Watch Carlos

Carlos is a captivating, drama-packed television series that follows the life and times of notorious terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, better known as Carlos the Jackal. This show, created in 2010, features 3 episodes and is a biographical miniseries that traces Carlos' life from his initial days as a young man studying in London to his transformation into a ruthless international terrorist.

Abbes Zahmani takes on the role of the central character Carlos, infusing his performance with a complex mix of charm, ambition, and sociopathy. Zahmani's interpretation of the infamous Venezuelan terrorist is eerily authentic, portraying the character's captivating personality and maniacal tendencies.

As the story unfolds, we get to see the progression of Carlos' evolution from being a political activist to a skilled mastermind. Alexander Beyer plays the role of his mentor, Bruno Kreisky, the Austrian politician who becomes one of Carlos' early supporters. Beyer's performance as Kreisky is nuanced, with a pitch-perfect delivery of his character.

Anna Thalbach plays the role of Magdalena Kopp, Carlos' wife, and loyal companion. Thalbach's portrayal of Magdalena is masterful, capturing her initial beliefs in Carlos' cause and her eventual disillusionment after being implicated in Carlos' crimes.

The series delves deep into the psyche and motivations of the notorious Carlos, highlighting his oftentimes disturbing relationships and his role as a symbol of the anti-colonialist movement in the 1970s.

Carlos starts his career as a revolutionary, fighting for the rights of Palestinians, and soon enlists the help of various terrorist organizations to build his reputation as a mastermind. His eventual recruitment by the KGB exacerbates his already vengeful nature and leads him to orchestrate some of the most devastating terrorist attacks of the 70s and 80s.

Throughout the show, viewers get a glimpse into Carlos' complex network of relationships with influential people in governments and intelligence services. Carlos successfully maintains connections with important figures from Libya, Syria, and Iraq - who use him as a tool to further their political interests.

The show's creators go above and beyond in capturing the spirit of the times, with period-accurate costumes, music, and events. From the 70s hairstyles and fashion to the political instability of Europe, the feels of the era are brought to life with attention to detail that truly immerses the viewer.

Overall, Carlos is an intense, action-packed show that takes the viewer on a wild ride through the life of one of the world's most infamous terrorists. The show does justice to the complexity of the Carlos the Jackal's character, giving us just enough insights to follow his frightening metamorphosis.

This three-part limited series is powerful and engaging, and is well worth the time investment. If you are looking for a true-crime journey, then Carlos from IFC is an excellent choice.