'Women in Blue' Episode 3 Takeaway: Gabina's suspension hints at one deep-rooted social issue

Set in the early 1970s, the show depicts the challenges faced by Mexico's first female officers

PUBLISHED AUG 7, 2024

'Women in Blue' Episode 3 highlights the police department's preference for closing cases quickly over seeking true justice (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers for 'Women in Blue'

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO: 'Women in Blue', an Apple TV+ original show, debuted with its first two episodes on July 31, 2024. Set in the early 1970s, the series is a fictionalized account of Mexico's first female police force.

New episodes are released every Wednesday until September 25, 2024, at 12:00 am ET in the United States. Starring Bárbara Mori, Natalia Téllez, Ximena Sariñana, and Amorita Rasgado, the series follows the titular women in blue as they join the Mexican police force amidst the public outcry over the Tlapan Undresser, a serial killer targeting women.

Initially hoping to make a genuine difference, the women soon discover that their recruitment was merely a PR stunt. Expected to serve as gophers and showpieces, they face institutionalized sexism but remain determined to defy the odds and fight for justice.

'Women in Blue' uncovers Police cover-up in Episode 3

A still from the show 'Women in Blue' (@appletv+)

Episode 3 of Apple TV+'s 'Women in Blue', titled 'Norma', delves deeper into the struggles and resilience of the Azules as they navigate a corrupt and dismissive police department.

The episode centers around the women's off-the-books investigation into the Undresser, a serial killer who has been terrorizing the city.

Despite the police department's earlier claim of capturing the killer in Episode 2, the Azules are convinced that the man they brought in was wrongfully forced to confess.

The timid nature of the suspect and the evidence they uncovered suggest that the real killer is a privileged individual, untouched by the arrest.

'Norma' showcases the Azules' determination and courage as they continue their investigation, undeterred by the superficial victory declared by their superiors.

The episode highlights the systemic issues within the police force, emphasizing how the department is more interested in closing the case quickly rather than ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

Gabina becomes an unexpected hero in 'Women in Blue'

The Azules conduct their own secret investigation into the real killer (@appletv+) — A still from the show 'Women in Blue' (@appletv+)

This indifference is further illustrated when three of the women, Maria (Bárbara Mori), Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), and Valentina (Natalia Téllez), face severe reprimand for their unauthorized investigation.

They are chastised for the stupidity of questioning the killer's mother, even as Ángeles's impressive fingerprint analysis is begrudgingly acknowledged. The scene also exposes the department's hypocrisy and lack of genuine commitment to solving the case.

Their superior's condescending remarks about proper suspect apprehension reveal a deep-seated bias against the women's capabilities. Meanwhile, their commanding officer, Octavio (Miguel Rodarte), is quietly infuriated by the unfair treatment of his team.

His frustration culminates in charges of insubordination, further complicating the Azules' fight for justice. Despite the bleak circumstances, the episode leaves a glimmer of hope. Gabina (Amorita Rasgado) manages to avoid suspension, offering a potential lifeline for the Azules' continued efforts.

Her escape from the fallout suggests that all is not lost and that the women may yet find a way to expose the true killer and challenge the corrupt system that hinders them.

'Women in Blue' Episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Apple TV+.