Hotel Cocaine – Estela – Review: Roman Faces the Consequences of His Choices

Tonight’s episode of Hotel Cocaine on MGM+ cranked up the intensity with a whirlwind of betrayal, power struggles, and emotional breakdowns, making it one of the most gripping episodes yet.

The episode kicks off with a haunting nightmare sequence, as Roman is tormented by the memory of his wife’s death. This sets the tone for his strained interactions with Marisol, who urges him to take their daughter Valeria to safety. Roman’s explosive reaction highlights his deep-seated guilt and paranoia, pushing Marisol to her breaking point and leading her to leave him. This effectively showcased Roman’s increasingly fragile mental state and his crumbling personal relationships. 

Valeria reaches out to Andrew, who is reeling from his father’s death. Their tense conversation reveals a fracture in their relationship, with Andrew’s suspicions about Nestor driving a wedge between them. Valeria is clearly grappling with her loyalties and the reality of the dangerous world she’s been thrust into. 

“Estela” – HOTEL COCAINE. Pictured: Danny Pino as Roman Compte and Yul Vazquez as Nestor Cabal. Photo MGM ©2024 MGM Plus Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

The core of the episode centres on Roman’s confrontation with Nestor over the congressman’s murder. Roman’s rage and Nestor’s unyielding stance create a palpable tension, revealing the volatile dynamics within their criminal enterprise. The scene masterfully escalated the conflict between the brothers, culminating in Nestor’s ultimatum: accept his authority or leave. This power struggle not only propelled the plot forward, but also delved deeper into their complicated brotherhood. 

Gilberto and Ray’s subplot offered a chilling look at the lengths people will go to protect their interests. Gilberto’s interrogation and Yolanda’s brutal threat to Ray ramp up the stakes, illustrating the brutal nature of their operations. Ray’s desperate bid to find a new political ally and his subsequent betrayal by Zulio, inject a sense of urgency and danger, culminating in a shocking act of violence that is sure to have lasting repercussions. 

The introduction of DOJ agents and the internal conflict within the law enforcement team adds another layer of intrigue. Zulio’s struggle to maintain control over his investigation and his ultimate descent into moral compromise by killing Ray without a second thought in order to successfully inject himself into Gilberto’s world, highlight the blurred lines between right and wrong in their world. 

“Estela” – HOTEL COCAINE. Pictured: Michael Chiklis as Agent Zulio and Erniel Baez as Ray Dorado. Photo MGM ©2024 MGM Plus Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Marisol’s departure and her heartfelt conversation with Valeria provide a poignant counterpoint to the episode’s violence. It humanizes the characters, showing the devastating impact of Nestor and Roman’s criminality on their loved ones. Valeria’s decision to stay with her father, demonstrated that regardless of what her father has done, her loyalty to him is unwavering. 

The tension reached a dangerous point when Alejandra overhears Marisol telling Valeria that Roman is working with the DEA.
Roman wakes up with a gun pressed against his temple by Nestor, who demands to know whether Roman or his wife is the liar. Roman, cornered, explains that they threatened to take Valeria away, leaving him no choice. Nestor, furious, wants to kill him, but Roman counters that his actions have shifted the DEA’s focus to the Colombians instead of them. Daring Nestor to grow a pair and pull the trigger, Roman emphasizes that he sacrificed his family’s safety to protect Nestor. Though Nestor declares he’ll never trust Roman again, Roman coolly responds that he doesn’t care and insists they must stick to the plan and let the DEA take the cocaine. 

The episode’s climax is a high-stakes meeting between Roman, Nestor, and Zulio, where they strike a risky deal with the DEA. Roman’s manipulation of Yolanda and the subsequent confrontation with Gilberto are masterfully executed, showcasing his cunning and desperation. The final twist, with the Colombians targeting Valeria and the DOJ agents’ ill-fated attempt to intervene, leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these threads will unravel. 

“Estela” – HOTEL COCAINE. Pictured: Danny Pino as Roman Compte and Laura Gordon as Janice Nichols. Photo MGM ©2024 MGM Plus Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. 

CRISTINA ALMEIDA

Cristina manages the site and reviews several shows. She is an Elementary
School Counsellor by day and avid TV buff by night. True Crime, thrillers,
dramas and dramedy’s are her favourite genres. When she is not at work or
managing SpoilerTV, she loves spending time with her two dogs, a Chihuahua
Pug mix named Holly and Terrier mix named Penny. She also loves Travelling
to visit family.