Netflix’s Colombian crime drama, Medusa, focuses on the dastardly shenanigans of Barranquilla city’s most influential, powerful aristocrats, the Hidalgo family—and if the reference to the mythological figure in the title wasn’t indicative enough, the family in question is indeed comparable to the Greek pantheon of gods when it comes to hiding heinous, despicable secrets. With the exception of Maya and possibly Esperanza Hidalgo, every single character in the series is presented as a twisted, wicked individual with a broken moral compass who can go to any length to survive in the power struggle or get what they want. The characterization, despite being somewhat stereotyped, allows scope for discussion regarding emotional tribulations, redemption, and second chances.
Barbara Hidalgo Played By Juana Acosta
Colombian-Spanish actor Juana Acosta has a three-decade-spanning acting career, having starred in movies like One Careful Owner, Imprisoned, and Anna, to name a few. In the series, she portrays the role of Barbara Hidalgo, the CEO of Medusa Conglomerate, a sharp, ruthless, cunning, opportunistic woman who doesn’t hesitate to exploit her own extended family if it benefits her career. Although in her defense, none of the members of her family, including herself, are close to being decent human beings, as they have given up their moral sensibilities to give in to their greed and other baser instincts. The existing patriarchal toxicity is one of the main reasons behind Barbara’s extremely competitive, highly individualistic demeanor. It can be said that as Damian Hidalgo, the patriarch of the family, instilled toxic ideals in his children and turned them against their mother—and this lack of maternal presence might be the reason why Barbara turned out to be this vile, control-freak who can stoop to any low to get what she needs.
However, life gives Barbara a second chance after a yacht explosion results in her turning amnesiac, making her completely detached from her original self. Although Barbara emerges as a transformed person by the end, the conflict between the instincts guiding her return to her older ways and her goodwill prompting her to stay on her present course makes her characterization quite interesting. Ultimately it is through her reconciliation with her mother, Esperanza, that Barbara manages to somewhat redeem herself. If a second season of Medusa gets made, it will be interesting to see how Barbara tackles her conspiring family members all over again.
Danger Carmelo, played by Manolo Cardona
Colombian actor Manolo Cardona has previously acted in movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Fort Bliss, and Macho, but viewers will be able to recognize him most from his roles in TV series like Reign and Narcos. In the series, he portrayed the character of police detective/PI Danger Carmelo, who, despite being on the so-called ‘right’ side, is probably one of the most shady characters of the series. As a former crooked cop, Danger was responsible for his best pal, Saul’s death—which took a toll on his psyche, and in a desperate attempt to avenge his death, he turned rogue. At the same time, Danger is shown to be an empathetic individual, as he supports Saul’s family to make amends for his past actions and eventually comes clean to Saul’s wife about his past. Danger falls for Barbara while being assigned by Esteban to spy on her activities, and even when he gets into a relationship with her following her return, Danger shows he hasn’t gotten over his voyeuristic tendencies by bugging Barbara’s home. I am honestly surprised as to why Barbara patched things up with someone like Danger, who clearly has issues and exhibits telltale signs of being a stalker.
Tatiana Played By Laura Archbold
Colombian actor Laura Archbold gained prominence after starring in TV series like The Imposters and The Final Score. In the series, Sheila portrayed the role of Tatiana, one of the co-conspirators of the assassination attempt on Barbara. Tatiana was in a secretive relationship with Barbara’s husband, Esteban, and as it turns out, all she wanted was to see their relationship acknowledged. Like most of the women in the series, Tatiana was a victim of patriarchal practices as well, as Esteban simply used her to satiate his physical and emotional needs, and he ended up throwing her under the bus at the first sign he’d get exposed. In her disheartened state, Tatiana was easy prey for Gabriel, who used her to hatch the assassination plot on Barbara. While the rich and powerful Hidalgos escaped their deserved fate thanks to their influence, commoners like Tatiana get trampled at the end.
Esperanza Played By Jacqueline Arenal
Veteran Cuban actor Jacqueline Arenal has previously acted in acclaimed TV series like Los Reyes and The Marked Heart. In the series, she plays the role of Barbara and Cristian’s mother, Esperanza, a victim of Damian Hidalgo’s devious machinations. Esperanza is the only person in the series who isn’t shown to be a downright amoral, conniving person and is a positive inspiration for her children. Ultimately, it’s through a reunion with Esperanza that Barbara and Cristian make amends with each other as well, and agree to throw their father out of Medusa.
Miscellaneous Character
Aside from the remarkable leads in the series, the supporting cast did a splendid job in carrying several subplots and the central narrative. Sebastian Martinez played the role of Esteban, Luis Fernando Hoyos played Camilo, and the role of Ursula was portrayed by Mabel Moreno. Juanita Molina played the role of Viviana, Carlos Torres portrayed Cristian, and Damian Hidalgo was played by Diego Trujillo.
