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The lesson on power 'El señor de los cielos' taught José Sedek
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

The lesson on power 'El señor de los cielos' taught José Sedek

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Actor José Sedek reflects on the lessons learned from his nearly decade-long role as Bernardo Castillo in "El señor de los cielos."
  • Sedek emphasizes that the series' conclusion taught him about the personal cost of wielding power, even in the pursuit of justice.
  • He notes the challenges faced by those seeking justice, highlighting that evil is often better organized and resourced.

José Sedek, who portrayed Bernardo Castillo for nearly a decade in the series "El señor de los cielos," shared profound insights into the lessons the show's conclusion imparted. Beyond the narrative of capturing criminals, Sedek found the most significant teaching in the personal toll of exercising power, even when that power is used in the name of justice.

"When you have power, you have responsibility. You owe it your time, energy, and dedication, and you have to set your life aside. You don't share with your children, you don't have vacations, nor can you develop your personal life because everything is owed to that power you must sustain. It applies to both sides," Sedek stated in an interview.

When you have power, you have responsibility. You owe it your time, energy, and dedication, and you have to set your life aside. You don't share with your children, you don't have vacations, nor can you develop your personal life because everything is owed to that power you must sustain. It applies to both sides.

— José SedekSedek explains the personal sacrifices and responsibilities that come with wielding power, drawing a parallel between law enforcement and criminal elements.

He elaborated on his character, Bernardo, emphasizing that he was more than just a DEA agent. Bernardo was depicted as a man with convictions, flaws, and emotions, allowing the audience to see beyond a simple good versus evil dynamic. Sedek explained that Bernardo's genuine desire for justice in Mexico and his portrayal of the consequences of drug trafficking made him a complex human being rather than a one-dimensional hero.

Bernardo honestly wants justice for Mexico and shows the consequences that drug trafficking brings. When a character not only has the objective of catching the bad guy, but also has dreams and an inner world, he stops being the good guy in the story and becomes a human being.

— José SedekSedek describes his character Bernardo Castillo's motivations and complexity, highlighting how his internal world and desire for justice made him a relatable human rather than a simple hero.

Sedek also reflected on the broader implications of portraying a character dedicated to fighting organized crime. He acknowledged the immense difficulties faced by those who strive to uphold justice. "I have learned that justice is very alone, that often it lacks the necessary support and resources. Evil is organized, it has resources, and it is not easy to fight that monster, but it is also possible when you work, organize yourself, and do things the right way," he said.

The actor added that his character consistently aimed to illustrate the devastating consequences of choosing the path of drug trafficking, underscoring the series' commitment to exploring the human cost of crime and the pursuit of justice.

I have learned that justice is very alone, that often it lacks the necessary support and resources. Evil is organized, it has resources, and it is not easy to fight that monster, but it is also possible when you work, organize yourself, and do things the right way.

— José SedekSedek shares his reflections on the challenges of pursuing justice, noting the disparity in resources and organization between those seeking justice and criminal elements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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