Women in Blue: A gripping tale of Mexico’s first female police force

A new era for crime dramas

As the rights women fought for in the 1970s slip away, it’s crucial to reflect on the potential consequences of continued dehumanization. Apple TV+’s latest drama, Women in Blue (Las Azules), offers a poignant look at this issue through the lens of a serial killer mystery. This Spanish-language series, created by Fernando Rovzar and Pablo Aramendi, is a smart and reflective 10-episode drama that delves into Mexico’s first female police force. Even when it leans into telenovela territory, it remains deeply detailed and gripping, leaving viewers unsettled until the very end.

Setting the stage: Mexico City, 1971

The series opens in the bustling metropolis of Mexico City in 1971. Amid the vibrant city life, a serial killer known as the Tlalpan Underdresser is wreaking havoc. The killer’s modus operandi involves tying up victims with rope, strangling them, and leaving their bodies in a state of undress. This reign of terror has left the city’s female residents too fearful to leave their homes.

Meet the protagonists

Amid this chaos, we are introduced to four central characters:

María (Bárbara Mori): A devoted mother and housewife who secretly longs for adventure.
Valentina (Natalia Téllez): María’s rebellious younger sister, unafraid to speak her mind and challenge machismo.
Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana): A brilliant fingerprint analyst determined to provide a better life for herself and her elderly grandmother.
Gabina (Amorita Rasgado): The daughter of a renowned law enforcement commander, with brothers who also wear badges.

Breaking barriers in law enforcement

Desperate to change the narrative surrounding the police department’s failures, Police Chief Emilo Escobedo (Christian Tappan) decides to open the Federal District Police Force to women. Despite internal and familial objections, María, Valentina, Ángeles, and Gabina join the police academy, training under newly reinstated Captain Octavio Romandía (Miguel Rodarte). However, even as they prove themselves worthy of their badges, they must contend with enraged family members, a skeptical public, and colleagues who relegate them to assistant and secretarial roles.

The struggle for respect and recognition

Disgusted by their treatment within the police department, the foursome bands together to create a timeline for the Underdresser’s crimes. Ángeles’ meticulousness, María and Valentina’s determination, and Gabina’s proximity to her older brother Gerado (Horacio Garcia Rojas) — the lead detective on the case — help them uncover clues that had previously gone overlooked.

Character arcs: María and Ángeles

While all the characters are compelling, María and Ángeles have the most fascinating arcs. María struggles with mom guilt as she reconsiders the life she thought she wanted, torn between her desire for adventure and her traditional housewife role. In contrast, Ángeles, who processes information differently than others, learns to speak up for herself in a society that has worked overtime to dismiss her ideas and unique way of thinking.

Unpacking the killer’s psyche

Some episodes are more effective than others, but Episode 8, “Rosa,” stands out by delving into the Underdresser’s upbringing. This disturbing exploration of the murderer’s sinister behavior is deeply unsettling. The most alarming theme in Women in Blue is the treatment of women by the men who claim to love them. The central characters are disrespected and chronically underestimated in both private and professional spaces. Episodes 4, “Alma,” and 5, “Ángeles,” depict how someone like the Underdresser can continue to move about Mexico City unchecked, weaponizing his rage and disdain for women while evading consequences.

Beyond the precinct walls

While uncovering the Underdresser’s identity is central to the show, accessing the interior lives of the women cops allows the audience to connect with them beyond the police precinct. The ladies must address the costs of their chosen profession and what that means for their respective futures, all while being undermined at every turn.

A reflection on societal issues

Women in Blue succeeds not only because of its distinct characters and intriguing mystery but also because it showcases how patriarchal ideals and misogyny harm not just women but society as a whole. It’s breathtaking to witness how ingrained sexism is and even more so to examine what it will take to begin dismantling its poisonous web.

The first two episodes of Women in Blue premiere on July 31 on Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays. For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Women in Blue.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Women in Blue, offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.