In the last episode of the season, we explore Chalino's legacy 30 years after his death. His music revolutionized the corrido genre and gave Mexican-Americans an icon of their own. But it also forever changed the relationship between the artists who perform narcocorridos and organized crime and, some argue, paved the way for the normalization of violence and the narco-cultura we see in Mexico today. Ultimately, we reflect on how a humble kid from Sinaloa became an international idol.

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With a new record deal in hand, Chalino is invited to play a few shows in Culiacán, Sinaloa. He's warned not to go because it's a trap. But Chalino doesn't pass up the chance to cash out and sing in his native land. In this episode, an in-depth look at Chalino's final moments. Plus, we explore a final theory about who orchestrated Chalino's murder and decipher a mysterious song that supposedly identifies the man responsible.

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Chalino survives the Coachella shooting and his fame grows rapidly in northern Mexico and in the United States. For many, the shooting was proof that Chalino wasn't just a guy who sings about drug traffickers, but a badass outlaw himself. However, fame is a dangerous thing when your head has a price. In this episode we explore the delicate relationship between corridos and organized crime.

Nieves de Enero, performed by Chalino Sánchez and Los Amables del Norte, appear in this episode courtesy of Craft Recordings/Concord.

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In a story that seems straight out of a movie, Chalino gets into a wild west-style shootout in the middle of his own concert in California's Coachella Valley. The confrontation ends with one person dead, the attacker arrested, multiple concert-goers injured and Chalino wounded by two bullets. Instantly, rumors swirl that the attacker was a cartel hitman hired to end Chalino's life. But was he?

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Chalino returns to Mexico and ends up in a Tijuana prison. But being behind bars leads him to discover his talent as a songwriter, and in prison he begins writing songs for local outlaws. After he is released, Chalino returns to the United States to record his first cassettes. He begins selling his music and gains popularity among Mexicans in Southern California. In this episode's theory, we ask — could Chalino have angered the wrong narco with one of his songs? 

Javier Torres and Ya Después de Muerto performed by Chalino Sánchez, appear in this episode courtesy of Craft Recordings/Concord.

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Chalino and his brother flee to the United States after the party in which he stalks his sister's attackers. When Chalino arrives in California, he meets a local drug lord with two prosthetic arms and an obsession with old mafia movies. In this episode we explore a love triangle theory that involves Chalino, a mob boss and his girlfriend and we'll delve deep on the role of "chisme" or gossip in the Chalino story.

Rigo Campos performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, and Armando Sánchez performed by Chalino Sánchez, appear in this episode courtesy of Craft Recordings/Concord.

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Chalino grew up surrounded by violence in a humble town in Sinaloa. But his life takes a turn for the worse when a group of men attack his sister. That day he promises to avenge her. Years later, when he is given his first pistol, Chalino is believed to have stalked one of the attackers at a party. This event gives rise to the first theory about who could have killed Chalino.

Corrido de Rosalino, performed by Chalino Sánchez, appears in this episode courtesy of Craft Recordings/Concord.

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Narcocorrido superstar Chalino Sánchez sings to a sold out crowd for the first time in Sinaloa. It's the best night of his career until someone hands him a note. His face turns pale and his smile slowly disappears. That night, after the show, Chalino will be executed. But who killed him and why? We begin a journey to understand Chalino's life and impact, and the theories behind his unsolved murder. Listen to the whole season of Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez, wherever you're listening to this first episode. 

Nieves de Enero, performed by Chalino Sánchez and Los Amables del Norte, appear in this episode courtesy of Craft Recordings/Concord.

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