Le cartel

I watched ever episode and loved it. I love "Mafia" theme shows and movies. It was more realistic than most people would realize. I loved the cast choices. I think it had lots of potential for a series on TV. We need a primetime "Mafia" series again that is broadcasted on NBC, CBS, FOX or ABC (not HBO).

I can't believe that "Kingpin" is getting thumped in the ratings by the usual sludge that nets like Fox dumb us down with every night. I think "Kingpin" is simply too hip and too ethnic for the masses. Well, it's their loss. I think the show is riveting, intriguing and I'm really looking forward to the next episode, but I am disappointed that "Kingpin" is just a six episode miniseries as opposed to twelve or more. BTW, Marlene is somewhat of a babe, but I wish she'd quit giving Miguel advice because he is obviously the most cerebral and wise of all those competing for domination of the cartel. Since NBC owns Bravo now, maybe they'll continue new eps. of "Kingpin" on Bravo next season if the ratings merit it. That would definitely bring some life to a network that most certainly needs it.

Mark

I was surprised to read on Wikipedia that the show was cancelled just after 6 episodes. I wasn't too excited about watching it but from the first episode I managed to continue all 6 within the entire night.

I'm unhappy about the fact that it was underrated, but I got a good taste and sense of how Mexican cartels think and act just by seeing this show.

Viewers also see how the various operations across the continent is affected by the decisions of one organization; it was very unexpected to see in this show.

However, I hope in the near future they would continue filming this show for a continual and I'm sure it would succeed no matter what.

I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed this mini-series. It has the right amount soap, drama & action and stellar acting performances all around. The only down side was 3 weeks went by way to fast, but I will definitely watch again when BRAVO airs the un-edited version in March. Let's hope the powers that be at NBC bring this back as a series.

As a fan of "The Sopranos," I was perhaps a little reluctant to watch "Kingpin," since I felt that nothing could really surpass "The Sopranos" in my affections. Nonetheless, a friend had bought me the miniseries DVD for my birthday, so with no other excuse at hand, I watched it.

And I loved it. There are only six episodes, each an hour long, but it took me only 'til about the second before I was hooked. The acting is excellent, and I'm left wondering why I haven't heard of or seen these actors before. Each character was sympathetic and interesting; even the ones you're probably "supposed" to hate, and it was difficult deciding who exactly to root for. I especially liked the relationship between Miguel and his brother, Chato -- one of trust and closeness instead of the deceit and backstabbing that's all too common in shows along the same lines.

Agent Flores and Miguel's wife, Marlene, were also both very appealing, as strong, independent female characters who have their own complexities and motivations, rather than being overshadowed by the male characters. And I can't forget the particularly comic relationship between the doctor played by Benben, and his "thug" friend, Junie. The show provided a number of unexpected and unique twists on an old theme.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the show never took off. Maybe it was too expensive to produce, maybe it didn't get enough support from NBC, or maybe (and I hope this isn't the case), it slipped because it was not a predominantly white cast; most of the characters were Hispanic/Latino. That seems a particular shame, if it is the reason "Kingpin" never succeeded, since its cast was truly talented and I would have liked to see some of those actors get a definite career boost.

Still, at least it's available to rent, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you're a hardcore "Sopranos" lover, like I am, don't let the comparison deter you! They're similar in that they're about criminal families, but they each have a very different feel and flavor, and you'll only be robbing yourself of something new to enjoy.

I just wish there were /more/ of it to enjoy!