The third episode of "La Máquina," titled "With the Fishes," serves as a dramatic pivot, plunging its characters into a vortex of physical and mental extremities. It masterfully delves into the psychological crucible of Esteban 'La Máquina' Osuna, embodied with breathtaking authenticity by Gael García Bernal, and the moral quandaries that ensnare his manager, Andy Lujan, beautifully portrayed by Diego Luna.
The narrative commences with the aftermath of Andy's revelation about the dark underbelly of match-fixing, a truth so explosive it sends Esteban spiraling downwards into a maelstrom of despair and self-destruction. His descent into an alcoholic haze culminates in a fateful night behind bars, where he encounters Juan Carlos, a police officer who harbors a vendetta against Andy, fueling doubts within Esteban's frayed psyche about his manager's loyalty and motives. This encounter sows the seeds of paranoia, leading Esteban to embark on a series of actions spurred by hallucinatory visions.
Driven by a desperate yearning to reclaim control over his shattered life, Esteban seeks Juan Carlos's aid in combating the shadowy forces of corruption. His willingness to sacrifice his son's future funds to buy freedom from these nefarious entities speaks volumes about the depths of his desperation and the lengths he's prepared to traverse to escape the web of deceit that has ensnared him. Yet, as the intricate plot unfolds, it becomes a stark revelation that Juan Carlos is but a figment of Esteban's shattered mind, a specter born from the depths of his brain trauma and psychological turmoil.
The moment Esteban realizes that Juan Carlos is nothing more than a hallucination, it strikes him like a thunderbolt, forcing him to confront the harsh reality of his deteriorating mental state and the devastating consequences of his brain injury. This heartrending realization is portrayed with exquisite sensitivity and nuance, showcasing Gael García Bernal's profound talent in conveying Esteban's internal turmoil with raw, unbridled emotion and unparalleled authenticity. Esteban's bold decision to expose match-fixing on live television stands as a beacon of courage, a potential game-changer that threatens to unravel the rotten core of the sport he holds so dear.
However, Andy's endeavors to shed light on his profound knowledge are meticulously thwarted by elusive forces, underscored by the formidable might and influence of the manipulators who meticulously control the narrative's threads. This thwarted attempt propels Andy into a realm of drastic measures, undertaken to shield himself and Esteban, measures that unfortunately unravel into tragic repercussions. The episode crescendos with the heart-wrenching demise of Saul, a pivotal moment that intricately layers the tale's complexity and the intricate web of relationships among the characters.
Throughout "With the Fishes," the actors' performances transcend excellence, with Diego Luna's portrayal of Andy being particularly mesmerizing. As Andy navigates the moral labyrinth of his profession, his loyalty to his friend, and the relentless pressure from his mother, Josephina, to prioritize his personal life, Luna masterfully embodies the character's internal turmoil and desperate struggle. The palpable tension between Andy's public facade and his private battles is a testament to Luna's consummate acting prowess.
The episode also delves into the intimate corners of Andy's life, introducing a subplot that revolves around his mother's anxiety over his sperm count and its implications on his prospects of fathering a child with his wife, Carlota. This poignant aspect enriches Andy's character, portraying him as a man torn between his commitment to his friend and his yearning to build a family, further entangling him in a web of intricate dilemmas.
"With the Fishes" stands as a gripping chapter in La Máquina's narrative, deepening the labyrinthine web of deceit and betrayal that enshrouds Esteban and Andy. The episode artfully intertwines the personal and professional facets of the characters' lives, crafting a narrative that thrills and enthralls, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the final frame. As the series progresses, the stakes soar higher, compelling the characters to confront the unforgiving truths of their decisions and the murky underworld of boxing.
