Ep 1. Lies

Drug Squad: Costa del Sol season 1 episode 1 titled "Lies" introduces viewers to the Spanish coastal town of Malaga, a popular destination for tourists, and an area of interest for drug smugglers. In this episode, we are introduced to the team of detectives who make up the Costa del Sol Drug Squad, and we follow them as they investigate a case involving a drug trafficking ring.

The episode begins by highlighting the beauty of the town of Malaga, with its sandy beaches, blue skies, and bustling markets, but we soon hear about the other side of the town, where drugs are rife and the criminal underworld thrives. The detectives are introduced, including the experienced Superintendent Rossi (played by Marco Oliva) and the newly arrived Inspector Max Costa (played by Hugo Silva). Rossi is keen to show Costa the ropes and help him settle in to the department, but it's clear from the outset that the two men have very different personalities and approaches to police work.

The case at the center of the episode involves a young British woman called Sophie, who has been arrested for drug smuggling at the airport. Sophie is initially defensive and refuses to cooperate with the detectives, but Costa is convinced that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Costa takes a risk and manages to convince Sophie to trust him, and she reveals that she was forced to carry the drugs by her boyfriend after he got in debt to a local drug lord.

The team begins to investigate the drug lord, a man named Rafael, and they soon discover that he is not a lone operator but part of a wider network of criminals who are smuggling drugs into Malaga. The detectives use a range of tactics to gather evidence, including surveillance, wiretaps, and undercover work. As they delve deeper into the case, they realize that they are up against a dangerous and ruthless group of criminals who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

Throughout the episode, we see the personal and professional lives of the detectives. Costa is struggling to adapt to life in Malaga and feeling isolated, while Rossi is dealing with family problems and trying to juggle his responsibilities at work. We also meet some of the other members of the squad, including the feisty and outspoken Sergeant Sola (played by Olivia Delcan), who provides some comedic relief.

The episode builds to an intense and dramatic finale, as the detectives close in on the drug smugglers and make some surprising discoveries along the way. The team faces a range of challenges, including corrupt officials, violent gang members, and the dangerous allure of the drug trade itself. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next and how the detectives will continue their fight against drugs in Malaga.

In summary, "Lies" is a compelling and gritty introduction to Drug Squad: Costa del Sol, a show that explores the complex and dangerous world of drug trafficking in one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The episode features a talented ensemble cast, strong writing, and a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by law enforcement in this high-pressure environment. Fans of crime dramas and police procedurals will find plenty to like in this gripping and well-crafted series.