.
How much do I owe you?
I'll put it on your tab for later.
- Why's that?
- Here. Come close.
Closer.
Since you got here,
a man has been following you.
- Where?
- Look. Behind you.
Leaning on the green car.
See him?
Just go.
- Thank you. I owe you.
- Of course. Yeah.
[tense music playing]
FRAMES MADE TO MEASURE
[music intensifies]
[Belascoarán] Hey! Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
[sighs] Oh, shit.
[faint screams]
[Belascoarán] Damn it!
For fuck's sake!
Goddammit.
- Hey!
- [man speaking German]
Uh, excuse me.
- Excuse me.
- Yes? Ah!
[speaking German]
Oh! No, no, no.
- No money.
- No, no, no, no money.
- Just the photo. The photo.
- [woman] Give him the money.
Not the money.
A big sorry. Sorry. Uh
This is a gift!
Just a
Danke, danke schön.
Slow down! I have high blood sugar!
You won't believe this,
but I think the murderer is following me.
Or the murderess.
Come look.
It's her.
[camera shutter clicking]
The girl with the ponytail.
I got a weird call last night,
I thought it was the strangler,
but it was a man.
Or we're dealing with
two different killers.
Perhaps working together.
A man and a woman.
It's a pit girl.
What the hell is that?
This girl.
This is a sweatshirt
with a race car oil brand.
And they give them
to girls in the pits. Hmm?
So you think the strangler
is a pit girl?
Don't you know,
women can be anything these days.
Whatever they wanna be.
From pit girls
all the way to serial stranglers.
Haven't you heard of
the women's liberation movement?
Did you have to be an ass about it?
Mm.
[reading] "Grand Finale Alfa Cup."
[rock music playing]
[engines roaring]
[announcer]
Only one more lap after this!
It could still be anyone's race
in these last few minutes.
[music continues]
And this is the final lap!
Here we go, folks!
Maverick 111 is making his move now!
And I'm rough, I'm tough
And I'm ready ♪
Hey! What the hell!?
Sorry, um
- I was looking for this girl.
- What for?
So you can feel her up? Get lost.
[announcer] Watch out, here he comes!
Maverick 111! He's making moves!
Into the final straightaway,
he's neck and neck!
Here they come.
And he wins!
- He wins the race at the last second!
- [women] Whoo!
[applause]
["Fresa Salvaje" by Camilo Sesto playing]
[song stops]
[engine rumbling]
Why did you follow me?
I had to make sure.
Sure of what?
That you were not the strangler.
How do you know I'm not.
Because you were on TV
the night he killed one of his victims.
Crimes like these happen all the time
for some reason, no one seems to care.
I also thought you were the murderer.
What about now?
You smoke the wrong cigarettes.
Sounds like we have something in common.
Oh yeah?
What's that?
Neither one of us is the strangler.
[Belascoarán] In the vaguely sad eyes
of the girl with the ponytail
I glimpsed hints
of a dark and painful past.
A story I knew
would be difficult to coax out of her.
My mother was brutally murdered.
[Belascoarán] Or maybe not.
So, tequila?
[suspenseful music playing]
They never found the murderer.
My papa fell into a dark depression.
He drank.
Lost everything.
His friends and his purpose.
PROBABLE CAUSE OF DEATH
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS
I spent years in boarding school,
angry at everyone.
FISTFIGHT - FIRE - ATTEMPTED ESCAPE
At 18, I was free,
but I was completely empty.
I eventually realized that only
in situations with death staring me down,
did I feel alive.
When the news started
talking about these murdered women,
I relived her death.
HEIRESS INHERITS FAMILY FORTUNE
Then I saw.
You on TV.
HE WILL RETURN!
You cared so much.
Which meant either you were the killer
or the man who would catch him.
So I have to come find out.
One more?
[girl] "I'll find you,
don't track me down. Me."
[Belascoarán] It's not a detective story
if it doesn't have a dame
with a troubled past.
And now I had mine.
The mysterious "girl with the ponytail."
The girl with the ponytail's story
had fascinated me.
Or maybe it was just her.
Her scent lingered.
[food sizzling]
It was a mix of jasmine and sweet tamale.
What's going on now, Don Eulogio?
Belascoarán, look here.
[Belascoarán] The voice on the phone
had promised me a gift and a name.
His gift was death.
And the name of the Mexico City Strangler
CEREVRO KILLS
was Cerevro.
[soccer commentator] Tunisia has the ball.
They're doing some great back and
forth action as they cross center field.
[footsteps]
How the hell
did this piece of shit get in here?
Sorry, sir. Mexico is playing right now
so there's nothing we can do.
I don't give a shit if
it's your mom singing nude at the stadium,
you don't let this
fake-ass detective in here!
Maybe let's calm down, officer.
I'm just trying to help out.
- By trespassing on my scene?
- I No.
[grunts, coughs]
You have two choices.
Take your pick.
A good old-fashioned beating?
Or a few days in jail?
I think that'll teach you.
- I think I'll take the beating. Yeah.
- That's great!
All right.
Rough him up good.
Then arrest him anyway.
This asshole doesn't
get to fucking choose.
[Belascoarán] That's Mexico City for you.
Can't even trust
the word of a corrupt cop. It's sad.
- [officer] What's the score?
- [commentator] It's still anybody's game!
Turn that shit up! Then help me out.
I can walk.
[commentator] They're pressing
the Tunisian back line now.
Move it!
- [grunts]
- [officer 1] Oh, hey, hey, stop that!
- [Belascoarán grunts]
- The Tunisian player recovers it.
But the ball's booted down field
and Sanchez snatches it up! He's off!
Two on one.
[commentator] Hugo Sanchez
dribbles into the box,
making his approach, he shoots and
No, hey, they were about to score!
Come on, man.
[groans]
You don't get to listen to the game.
Fucking dipshits!
Corrupt assholes.
I could feel his eyes
on me from the crowd.
Is he a baby-faced young man?
Or an old guy with a mustache?
Maybe an elegant woman?
Detective?
THIRD PHASE
32,000 PESOS
Mr. Belascoarán,
still waiting on your answer.
Yes, uh
Gregorio Cárdenas,
who's also known as The Tacuba Strangler.
- [host] Excellent!
- [applause]
Congratulations!
You've won 32,000 pesos!
He was a bit of a celebrity
due to his supposed rehabilitation,
but in the end it turns out he kept
Yes, okay, shut up already, buddy.
- Don't worry you already won.
- All right.
Are you coming back
for the grand prize of 64,000 pesos?
ON AIR
I am.
[host] Very well.
There you have it, folks.
- Join us next time
- Sorry. Excuse me. I wanted to shout out
the girl with the ponytail.
I'd love to, uh, see you.
And another shout-out
to the police here in our city.
I hope you know who won.
All right, that's the show everyone!
I'll see you here
for the finale for 64,000 pesos
- with Mr. Belascoarán Shayne!
- [funky game show theme playing]
- Thank you and good night!
- [applause]
Thank you, thank you everyone.
Thank you for coming.
[Belascoarán] All I knew for sure
was Cerevro was watching the show.
Why did Cerevro call me?
What kind of man was he?
Oh, damn. You're still here?
Why did he misspell his name?
Do you ever sleep?
- Oh, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
- Okay.
For now, my kids have an awful habit
of eating three times a day.
That's rough.
- But what can you do?
- I know.
Out of huitlacoche?
I am. But I have brains and shredded beef.
- They're both good.
- Eh
Okay, I'll have a Keli-Cola.
Oh. Hold on.
- What's that for?
- Squeeze some in, trust me.
Do it.
[slurping]
[Belascoarán]
A revelation suddenly hit me,
shaking me to my core.
Keli-Cola with lime juice
tasted fucking amazing.
Isolda had done the impossible.
She somehow improved
Keli-Cola's perfect recipe.
If you weren't married,
I'd get down on one knee right now.
Funny you should mention it,
we only live together.
- Get out of here. Go on!
- [laughs]
Well, it'll be your loss then.
Here you go.
Isolda's elixir had brought
a new clarity to my thoughts.
Cerevro wanted an audience.
Me, specifically. The police ignore him.
So he wanted me to be his witness.
[engine revs]
[tense music playing]
[wheels squealing]
[groans]
Shit. Fuck me!
Ah!
[groaning]
Just loosen up a little detective.
He knows his stuff.
Trust me.
- [loud cracking]
- Ah! Ow! No, no! That's it, that's enough.
No more. He's gonna make it worse.
Thank you.
Give me y pants, please, Miss Isolda.
Oh, for fuck's sake.
Thank you.
At least take this marijuana tincture
to give yourself a rub down at home.
- Help relieve your pain.
- Okay.
[Isolda] Slowly.
- Take it easy. Slow, okay.
- [gasping in pain]
Who was that quack?
Don't call him that. He's the town doctor.
Look, now you have me limping, too.
That you? Rough night chasing tail?
Huh, detective? [laughs]
- Do me a favor.
- What?
Shut the fuck up
for the rest of the morning.
Ooh. Someone's cranky.
- What happened?
- [groans]
What happened is
[sighs]that someone
tried to run me over last night.
- And? Did you see them?
- No.
It happened too fast and it was dark.
I guess there are a few people
that would like to see me flattened.
Really?
The police, my old bosses,
even the bank.
Yeah. Hmm.
Or Cerevro.
Who?
That's the strangler's name.
Nah!
- Hey!
- What?
- I talked to him.
- What did he say?
You want to know?
- Yeah.
- All right, come.
Come closer.
He told me
to mind my own fucking business. Hmm?
You know, have you every considered
that I might actually be the murderer
you're looking for, detective?
You'd be in jail already, you dumbass.
You're the dumbass, look at your leg.
- And you think you're a detective?
- Yeah, sure.
[telephone ringing]
Hold on. Hold on, hold on.
- Hello?
- [man] There is no mistake more dangerous
- Who is it?
- Sorry, who are you looking for?
The bark from
a lonely violin isn't a symphony
- Uh, what the hell does that mean?
- Give it.
- Give it to me.
- One second.
One second
[man] As I reach for the sky,
I long for my fall.
And you are my lightning bolt, detective.
Well, I only know one kind of lightning
and it's good old Greased Lightning.
[mutters] Wow.
You looked into my eyes
and didn't recognize me.
[engine revs]
You're my pursuer, detective.
But I also follow you faithfully.
You're someone familiar to me.
An ally.
- [softly groans]
- A friend.
Goddamn it.
You want me to see you.
- My only desire is to recognize
- You want an audience.
as much as
you've recognized mine, detective.
[whispering] Hey, pretend you're me.
One must be a sea, to receive
a polluted stream without becoming impure.
Uh
- Uh, yeah. Uh-huh.
- The most vital element of life
- [tense music playing]
- [panting]
Hey!
Hey!
- Are you okay? Are you sure?
- Yeah.
[panting]
[grunts]
DIAMOND DRY CLEANERS
JUNE 3, 1978
[girl] You look like shit.
I got kind of run over.
But I think I got a clue. Maybe.
[exciting music playing]
[commentator on radio]
Austria charges through the backfield
- and shoots
- Hey!
- Goal!
- [groans]
Hello. Hey there.
Hi.
The score is now 2-1 in Austria's favor.
Taking the lead.
Spain is going to have to
make some adjustments
- Your people are losing.
- Not my people.
Isn't your name Basque?
My Dad would always say
that Basque is not Spain.
So I hope they get their ass kicked.
- Ten pesos.
- Thanks.
Here you go, thank you.
And there's Kanki with a tackle!
It's clean. Austria has possession.
- Have a good one!
- Wait, wait. Hold on a minute.
Make sure you check your pockets
next time you drop off.
We're not responsible for lost items.
This was in your coat.
[Belascoarán] Oh yeah.
Oh, there's a cross! And a shot!
It's off the post! No luck.
It won't happen again, I promise.
- See you.
- Bye.
Look.
M.T.
His diary.
"May 7th, 1978.
Those who write stay up all night."
"The thirst overcomes me
like it hasn't since Irapuato,
only death can manage to quench it."
[car horn honks]
"May 12th. I have
appeased my demons for the time being."
"She reminded me of my first time,
the ranch in Irapuato."
"She also tried to fight back."
[loud metallic bang]
[exhales]
That may call
for a road trip.
[train horn blowing]
That way.
- Hello there.
- [clerk] Hello.
- Two for Irapuato.
- Yes, sir.
Want to have a look?
[Cerevro] May 15th, 1978.
I spent days searching for prey
in the most miserable places.
I found her in a foul-smelling pulque bar.
A tired waitress.
[intense music playing]
[Cerevro] It didn't make the papers.
Just a dead woman,
insignificant like the others.
- [sighs]
- [conductor] Irapuato Station!
Let's go.
[bluesy country music playing]
[Cerevro]
I first practiced the art of killing
on the animals at the ranch I grew up on.
But soon they failed
to satisfy the thirst.
Burning at both ends ♪
Now I've been with the wind ♪
[Belascoarán]
After a lot of asking around,
someone pointed us towards a ranch
similar to the one in Cerevro's diary.
[driver] You may need it.
[Belascoarán] I couldn't.
Are you sure?
I'm sure.
Thanks a lot.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Oh dream, don't you ruin me ♪
[Belascoarán] M.T.
[Cerevro] I was a giant in this country
full of stupid, weak dwarves.
[door creaks]
[Cerevro] I must crush them
so that only giants remain.
Together we'll build a new world,
perfect, beautiful.
[Belascoarán] Márquez-Thiess Cheeses.
[Cerevro] These wild, primitive lands
need the righteous fist
of Caucasian order.
My chain has four links,
but it needs more.
[Belascoarán] This is it,
this is the place he describes.
[tense music playing]
[Cerevro] What's the point
if no one appreciates it?
There's a young detective
who has noticed my labors.
The only one.
Is he another tree growing on the hill?
Or the lightning that will strike?
- [faint screaming]
- [Belascoarán] His first victim.
Josefina.
"Everyone at the ranch knew it was me."
[Cerevro] But no one spoke up.
So they sent me to boarding school,
hoping my thirst would subside.
It never did.
My thirst only grows stronger
whenever it's quenched.
So you think it was him?
The one who tried to hit you.
No.
Too forward.
I suspect it was the police.
You could lay low at my place.
It's safe.
Aren't you afraid? Hmm?
There are crazies after me.
["Nos Pertenecemos" by Los Rogers playing]
[Belascoarán]
We had the obligatory love scene
between detective and mystery girl.
Being the gentleman that I am,
I will only say that the mystery girl
became less mysterious.
[song continues]
No underwear?
[Belascoarán chuckles]
I'm a free man.
[panting]
I'm Irene, nice to meet you.
[moans]
The pleasure is all mine.
[Belascoarán] We were narrowing in on him.
And I was beginning
to get a clearer picture.
I knew one thing,
he wouldn't stop.
So neither could we.
CEREVRO STRIKES AGAIN
He had killed
the woman from the dry cleaners.
In my heart,
I knew her death was all my fault.
It was time for me to act.
Josefina Peláez was 15.
Killed in Irapuato in '43.
And I need your help
searching newspaper archives.
- Do you want to introduce us?
- Yeah. Sorry. My sister.
- Elisa, my pleasure.
- Irene, nice to meet you.
- [Gómez]Got it!
- Nice.
- I need another favor.
- What?
Can you translate these passages?
Okay.
Someone in your department
must speak German. Huh?
Yeah. Whatever you need
to catch the bastard.
Thanks.
Tomorrow is the contest, right?
- Good luck in the final round.
- Oof. He'll need it.
[laughs]
[applause]
GRAND FINALE
The Vienna Strangler?
Jack Unterweger.
[host] Émile Gauvin?
The Lyon Strangler,
most victims were sex workers.
[host] The number of victims?
They were all elderly women living alone.
Locations of all his crimes?
Kansas City, Cincinnati, and
Nine. All addicted to the drugs he sold.
Phoenix, Cape Town, and
Los Angeles.
[host] Mr. Belascoarán,
your final answer,
which will decide whether or not
you'll manage to take home 64,000 pesos,
sponsored in part by
Chocolatote La Azteca,
fortified with
seven vitamins and minerals,
is
[drum roll]
Correct!
- You're our new winner!
- [cheering]
[funky game show theme playing]
WINNER!
A round of applause, please.
[applause continues]
Mr. Belascoarán, come this way.
Come this way.
Come on, we have a surprise for you.
A year's supply of Chocolatote La Azteca.
Tell us, my friend, what are you
planning to do with all of this money now.
All right, Mr. Belascoarán
is finally speechless for once.
But we'll see you on
the next episode of 64,000 Pesos Jackpot!
[Cerevro] You looked me in the eyes
and didn't recognize me.
[host] Good night, everyone!
[applause]
Congrats.
- Congratulations. This is my wife and son.
- Thank you.
- Hello.
- You were amazing, detective.
[Belascoarán] Could you hold this check?
[funky rock music playing]
Excuse me!
Move it! Excuse me!
Sorry! Excuse me!
Fuck!
[tires squealing]
Floor it! Go, go!
[engine roars]
[tires squealing]
[music continues]
Careful. Careful. Careful!
- Right, right, right, right!
- Yeah.
That way!
- Trust me. What?
- Careful!
Oh, fuck!
[tires squealing]
- What's he doing?
- [engine revs]
[tires screeching]
What are you doing?
Irene.
Irene. Irene!
- [tires screech]
- No!
[Irene] Shit.
- We lost him because of you!
- What?
- We would have died with him.
- I don't care!
I'm sick of seeing my mom
when I close my eyes!
[exhales]
- Irene. Come on.
- No, no, no.
I saw it.
[dramatic music playing]
I saw her die.
She hid me in the closet when he broke in.
I watched her fight him.
But I couldn't help.
I stood frozen.
Nothing's changed.
Irene. Ir
[thunder rumbling]
And your car?
Someone'll steal it!
[thunder rumbles]
[jazzy pop music playing]
Thanks.
[waiter] Something to go with your soda?
[muttering] Customers like you
keep me in poverty.
[man on TV]
And that's the news of the day.
Quick reminder, don't forget
to support our national team
as it plays West Germany this afternoon.
It's definitely going
Hey, Héctor! It's Mrs. Isolda!
Please, come quickly!
[dramatic music playing]
[panting]
[Belascoarán] Excuse me! Move!
[Eulogio] She was strangled!
[Cerevro] "The closer you get to me,
the closer I get to you. Cerevro."
- [woman sobbing] Isolda!
- [Gómez] Miss Isolda!
- Doña Isolda! I can't believe it!
- Isolda!
That's not all. The cops raided
the office and confiscated everything.
They even took the safe!
Damn it, I told you that
playing detective would end in tragedy!
[breathing heavily]
[police sirens wailing]
[Belascoarán] My hatred
towards Cerevro was drowning me.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't even see straight.
- [Elisa] Sounds good.
- Thanks, Elisa.
Good luck.
Your brother, the detective.
See you later.
WORKERS' RIGHTS NOW!
[Elisa] What's wrong?
[breathes shakily]
[Elisa] Could we have a moment, please?
What happened now?
[exhales]
What happened is, I'm an idiot.
I should've just kept being an engineer.
I'm not cut out for this type of job.
Now people are dying because of me.
Isolda! Shit!
[sobs]
I taunted the cops and they raided me.
Now I'm just lost.
It's over. I'm done.
I'll have to, uh, skip town for a while.
- No.
- Yes.
- You're just going to give up that easily?
- I don't really have a choice.
No, little brother.
The thought of giving up
never crossed our parent's minds
while fighting fascists in Spain,
not even in the worst moments.
They lost that war. Remember that?
Yes, but they kept up
the fight in other countries.
Ireland, Mexico,
wherever there was a just cause.
So you're going
to keep looking for that son of a bitch
because no one else will.
[typewriter key clacking]
Drink.
Did you find any news
on the girl from Irapuato?
Nothing.
She was strangled.
They blamed a worker.
The whole thing was a cover-up.
Yeah, I expected that.
And the Márquez-Thiess family
not a thing.
The ranch was closed down
all those years ago and abandoned.
They left the country
or changed their name.
A dead end.
And, uh the fragments in German?
It's pseudo-philosophic aphorisms.
He continues to mention
a prophet that lives in the Pyrenees.
A reference to Zarathustra.
He doesn't understand Nietzsche,
he just uses some parts of it.
Is there anything
to suggest who wrote this?
Or maybe his personality?
Not particularly.
Misogynist, egotistical, and even racist.
- I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
- [Elisa] No.
Thank you, Hilda.
This is yours.
[Hilda] Oh, the Embassy
invited me to watch the match.
[Belascoarán] Thiess is a German name.
Nietzsche's German.
The cigarettes were German.
This butt seems to come
from a German-made cigarette.
I came to Mexico to escape Germans
and it'll be packed with them.
I mean, having a beer
doesn't sound that bad.
[both chuckle]
Do you mind if I keep it?
[Hilda] Yeah, if you like football.
[cumbia music playing on radio]
Irene
I'm sorry about last night.
I want to say
you're very special to me.
Uh, and
anything that's important to you
is important to me.
- What the hell you talking about?
- My bad. Wrong person.
- You're weird.
- Sorry about that.
[Irene] Looking sharp.
Did you hear what I told that guy?
No.
Okay
Well, I think I know
where we can find Cerevro.
But I need your help.
I promise we'll get him.
He won't get away.
And we don't have to die in the process.
Martin, give me the keys.
Catch 'em!
[rock music playing]
[commentator speaking German]
[men speaking German]
[man sighs]
- Hello. Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.
And what part of Germany
do you two come from?
Why?
Do you think all Germans
have to look the same way?
Aryan, white?
You know who else
had exactly that thought 30 years ago?
It's fine. Please.
Come on in.
Danke schön.
Don't piss her off, Friedrich.
[sighs] Idiot.
[commentator continues in German]
[commentator continues]
[yelling]
- Goal!
- God-fucking-damn it!
- Yeah!
- Yay.
[excited chatter]
Goal!
[cheering]
GOAL!
[commentators continue in German]
- Nothing, you?
- Nothing at all.
- Charcuterie?
- Thank you so much.
M.T.
Like the ranch in Irapuato!
Excuse me, sir, um,
where can I find the kitchen?
- Down the hall, sir.
- Thanks a lot.
GERMANY 5- MEXICO 0
[chef] Fuck's sake!
[spitting]
[man clears throat]
Don't worry. Keep doing what you're doing.
After all, we need to take some revenge
after this beat-down they've given us.
- Am I right?
- [all agree]
Would you mind helping me?
Where did you happen to get this cheese?
Oh, a guy brought it.
- What guy?
- [chef] He had a weird name.
This one.
He changed his name but kept the initials.
[chef sighs] Come on!
[Irene] The address is Pyrenees Street.
Huh.
He wrote about the Pyrenees in his diary.
I didn't think he mean the street.
Thanks so much! Keep it up!
- Have you, uh, spit on these?
- [laughs] No.
- See ya! Thanks.
- Goodbye!
[tense music playing]
[grunts]
[dog barking in distance]
[Belascoarán grunts]
[music continues]
[music intensifies]
Hold on.
Take it, just in case.
I've never liked guns.
Then please just stay here
and wait for me, okay?
You can't get hurt.
Well, that felt like
the right moment for a kiss,
but okay.
Wait here.
[tense music continues]
[man on TV] Sadly, it was
an off day for our national team
who, in the end, couldn't seem
to gain any momentum against
an aggressive and
incredibly talented West German squad.
They made the game
look like a training session.
The Germans began their assault
very early in the match
and it continued for the next 90 minutes
making a comeback for Mexico impossible.
The result is a 6-0 blow out,
disheartening for the nation.
But let's keep supporting the Mexican team
in its upcoming match against Colombia.
Earlier this week,
Héctor Belascoarán Shayne
won the 64,000 Pesos Jackpot.
The private detective from Mexico City
managed to successfully navigate
every stage without missing a question,
showing off his knowledge
in front of millions of spectators.
He had us on
the edge of our seats every night
as he continued to risk his earnings
in order to answer more questions
about famous stranglers.
But his gamble paid off
as the nation
watched him win 64,000 pesos!
Congratulations, Héctor Belascoarán.
In other news, Delex,
the massive building materials company
has pledged to donate money
to fund city infrastructure projects.
They have announced
that the first of the many projects
will be the construction
of a new children's hospital.
The institution will be more than
3,800 sq. meters over three wings,
where the most advanced and
specialized pediatric care will be given.
News that will benefit thousands
of boys and girls all over the country.
[man] I knew that you'd
appreciate my work.
The brooch from the waitress in Tláhuac.
[gasping]
The badge of
the factory worker in Ciudad Vallejo.
[scream echoing]
And the ribbon
from the maid in Xochimilco.
FOUND STRANGLED
Recognize them?
They all had names, asshole.
It's hard to find people
who share my interests.
That's why I felt a special connection
when I saw you on television.
- [host] You've won 32,000 pesos!
- The strangler.
He was a bit of a celebrity
due to his supposed rehabilitation
but in the end he kept doing what
You and I have
absolutely nothing in common.
- Oh no?
- No.
But we do.
An intelligent detective
and Cerevro.
A mind from a superior race of
No.
You're all wrong.
I'm a time study engineer
and you're just a
you're a
you're a cheesemonger from Irapuato.
I thought about
sending my trophies to you personally
so you could catch me.
When you talk about me, people listen.
That's why I thought it was a good idea
for you to find my diary.
Make sure you check your pockets
next time you drop off.
[train whistle blows]
I'm disappointed, detective.
You were supposed
to be the lightning strike
that helped me ignite the fires.
We would burn those insects.
But I was wrong.
You're not even a tiny fucking spark.
However, you did bring me a gift,
that girl with the ponytail.
[footsteps running]
Hey, no! Hey!
- [grunting]
- [door rattling]
[kicking]
God damn it!
No!
[glass shatters]
[banging]
Irene!
Irene!
[slow footsteps approaching]
[creaking]
[door handle banging]
[grunts]
- [Belascoarán] Hey!
- [gun cocks]
[gunshot]
[grunts]
[engine starts]
Stop it, bitch!
I told you to stop it!
[brakes squeal]
[engine idles]
[intense music playing]
[engine revs]
[tires screech]
[Cerevro] Ah!
[dull thud]
Are you okay?
Are you okay?
[sirens wailing]
[Belascoarán] Any more questions?
[man] How did it happen?
[Belascoarán] Look, it's simple.
She acted in self-defense.
Detective!
[Belascoarán]
He hit the ground hard and died.
I'd preferred it if you could've
taken him into custody alive.
Honestly, it's just been a long day.
You have my number
if you need to ask me anything else.
- Okay.
- Thank you very much.
Get home. Thanks.
How's it going with your leg?
- Better, thank you.
- Good.
We have a few matters to iron out.
If she doesn't mind.
Okay.
It's yours.
Inside is all of the proof you'll need.
Martell Töpfer was Cerevro.
The strangler.
This is what you'll do.
You won't say a word about what happened.
And we'll forget all about everything
we found in your office. All right?
Isn't that considered extortion, officer?
Or we could pin all the murders on you.
It won't be easy,
but we could do it for sure.
It's best for everyone.
I'll make Commander.
and you'll manage to stay out of prison.
Sounds like a win-win, no?
It sounds like a win only for you.
We can make
your life a living hell, Mr. Detective.
We know everything.
[sighs]
I'll leave it to you, officer.
But I will need you to return my safe.
And make sure the Keli-Colas
are all accounted for. Please.
Let's go.
Assholes.
[dramatic pop music playing]
[Irene] "First time in years
I didn't have a nightmare. Me."
Ah, interesting.
CEREVRO BUSTED
- [Gómez laughs] Hello.
- Hey.
Look at you.
He doesn't look like a detective
but it's all right!
[both laugh]
You're 64,000 pesos richer
and you managed to catch the bad guy.
It's just too bad
you don't get the credit. Right?
[Belascoarán] Look at that.
PANIAGUA RECEIVES MEDAL, PROMOTED
The deaths have stopped
and that's all I ever really wanted.
And I got your safe back
with the sodas and everything.
At least they didn't mess it up that much.
Yeah.
Those morons couldn't even
figure out how to open it. [laughs]
Of course they couldn't, they're idiots.
- There it is.
- Yeah.
You should check your desk.
I left a little present for
solving your first case ever, detective.
- No way.
- Ah!
- What is it?
- I don't know
[Gómez] Eh?
[laughs]
That way you don't have to stick
your gun in your waistband anymore.
You could've shot off
your balls, you know?
[laughs]
I can't believe it.
You really didn't have to, man.
[Gómez] Ah.
- Thanks.
- [man] I'm done with it!
- Hey, Victor.
- It's done.
- [Victor] You can come see it. Come here.
- Let's see it.
[Gómez] Thanks, Victor.
Ready.
That makes us even for the clogged toilet.
Hey, that's fresh.
- It looks good.
- Yeah.
And the phone number?
Ay
I knew you were too dumb
to be the murderer.
I'm not paying for that.
[jazz music playing]
BELASCOARÁN SHAYNE - DETECTIVE
GÓMEZ LETRAS - PLUMBER
MONTHS LATER
[music stops]
[suspenseful music playing]
Renato Barrera,
I'm the union captain
at the Delex factory.
[Renato] You really think you can pull off
the whole being-a-detective thing?
[Belascoarán] No.
Do you?
[jazzy theme music playing]
[brass instruments warming up]
[announcer] We go live in
five, four, three,
two, one.
ON AIR
- [band playing funky game show theme]
- [applause]
THE $64,000 JACKPO
WORLD CUP 1978
[song ends]
[alarm ringing]
ANOTHER WOMAN STRANGLED
- [thunder rumbling]
- [rain pattering]
[siren wails in distance]
[host on TV] Good evening, everyone.
And welcome to
the most popular TV show in all of Mexico,
- The $64,000 Jackpot!
- [car horn honking]
[audience applauding]
[host] Hello to all the families
tuning in from all across the country,
to everyone watching us at home,
and those who have been lucky enough
to join us here in the studio tonight.
Without further ado,
let's give a warm welcome
and big round of applause
for tonight's contestant!
[applause]
[increases volume]
[playing funky theme music]
- [applause]
- [song ends]
Mr. Héctor Shayne!
[man] Belascoarán Shayne.
[host] Okay Mr. Belascoarán Shayne here
has chosen the category,
"Famous Stranglers Throughout History."
That's interesting.
What made you choose
this specific category?
[Belascoarán] Well, it's definitely
still a phenomenon in big cities.
Crimes like these happen all the time
and no one seems to care.
There's a lack of resources to stop them.
So we simply ignore the news.
But most of these crimes remain unsolved.
Sometimes it's due to shoddy police work.
And other times it turns out
to be simply a cover up.
Good. Very well. We wish you luck.
Let's give him a round of applause.
[applause]
Now our two lovely assistants
will help you get into the booth.
- [suspenseful music playing]
- [motor idling]
[audience applauding]
I'd like to take a moment
to thank tonight's generous sponsors,
Cigarros Bravo and Chocolatote La Azteca.
[cheers and applause]
FIRST PHASE
8,000 PESOS
[suspenseful music intensifies]
- [dog barking in distance]
- [heavy breathing]
[host] Before we begin,
I'd like to tell our audience
that our contestant is not only an expert
on the subject of historical strangers
[gasps]
he also works as a private detective.
Oh! [gasps]
[choking]
[suspenseful music continues]
[music fades]
[lighter clicks]
[dog barking in distance]
[host] I must ask, what drew you
to that exotic career path
of private investigation?
[Belascoarán]
That's the 64,000 pesos question.
How did I end up a private detective
making a fool of himself on TV?
I used to have a happy life.
I was a time study engineer,
making good money at General Mechanics,
with a beautiful home, a beautiful wife,
and a beautiful garden.
Your cholesterol, hon.
We need to eat healthy.
I've read that
they call it "the silent killer."
- Hmm.
- And papaya will lower your levels.
CRIME OF PASSION
Three women were strangled.
That's no coincidence.
Héctor, stop reading that morbid stuff.
What can we do about it?
The police will figure it out.
Oh, by the way, yesterday
I went to Sears to get carpet samples.
Which one do you like? Beige or coffee?
- What's wrong with the one we have?
- It's just boring.
Evolve or die, Héctor.
[ballad playing on radio]
Mmm.
GENERAL MECHANICS
I spent 10 years taking shit
for a Yankee company,
AWARDED 1ST PLACE
And for what?
Díaz, Márquez, and Galindo.
They're running around like commies
trying to unionize
everyone in the factory.
Make sure these reports
justify firing them without severance.
Make up something,
as long as it's their fault.
[rock music playing]
[Belascoarán] To lease
a boring car I just sit in traffic in?
To live with a woman I don't love,
that hates me?
[music continues]
BECOME A DETECTIVE
CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
DETECTIVE NETWORKS AND TECHNOLOGY
REX STOU
COLLECTED DETECTIVE NOVELS
["Cambia, Cambia" by Los Dug Dugs playing]
Excuse me, you can't go in there.
Write your own
fucking excuses, piece of shit. [grunts]
What the hell!? Lulú, call security! Lulú!
Heads up!
Tell your union rep that they're
trying to make shit up to fire all of you.
See you around, Javier.
[song continues]
[inaudible]
The last step was the hardest,
but she said it herself,
"Evolve or die."
[song continues]
BE A DETECTIVE
[knocking on door]
Héctor Belascoarán Shayne
is a perfect name for a private detective.
It's right out of a novel.
You gotta admit it.
And for me,
that was all the reason I needed.
BE A DETECTIVE
MANUAL 1 & 2
[man on tape] Congratulations.
This tape is your first step
on your way to learning
how to be a real-life private detective.
This profession is
more of a science than anything.
So, forget about the cliche
of a detective in a trench coat,
smoking in the shadows.
The key to becoming a great detective
is learning how to
blend into a crowd completely unnoticed.
OFFICE FOR REN
Find a well-lit office
in a respectable part of town.
This will inspire
confidence in your clients
when they come to meet with you.
[woman] I need you to fix it!
What's wrong with you?
You're such a sleazeball!
Barbarian!
You rude little man!
Don't even think about hiring
that awful human being.
What's up?
Hello. Is this the office?
Huh?
Oh, yeah! Yes, yes, yes, this way.
Follow me, it's right here.
Let me give you the mini-tour.
Your area would be from here to there.
Or over there.
But I recommend you take
the side with this big window,
you'll get more air
and a little bit of a suntan. Huh?
I didn't know it was a shared space.
This is better.
That way we get to split the rent,
not to mention, a little bit of company
will make the time fly faster.
Over here's the bathroom,
it's a little small
[Belascoarán] It stunk of armpit and lye,
but for some reason it felt like
the perfect space for me to work out of.
My detective's gut
had a good feeling about this
foul-mouthed, pot-bellied plumber.
Uh, what is it you do, by the way?
[jazzy drumming]
Nah!
- You're kidding with me?
- No.
You're telling me
you're a private detective?
Not private, independent.
GÓMEZ LETRAS - PLUMBER
[Belascoarán] Hand me the tape, please.
[Gómez grunts]
It's a pain to open, just jiggle it.
I have just one rule.
In this office,
whoever finishes the last soda
has to restock.
Not a problem.
[Belascoarán] All I had to do now
was solve my first case.
CRIME OF PASSION
STRANGLED - TERROR
ESCORT STRANGLED
[man on tape] A successful investigation
hinges on your ability
to focus on the smallest details.
An aspiring detective must collect
as much information as possible
in order to find patterns
that will yield fresh clues.
STRANGLED IN HER SLEEP
[jazzy music continues]
[Belascoarán]
The crimes had all been committed
on the outskirts of the city.
Empty lots, drainage ditches,
crack houses, and landfills.
[song fades]
[dramatic music playing]
[doorbell rings]
- Hello.
- [man] Welcome.
Hey. How are you?
[man] What can I do?
I have a question for you.
Just out of curiosity,
would you know the brand of this?
This butt seems to come
from a German-made cigarette.
HB, see it?
[Belascoarán] My initials.
Héctor Belascoarán.
Is there any place I can buy these?
- Only by special order, I'm afraid.
- Oh, interesting.
Must be a coincidence. Or a sign.
[host]
Your first question for 8,000 pesos.
Tell us, what was
the exact name and profession
of the Boston Strangler's third victim?
Helen Blake, a retired teacher.
Correct, sir!
She was 65 years old when she was
strangled to death with her own bra,
by Albert DeSalvo.
Okay, your first answer was plenty.
Question. Do you want to walk away
with the 8,000 pesos you've won so far?
Or do you want to return
and try to double it?
Of course, risking that
you lose it all in the process.
[Belascoarán] How do you catch a murderer
hidden among millions of people
in this chaotic city?
- You draw him into the open.
- [host on TV] Dear viewer
if you consider yourself
an expert on any subject known to man,
don't hesitate
and come put your knowledge to the test
for a chance to win 64,000 pesos!
[Belascoarán]
How do you get the attention of a killer?
You become the bait.
Continue.
HE'LL RETURN
A winner's attitude!
[Belascoarán]
Sure, I'd been winging it a little,
but the plan was solid.
NETFLIX PRESENTS
I was going to smoke out the strangler
stalking Mexico City.
[jazzy theme music playing]
BASED ON THE WORK "TODO BELOSCOARÁN"
BY PACO IGNACIO TAIBO II
EPISODE 1:
DAYS IN COMBA
Hang on.
[chuckles] My little brother,
the famous detective.
[woman grunts, laughs]
Famous?
You sure you don't mean "ridiculous"?
You always look ridiculous, my dear,
- but this time for a good cause.
- Yeah, so?
- The cheapest I could find for you.
- As always.
Yeah.
How can you drink that imperialist crap?
Have you forgotten
what our parents fought for?
I believe, uh, it was Che who said,
"The war we fight is against capitalism,
not Keli-Cola."
[laughs] At least you quit working for
that blood-sucking company.
I know. You hated to see me
collaborating with the enemy.
I was surprised you invited me to dinner.
[woman] I'll admit it was hard for me
to see you as a salaried family man.
- Paying taxes.
- Mm.
- I saw your ex, by the way.
- Oh, yeah?
- She looks better than ever.
- You don't say.
And thrilled about
this fancy carpet that she bought.
[Belascoarán] It was for the best.
[woman] She asked me to remind you
to pay the mortgage on time.
Ah, that reminds me,
you think I can borrow some money?
- [laughs] You wish.
- Why not?
Do you have any idea
how much college professors make?
I know that, but I'll pay you back
when I win the contest.
Then you better win that prize.
So, what about you?
What about me?
What about that history professor
you were seeing sometime ago?
- [laughs] Ay
- What?
It got boring.
I think all men
are boring to me these days.
Mmm.
Have you heard from Mama?
- No, you?
- No.
Last I heard she was in Ireland.
You know what they say,
no news is good news.
I'm going.
I need to have an early start tomorrow.
No. Wait.
- What?
- Wait.
Look.
- Oh, you found them all.
- Mm-hmm.
They were at Aunt Beatriz's house.
Hmm.
["Gracias a la Vida"
by Mercedes Sosa playing]
How old was she here?
- [woman] Twenty-something.
- Hmm.
[woman] Look.
Their wedding.
- [Belascoarán] They're just kids.
- Mm-hmm.
"BELASCOARÁN SHAYNE"
BELCHITE, ZARAGOZA 1937
[sniffs]
Is it Papa's?
No.
It's Mama's.
The one she used in the war.
Go and use it to find that son of a bitch.
[man on tape] Any good detective
will inevitably make enemies.
[gunshot]
Therefore, we recommend
you purchase a reliable revolver
- and make it an extension of your body.
- [gunshot]
Taking the time
to work on your marksmanship
[gunshot]
could mean the difference
between life and death
if you're in a dangerous situation.
[Belascoarán]
In all of the detective novels I read,
not one mentioned
how uncomfortable the bus ride is
with a gun barrel jamming into your nuts
every time the driver
hits a pothole or dodges a pedestrian.
ANOTHER YOUNG WOMAN MURDERED
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[man on radio] When Mexico
faces West Germany
[man 2] And that's the Germany
that's going to play against Mexico?
- Obviously, who else?
- There are two of them.
What do you mean there are two of them?
Hello.
Another victim, huh?
[both] Yup!
Found any clues?
Maybe fingerprints?
If we start looking,
we'll find a million of them. No.
And also, those powders and liquids
are extremely expensive.
They'd take it out of our salary.
[Belascoarán] It became clear
that deductive and inductive methods
were useless in a country like Mexico.
So, I decided to pivot and become
one of those quasi-metaphysical detectives
that don't give a shit about science,
and instead, follow their gut instincts.
Born August 23, 1955.
[host] That is 100% correct!
[audience applauds]
And now the next question.
All right, Belascoarán.
What led to the discovery
of the notorious Twilight Murderer?
The owner of his guest house
accidentally found
newspaper clippings cleaning.
- Perfect!
- But here's the interesting part.
He would've been found much sooner
if the police had paid more attention.
At every crime scene,
the cowardly killer left behind
He left behind his cigarette butts.
[host] That answer was
much more detailed than we needed
- but you are absolutely correct!
- [applause]
Mr. Belascoarán, you have won
for the second night in a row.
Look who we have here.
The detective from the TV.
[Belascoarán] The corrupt cop
I'm Officer Paniagua.
you can't have
a detective story without it.
And in Mexico City,
no crime scene is complete without one.
Or two. Or three.
- Belascoarán Shayne.
- Why are you here?
Seems like victims are piling up out here.
So you came to play detective. Right?
Listen up, those cases are already solved
and the culprits are all in jail.
You keep playing pretend
and one day you might find yourself
spending a few months in the can, too.
So you can meet 'em.
That's not necessary.
I don't think it would be wise of you
to stir up a hornet's nest, Mr. Detective.
- See you around.
- Have a good day.
[sighs] Fucking hell.
Do you want to return next week,
or take your prize?
Uh
The prize money is funded in part
by our good friends at Cigarros Bravo.
Robust tobacco, rice paper,
unparalleled flavor.
Yeah?
I'm coming back.
- You heard him! A winner's attitude.
- [applause]
Ladies and gentlemen,
don't forget to tune in
for the next episode of
The 64,000 Pesos Jackpot.
And please keep on
cheering for Mr. Belascoarán.
Thank you.
Um, pardon. Excuse me.
I'd like to say one more thing. Um
HE'LL RETURN!
There's a killer the loose in Mexico City.
A strangler.
If anyone has any leads
that could find him
call my office.
My number is 233512.
[host] I hope everyone wrote down
Mr. Belascoarán's telephone number,
and I'm sure he's going to receive
plenty of calls from you.
- Come back next time
- [telephone ringing]
for another episode of
64,000 Pesos Jackpot!
Belascoarán Shayne, detective.
No. No, I don't do cheaters.
I just don't.
[telephone ringing]
Ma'am, I'm really sorry about your cat,
but I'm busy with another case.
Is that right?
Well, in that case, fuck you too, asshole.
- Fucking moron.
- [telephone ringing]
No, the plumber is
only here during the daytime.
"Drain septic tank." Where?
Got it.
Okay. All right.
Okay.
[telephone ringing]
Belascoarán.
[man] This tree
stands lonely here on the hills,
it hath grown up high
above man and beast.
For what does it wait?
It dwelleth too close
to the seat of the clouds.
It waiteth,
perhaps for the first lightning?
Who is this?
You'll know my name soon enough.
And I think you'll admire my next work.
Hello? Hell
[hangs up telephone]
Lonely. A tree on a hill.
High above beast
[thunder rumbling]
Lightening.
[knocking on door]
[guitar strumming]
[woman] Look what the cat dragged in!
Hey! My little brother, the detective.
[Belascoarán] Hello. Hey everyone!
What a miracle. Have a seat.
- Wait, what happened?
- I think he called.
- Who?
- What do you mean?
The killer.
Look.
Uh, he said, "A lonely tree on a hill."
- Mm-hmm.
- Uh, "grown like an animal."
And something about clouds
and then a lightning bolt, I think.
Let's see if anyone knows it.
Hmm.
- Want a beer?
- No, thanks, I'm good.
- Are you a professor?
- No, man, no.
Renato Barrera.
The union captain at the Delex factory.
- Héctor Belascoarán. How are you?
- I'm great.
Your sister is helping me out,
we're working on some negotiation demands.
I'm not surprised.
She's always been helpful.
Yeah. [laughs]
Do you really think you can pull off
the whole being-a-detective thing?
[guitar strumming chords]
No.
Do you?
If I'm being honest, not really.
[both chuckle]
Here. My colleagues knew right away.
Read it. This book
has all those phrases in it.
Can you please just summarize it for me?
Essentially, what it says
is some people are superior to others,
and that they shouldn't let
the common people bring them down.
That's why the Nazis loved it.
They needed to prove
the superiority of the Aryan race,
and that book helped the argument.
Sure you can't stay?
- They know more than me.
- No, I should go.
Good luck with the union stuff.
Sorry to interrupt. Have a good night!
- Have a good one.
- All right.
[cumbia song playing]
THIS TREE STANDS LONELY HERE ON THE HILL
Hey, mind turning down the radio, please?
[radio DJ] That's right, folks.
That was Grupo Niche.
[Belascoarán] For some reason,
philosophy and tropical music
go together really well.
Nietzsche. Grupo Niche.
In this city, stuff like that makes sense.
- Good morning, Don Eulogio.
- Morning.
What's up?
What's going on
with that 64,000 Pesos game?
The questions have been
a bit easy so far, we'll see how it goes.
So you'll pay your tab?
Of course.
Just keep track of it all, all right?
Have a good day.
Keep up with the good luck!
- It's a famous book. Thoughts?
- Hmm.
- Anything?
- I have one.
The tree and the lightning thing
sounds like the chicken or the egg.
- [laughs] Why do you say that?
- Who cares which came first?
The point is, you eat one sunny side up
and the other one is all broth.
I don't know what that means.
How much do I owe you?
I'll put it on your tab for later.
- Why's that?
- Here. Come close.
Closer.
Since you got here,
a man has been following you.
- Where?
- Look. Behind you.
Leaning on the green car.
See him?
Just go.
- Thank you. I owe you.
- Of course. Yeah.
[tense music playing]
FRAMES MADE TO MEASURE
[music intensifies]
[Belascoarán] Hey! Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
[sighs] Oh, shit.
[faint screams]
[Belascoarán] Damn it!
For fuck's sake!
Goddammit.
- Hey!
- [man speaking German]
Uh, excuse me.
- Excuse me.
- Yes? Ah!
[speaking German]
Oh! No, no, no.
- No money.
- No, no, no, no money.
- Just the photo. The photo.
- [woman] Give him the money.
Not the money.
A big sorry. Sorry. Uh
This is a gift!
Just a
Danke, danke schön.
Slow down! I have high blood sugar!
You won't believe this,
but I think the murderer is following me.
Or the murderess.
Come look.
It's her.
[camera shutter clicking]
The girl with the ponytail.
I got a weird call last night,
I thought it was the strangler,
but it was a man.
Or we're dealing with
two different killers.
Perhaps working together.
A man and a woman.
It's a pit girl.
What the hell is that?
This girl.
This is a sweatshirt
with a race car oil brand.
And they give them
to girls in the pits. Hmm?
So you think the strangler
is a pit girl?
Don't you know,
women can be anything these days.
Whatever they wanna be.
From pit girls
all the way to serial stranglers.
Haven't you heard of
the women's liberation movement?
Did you have to be an ass about it?
Mm.
[reading] "Grand Finale Alfa Cup."
[rock music playing]
[engines roaring]
[announcer]
Only one more lap after this!
It could still be anyone's race
in these last few minutes.
[music continues]
And this is the final lap!
Here we go, folks!
Maverick 111 is making his move now!
And I'm rough, I'm tough
And I'm ready ♪
Hey! What the hell!?
Sorry, um
- I was looking for this girl.
- What for?
So you can feel her up? Get lost.
[announcer] Watch out, here he comes!
Maverick 111! He's making moves!
Into the final straightaway,
he's neck and neck!
Here they come.
And he wins!
- He wins the race at the last second!
- [women] Whoo!
[applause]
["Fresa Salvaje" by Camilo Sesto playing]
[song stops]
[engine rumbling]
Why did you follow me?
I had to make sure.
Sure of what?
That you were not the strangler.
How do you know I'm not.
Because you were on TV
the night he killed one of his victims.
Crimes like these happen all the time
for some reason, no one seems to care.
I also thought you were the murderer.
What about now?
You smoke the wrong cigarettes.
Sounds like we have something in common.
Oh yeah?
What's that?
Neither one of us is the strangler.
[Belascoarán] In the vaguely sad eyes
of the girl with the ponytail
I glimpsed hints
of a dark and painful past.
A story I knew
would be difficult to coax out of her.
My mother was brutally murdered.
[Belascoarán] Or maybe not.
So, tequila?
[suspenseful music playing]
They never found the murderer.
My papa fell into a dark depression.
He drank.
Lost everything.
His friends and his purpose.
PROBABLE CAUSE OF DEATH
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS
I spent years in boarding school,
angry at everyone.
FISTFIGHT - FIRE - ATTEMPTED ESCAPE
At 18, I was free,
but I was completely empty.
I eventually realized that only
in situations with death staring me down,
did I feel alive.
When the news started
talking about these murdered women,
I relived her death.
HEIRESS INHERITS FAMILY FORTUNE
Then I saw.
You on TV.
HE WILL RETURN!
You cared so much.
Which meant either you were the killer
or the man who would catch him.
So I have to come find out.
One more?
[girl] "I'll find you,
don't track me down. Me."
[Belascoarán] It's not a detective story
if it doesn't have a dame
with a troubled past.
And now I had mine.
The mysterious "girl with the ponytail."
The girl with the ponytail's story
had fascinated me.
Or maybe it was just her.
Her scent lingered.
[food sizzling]
It was a mix of jasmine and sweet tamale.
What's going on now, Don Eulogio?
Belascoarán, look here.
[Belascoarán] The voice on the phone
had promised me a gift and a name.
His gift was death.
And the name of the Mexico City Strangler
CEREVRO KILLS
was Cerevro.
[soccer commentator] Tunisia has the ball.
They're doing some great back and
forth action as they cross center field.
[footsteps]
How the hell
did this piece of shit get in here?
Sorry, sir. Mexico is playing right now
so there's nothing we can do.
I don't give a shit if
it's your mom singing nude at the stadium,
you don't let this
fake-ass detective in here!
Maybe let's calm down, officer.
I'm just trying to help out.
- By trespassing on my scene?
- I No.
[grunts, coughs]
You have two choices.
Take your pick.
A good old-fashioned beating?
Or a few days in jail?
I think that'll teach you.
- I think I'll take the beating. Yeah.
- That's great!
All right.
Rough him up good.
Then arrest him anyway.
This asshole doesn't
get to fucking choose.
[Belascoarán] That's Mexico City for you.
Can't even trust
the word of a corrupt cop. It's sad.
- [officer] What's the score?
- [commentator] It's still anybody's game!
Turn that shit up! Then help me out.
I can walk.
[commentator] They're pressing
the Tunisian back line now.
Move it!
- [grunts]
- [officer 1] Oh, hey, hey, stop that!
- [Belascoarán grunts]
- The Tunisian player recovers it.
But the ball's booted down field
and Sanchez snatches it up! He's off!
Two on one.
[commentator] Hugo Sanchez
dribbles into the box,
making his approach, he shoots and
No, hey, they were about to score!
Come on, man.
[groans]
You don't get to listen to the game.
Fucking dipshits!
Corrupt assholes.
I could feel his eyes
on me from the crowd.
Is he a baby-faced young man?
Or an old guy with a mustache?
Maybe an elegant woman?
Detective?
THIRD PHASE
32,000 PESOS
Mr. Belascoarán,
still waiting on your answer.
Yes, uh
Gregorio Cárdenas,
who's also known as The Tacuba Strangler.
- [host] Excellent!
- [applause]
Congratulations!
You've won 32,000 pesos!
He was a bit of a celebrity
due to his supposed rehabilitation,
but in the end it turns out he kept
Yes, okay, shut up already, buddy.
- Don't worry you already won.
- All right.
Are you coming back
for the grand prize of 64,000 pesos?
ON AIR
I am.
[host] Very well.
There you have it, folks.
- Join us next time
- Sorry. Excuse me. I wanted to shout out
the girl with the ponytail.
I'd love to, uh, see you.
And another shout-out
to the police here in our city.
I hope you know who won.
All right, that's the show everyone!
I'll see you here
for the finale for 64,000 pesos
- with Mr. Belascoarán Shayne!
- [funky game show theme playing]
- Thank you and good night!
- [applause]
Thank you, thank you everyone.
Thank you for coming.
[Belascoarán] All I knew for sure
was Cerevro was watching the show.
Why did Cerevro call me?
What kind of man was he?
Oh, damn. You're still here?
Why did he misspell his name?
Do you ever sleep?
- Oh, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
- Okay.
For now, my kids have an awful habit
of eating three times a day.
That's rough.
- But what can you do?
- I know.
Out of huitlacoche?
I am. But I have brains and shredded beef.
- They're both good.
- Eh
Okay, I'll have a Keli-Cola.
Oh. Hold on.
- What's that for?
- Squeeze some in, trust me.
Do it.
[slurping]
[Belascoarán]
A revelation suddenly hit me,
shaking me to my core.
Keli-Cola with lime juice
tasted fucking amazing.
Isolda had done the impossible.
She somehow improved
Keli-Cola's perfect recipe.
If you weren't married,
I'd get down on one knee right now.
Funny you should mention it,
we only live together.
- Get out of here. Go on!
- [laughs]
Well, it'll be your loss then.
Here you go.
Isolda's elixir had brought
a new clarity to my thoughts.
Cerevro wanted an audience.
Me, specifically. The police ignore him.
So he wanted me to be his witness.
[engine revs]
[tense music playing]
[wheels squealing]
[groans]
Shit. Fuck me!
Ah!
[groaning]
Just loosen up a little detective.
He knows his stuff.
Trust me.
- [loud cracking]
- Ah! Ow! No, no! That's it, that's enough.
No more. He's gonna make it worse.
Thank you.
Give me y pants, please, Miss Isolda.
Oh, for fuck's sake.
Thank you.
At least take this marijuana tincture
to give yourself a rub down at home.
- Help relieve your pain.
- Okay.
[Isolda] Slowly.
- Take it easy. Slow, okay.
- [gasping in pain]
Who was that quack?
Don't call him that. He's the town doctor.
Look, now you have me limping, too.
That you? Rough night chasing tail?
Huh, detective? [laughs]
- Do me a favor.
- What?
Shut the fuck up
for the rest of the morning.
Ooh. Someone's cranky.
- What happened?
- [groans]
What happened is
[sighs]that someone
tried to run me over last night.
- And? Did you see them?
- No.
It happened too fast and it was dark.
I guess there are a few people
that would like to see me flattened.
Really?
The police, my old bosses,
even the bank.
Yeah. Hmm.
Or Cerevro.
Who?
That's the strangler's name.
Nah!
- Hey!
- What?
- I talked to him.
- What did he say?
You want to know?
- Yeah.
- All right, come.
Come closer.
He told me
to mind my own fucking business. Hmm?
You know, have you every considered
that I might actually be the murderer
you're looking for, detective?
You'd be in jail already, you dumbass.
You're the dumbass, look at your leg.
- And you think you're a detective?
- Yeah, sure.
[telephone ringing]
Hold on. Hold on, hold on.
- Hello?
- [man] There is no mistake more dangerous
- Who is it?
- Sorry, who are you looking for?
The bark from
a lonely violin isn't a symphony
- Uh, what the hell does that mean?
- Give it.
- Give it to me.
- One second.
One second
[man] As I reach for the sky,
I long for my fall.
And you are my lightning bolt, detective.
Well, I only know one kind of lightning
and it's good old Greased Lightning.
[mutters] Wow.
You looked into my eyes
and didn't recognize me.
[engine revs]
You're my pursuer, detective.
But I also follow you faithfully.
You're someone familiar to me.
An ally.
- [softly groans]
- A friend.
Goddamn it.
You want me to see you.
- My only desire is to recognize
- You want an audience.
as much as
you've recognized mine, detective.
[whispering] Hey, pretend you're me.
One must be a sea, to receive
a polluted stream without becoming impure.
Uh
- Uh, yeah. Uh-huh.
- The most vital element of life
- [tense music playing]
- [panting]
Hey!
Hey!
- Are you okay? Are you sure?
- Yeah.
[panting]
[grunts]
DIAMOND DRY CLEANERS
JUNE 3, 1978
[girl] You look like shit.
I got kind of run over.
But I think I got a clue. Maybe.
[exciting music playing]
[commentator on radio]
Austria charges through the backfield
- and shoots
- Hey!
- Goal!
- [groans]
Hello. Hey there.
Hi.
The score is now 2-1 in Austria's favor.
Taking the lead.
Spain is going to have to
make some adjustments
- Your people are losing.
- Not my people.
Isn't your name Basque?
My Dad would always say
that Basque is not Spain.
So I hope they get their ass kicked.
- Ten pesos.
- Thanks.
Here you go, thank you.
And there's Kanki with a tackle!
It's clean. Austria has possession.
- Have a good one!
- Wait, wait. Hold on a minute.
Make sure you check your pockets
next time you drop off.
We're not responsible for lost items.
This was in your coat.
[Belascoarán] Oh yeah.
Oh, there's a cross! And a shot!
It's off the post! No luck.
It won't happen again, I promise.
- See you.
- Bye.
Look.
M.T.
His diary.
"May 7th, 1978.
Those who write stay up all night."
"The thirst overcomes me
like it hasn't since Irapuato,
only death can manage to quench it."
[car horn honks]
"May 12th. I have
appeased my demons for the time being."
"She reminded me of my first time,
the ranch in Irapuato."
"She also tried to fight back."
[loud metallic bang]
[exhales]
That may call
for a road trip.
[train horn blowing]
That way.
- Hello there.
- [clerk] Hello.
- Two for Irapuato.
- Yes, sir.
Want to have a look?
[Cerevro] May 15th, 1978.
I spent days searching for prey
in the most miserable places.
I found her in a foul-smelling pulque bar.
A tired waitress.
[intense music playing]
[Cerevro] It didn't make the papers.
Just a dead woman,
insignificant like the others.
- [sighs]
- [conductor] Irapuato Station!
Let's go.
[bluesy country music playing]
[Cerevro]
I first practiced the art of killing
on the animals at the ranch I grew up on.
But soon they failed
to satisfy the thirst.
Burning at both ends ♪
Now I've been with the wind ♪
[Belascoarán]
After a lot of asking around,
someone pointed us towards a ranch
similar to the one in Cerevro's diary.
[driver] You may need it.
[Belascoarán] I couldn't.
Are you sure?
I'm sure.
Thanks a lot.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Oh dream, don't you ruin me ♪
[Belascoarán] M.T.
[Cerevro] I was a giant in this country
full of stupid, weak dwarves.
[door creaks]
[Cerevro] I must crush them
so that only giants remain.
Together we'll build a new world,
perfect, beautiful.
[Belascoarán] Márquez-Thiess Cheeses.
[Cerevro] These wild, primitive lands
need the righteous fist
of Caucasian order.
My chain has four links,
but it needs more.
[Belascoarán] This is it,
this is the place he describes.
[tense music playing]
[Cerevro] What's the point
if no one appreciates it?
There's a young detective
who has noticed my labors.
The only one.
Is he another tree growing on the hill?
Or the lightning that will strike?
- [faint screaming]
- [Belascoarán] His first victim.
Josefina.
"Everyone at the ranch knew it was me."
[Cerevro] But no one spoke up.
So they sent me to boarding school,
hoping my thirst would subside.
It never did.
My thirst only grows stronger
whenever it's quenched.
So you think it was him?
The one who tried to hit you.
No.
Too forward.
I suspect it was the police.
You could lay low at my place.
It's safe.
Aren't you afraid? Hmm?
There are crazies after me.
["Nos Pertenecemos" by Los Rogers playing]
[Belascoarán]
We had the obligatory love scene
between detective and mystery girl.
Being the gentleman that I am,
I will only say that the mystery girl
became less mysterious.
[song continues]
No underwear?
[Belascoarán chuckles]
I'm a free man.
[panting]
I'm Irene, nice to meet you.
[moans]
The pleasure is all mine.
[Belascoarán] We were narrowing in on him.
And I was beginning
to get a clearer picture.
I knew one thing,
he wouldn't stop.
So neither could we.
CEREVRO STRIKES AGAIN
He had killed
the woman from the dry cleaners.
In my heart,
I knew her death was all my fault.
It was time for me to act.
Josefina Peláez was 15.
Killed in Irapuato in '43.
And I need your help
searching newspaper archives.
- Do you want to introduce us?
- Yeah. Sorry. My sister.
- Elisa, my pleasure.
- Irene, nice to meet you.
- [Gómez]Got it!
- Nice.
- I need another favor.
- What?
Can you translate these passages?
Okay.
Someone in your department
must speak German. Huh?
Yeah. Whatever you need
to catch the bastard.
Thanks.
Tomorrow is the contest, right?
- Good luck in the final round.
- Oof. He'll need it.
[laughs]
[applause]
GRAND FINALE
The Vienna Strangler?
Jack Unterweger.
[host] Émile Gauvin?
The Lyon Strangler,
most victims were sex workers.
[host] The number of victims?
They were all elderly women living alone.
Locations of all his crimes?
Kansas City, Cincinnati, and
Nine. All addicted to the drugs he sold.
Phoenix, Cape Town, and
Los Angeles.
[host] Mr. Belascoarán,
your final answer,
which will decide whether or not
you'll manage to take home 64,000 pesos,
sponsored in part by
Chocolatote La Azteca,
fortified with
seven vitamins and minerals,
is
[drum roll]
Correct!
- You're our new winner!
- [cheering]
[funky game show theme playing]
WINNER!
A round of applause, please.
[applause continues]
Mr. Belascoarán, come this way.
Come this way.
Come on, we have a surprise for you.
A year's supply of Chocolatote La Azteca.
Tell us, my friend, what are you
planning to do with all of this money now.
All right, Mr. Belascoarán
is finally speechless for once.
But we'll see you on
the next episode of 64,000 Pesos Jackpot!
[Cerevro] You looked me in the eyes
and didn't recognize me.
[host] Good night, everyone!
[applause]
Congrats.
- Congratulations. This is my wife and son.
- Thank you.
- Hello.
- You were amazing, detective.
[Belascoarán] Could you hold this check?
[funky rock music playing]
Excuse me!
Move it! Excuse me!
Sorry! Excuse me!
Fuck!
[tires squealing]
Floor it! Go, go!
[engine roars]
[tires squealing]
[music continues]
Careful. Careful. Careful!
- Right, right, right, right!
- Yeah.
That way!
- Trust me. What?
- Careful!
Oh, fuck!
[tires squealing]
- What's he doing?
- [engine revs]
[tires screeching]
What are you doing?
Irene.
Irene. Irene!
- [tires screech]
- No!
[Irene] Shit.
- We lost him because of you!
- What?
- We would have died with him.
- I don't care!
I'm sick of seeing my mom
when I close my eyes!
[exhales]
- Irene. Come on.
- No, no, no.
I saw it.
[dramatic music playing]
I saw her die.
She hid me in the closet when he broke in.
I watched her fight him.
But I couldn't help.
I stood frozen.
Nothing's changed.
Irene. Ir
[thunder rumbling]
And your car?
Someone'll steal it!
[thunder rumbles]
[jazzy pop music playing]
Thanks.
[waiter] Something to go with your soda?
[muttering] Customers like you
keep me in poverty.
[man on TV]
And that's the news of the day.
Quick reminder, don't forget
to support our national team
as it plays West Germany this afternoon.
It's definitely going
Hey, Héctor! It's Mrs. Isolda!
Please, come quickly!
[dramatic music playing]
[panting]
[Belascoarán] Excuse me! Move!
[Eulogio] She was strangled!
[Cerevro] "The closer you get to me,
the closer I get to you. Cerevro."
- [woman sobbing] Isolda!
- [Gómez] Miss Isolda!
- Doña Isolda! I can't believe it!
- Isolda!
That's not all. The cops raided
the office and confiscated everything.
They even took the safe!
Damn it, I told you that
playing detective would end in tragedy!
[breathing heavily]
[police sirens wailing]
[Belascoarán] My hatred
towards Cerevro was drowning me.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't even see straight.
- [Elisa] Sounds good.
- Thanks, Elisa.
Good luck.
Your brother, the detective.
See you later.
WORKERS' RIGHTS NOW!
[Elisa] What's wrong?
[breathes shakily]
[Elisa] Could we have a moment, please?
What happened now?
[exhales]
What happened is, I'm an idiot.
I should've just kept being an engineer.
I'm not cut out for this type of job.
Now people are dying because of me.
Isolda! Shit!
[sobs]
I taunted the cops and they raided me.
Now I'm just lost.
It's over. I'm done.
I'll have to, uh, skip town for a while.
- No.
- Yes.
- You're just going to give up that easily?
- I don't really have a choice.
No, little brother.
The thought of giving up
never crossed our parent's minds
while fighting fascists in Spain,
not even in the worst moments.
They lost that war. Remember that?
Yes, but they kept up
the fight in other countries.
Ireland, Mexico,
wherever there was a just cause.
So you're going
to keep looking for that son of a bitch
because no one else will.
[typewriter key clacking]
Drink.
Did you find any news
on the girl from Irapuato?
Nothing.
She was strangled.
They blamed a worker.
The whole thing was a cover-up.
Yeah, I expected that.
And the Márquez-Thiess family
not a thing.
The ranch was closed down
all those years ago and abandoned.
They left the country
or changed their name.
A dead end.
And, uh the fragments in German?
It's pseudo-philosophic aphorisms.
He continues to mention
a prophet that lives in the Pyrenees.
A reference to Zarathustra.
He doesn't understand Nietzsche,
he just uses some parts of it.
Is there anything
to suggest who wrote this?
Or maybe his personality?
Not particularly.
Misogynist, egotistical, and even racist.
- I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
- [Elisa] No.
Thank you, Hilda.
This is yours.
[Hilda] Oh, the Embassy
invited me to watch the match.
[Belascoarán] Thiess is a German name.
Nietzsche's German.
The cigarettes were German.
This butt seems to come
from a German-made cigarette.
I came to Mexico to escape Germans
and it'll be packed with them.
I mean, having a beer
doesn't sound that bad.
[both chuckle]
Do you mind if I keep it?
[Hilda] Yeah, if you like football.
[cumbia music playing on radio]
Irene
I'm sorry about last night.
I want to say
you're very special to me.
Uh, and
anything that's important to you
is important to me.
- What the hell you talking about?
- My bad. Wrong person.
- You're weird.
- Sorry about that.
[Irene] Looking sharp.
Did you hear what I told that guy?
No.
Okay
Well, I think I know
where we can find Cerevro.
But I need your help.
I promise we'll get him.
He won't get away.
And we don't have to die in the process.
Martin, give me the keys.
Catch 'em!
[rock music playing]
[commentator speaking German]
[men speaking German]
[man sighs]
- Hello. Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.
And what part of Germany
do you two come from?
Why?
Do you think all Germans
have to look the same way?
Aryan, white?
You know who else
had exactly that thought 30 years ago?
It's fine. Please.
Come on in.
Danke schön.
Don't piss her off, Friedrich.
[sighs] Idiot.
[commentator continues in German]
[commentator continues]
[yelling]
- Goal!
- God-fucking-damn it!
- Yeah!
- Yay.
[excited chatter]
Goal!
[cheering]
GOAL!
[commentators continue in German]
- Nothing, you?
- Nothing at all.
- Charcuterie?
- Thank you so much.
M.T.
Like the ranch in Irapuato!
Excuse me, sir, um,
where can I find the kitchen?
- Down the hall, sir.
- Thanks a lot.
GERMANY 5- MEXICO 0
[chef] Fuck's sake!
[spitting]
[man clears throat]
Don't worry. Keep doing what you're doing.
After all, we need to take some revenge
after this beat-down they've given us.
- Am I right?
- [all agree]
Would you mind helping me?
Where did you happen to get this cheese?
Oh, a guy brought it.
- What guy?
- [chef] He had a weird name.
This one.
He changed his name but kept the initials.
[chef sighs] Come on!
[Irene] The address is Pyrenees Street.
Huh.
He wrote about the Pyrenees in his diary.
I didn't think he mean the street.
Thanks so much! Keep it up!
- Have you, uh, spit on these?
- [laughs] No.
- See ya! Thanks.
- Goodbye!
[tense music playing]
[grunts]
[dog barking in distance]
[Belascoarán grunts]
[music continues]
[music intensifies]
Hold on.
Take it, just in case.
I've never liked guns.
Then please just stay here
and wait for me, okay?
You can't get hurt.
Well, that felt like
the right moment for a kiss,
but okay.
Wait here.
[tense music continues]
[man on TV] Sadly, it was
an off day for our national team
who, in the end, couldn't seem
to gain any momentum against
an aggressive and
incredibly talented West German squad.
They made the game
look like a training session.
The Germans began their assault
very early in the match
and it continued for the next 90 minutes
making a comeback for Mexico impossible.
The result is a 6-0 blow out,
disheartening for the nation.
But let's keep supporting the Mexican team
in its upcoming match against Colombia.
Earlier this week,
Héctor Belascoarán Shayne
won the 64,000 Pesos Jackpot.
The private detective from Mexico City
managed to successfully navigate
every stage without missing a question,
showing off his knowledge
in front of millions of spectators.
He had us on
the edge of our seats every night
as he continued to risk his earnings
in order to answer more questions
about famous stranglers.
But his gamble paid off
as the nation
watched him win 64,000 pesos!
Congratulations, Héctor Belascoarán.
In other news, Delex,
the massive building materials company
has pledged to donate money
to fund city infrastructure projects.
They have announced
that the first of the many projects
will be the construction
of a new children's hospital.
The institution will be more than
3,800 sq. meters over three wings,
where the most advanced and
specialized pediatric care will be given.
News that will benefit thousands
of boys and girls all over the country.
[man] I knew that you'd
appreciate my work.
The brooch from the waitress in Tláhuac.
[gasping]
The badge of
the factory worker in Ciudad Vallejo.
[scream echoing]
And the ribbon
from the maid in Xochimilco.
FOUND STRANGLED
Recognize them?
They all had names, asshole.
It's hard to find people
who share my interests.
That's why I felt a special connection
when I saw you on television.
- [host] You've won 32,000 pesos!
- The strangler.
He was a bit of a celebrity
due to his supposed rehabilitation
but in the end he kept doing what
You and I have
absolutely nothing in common.
- Oh no?
- No.
But we do.
An intelligent detective
and Cerevro.
A mind from a superior race of
No.
You're all wrong.
I'm a time study engineer
and you're just a
you're a
you're a cheesemonger from Irapuato.
I thought about
sending my trophies to you personally
so you could catch me.
When you talk about me, people listen.
That's why I thought it was a good idea
for you to find my diary.
Make sure you check your pockets
next time you drop off.
[train whistle blows]
I'm disappointed, detective.
You were supposed
to be the lightning strike
that helped me ignite the fires.
We would burn those insects.
But I was wrong.
You're not even a tiny fucking spark.
However, you did bring me a gift,
that girl with the ponytail.
[footsteps running]
Hey, no! Hey!
- [grunting]
- [door rattling]
[kicking]
God damn it!
No!
[glass shatters]
[banging]
Irene!
Irene!
[slow footsteps approaching]
[creaking]
[door handle banging]
[grunts]
- [Belascoarán] Hey!
- [gun cocks]
[gunshot]
[grunts]
[engine starts]
Stop it, bitch!
I told you to stop it!
[brakes squeal]
[engine idles]
[intense music playing]
[engine revs]
[tires screech]
[Cerevro] Ah!
[dull thud]
Are you okay?
Are you okay?
[sirens wailing]
[Belascoarán] Any more questions?
[man] How did it happen?
[Belascoarán] Look, it's simple.
She acted in self-defense.
Detective!
[Belascoarán]
He hit the ground hard and died.
I'd preferred it if you could've
taken him into custody alive.
Honestly, it's just been a long day.
You have my number
if you need to ask me anything else.
- Okay.
- Thank you very much.
Get home. Thanks.
How's it going with your leg?
- Better, thank you.
- Good.
We have a few matters to iron out.
If she doesn't mind.
Okay.
It's yours.
Inside is all of the proof you'll need.
Martell Töpfer was Cerevro.
The strangler.
This is what you'll do.
You won't say a word about what happened.
And we'll forget all about everything
we found in your office. All right?
Isn't that considered extortion, officer?
Or we could pin all the murders on you.
It won't be easy,
but we could do it for sure.
It's best for everyone.
I'll make Commander.
and you'll manage to stay out of prison.
Sounds like a win-win, no?
It sounds like a win only for you.
We can make
your life a living hell, Mr. Detective.
We know everything.
[sighs]
I'll leave it to you, officer.
But I will need you to return my safe.
And make sure the Keli-Colas
are all accounted for. Please.
Let's go.
Assholes.
[dramatic pop music playing]
[Irene] "First time in years
I didn't have a nightmare. Me."
Ah, interesting.
CEREVRO BUSTED
- [Gómez laughs] Hello.
- Hey.
Look at you.
He doesn't look like a detective
but it's all right!
[both laugh]
You're 64,000 pesos richer
and you managed to catch the bad guy.
It's just too bad
you don't get the credit. Right?
[Belascoarán] Look at that.
PANIAGUA RECEIVES MEDAL, PROMOTED
The deaths have stopped
and that's all I ever really wanted.
And I got your safe back
with the sodas and everything.
At least they didn't mess it up that much.
Yeah.
Those morons couldn't even
figure out how to open it. [laughs]
Of course they couldn't, they're idiots.
- There it is.
- Yeah.
You should check your desk.
I left a little present for
solving your first case ever, detective.
- No way.
- Ah!
- What is it?
- I don't know
[Gómez] Eh?
[laughs]
That way you don't have to stick
your gun in your waistband anymore.
You could've shot off
your balls, you know?
[laughs]
I can't believe it.
You really didn't have to, man.
[Gómez] Ah.
- Thanks.
- [man] I'm done with it!
- Hey, Victor.
- It's done.
- [Victor] You can come see it. Come here.
- Let's see it.
[Gómez] Thanks, Victor.
Ready.
That makes us even for the clogged toilet.
Hey, that's fresh.
- It looks good.
- Yeah.
And the phone number?
Ay
I knew you were too dumb
to be the murderer.
I'm not paying for that.
[jazz music playing]
BELASCOARÁN SHAYNE - DETECTIVE
GÓMEZ LETRAS - PLUMBER
MONTHS LATER
[music stops]
[suspenseful music playing]
Renato Barrera,
I'm the union captain
at the Delex factory.
[Renato] You really think you can pull off
the whole being-a-detective thing?
[Belascoarán] No.
Do you?
[jazzy theme music playing]