Table Read Podcast: "Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two" Summary

Introduction

In the gripping second act of "Pablo’s Rhino," listeners are plunged deeper into the chaotic misadventures of three hapless friends—Sam, Charlie, and Marcus—whose ill-fated trip to Colombia takes a deadly turn. This episode, released on April 22, 2025, masterfully blends live theatrical performance with cinematic soundscapes, immersing the audience in a high-stakes narrative filled with tension, dark humor, and unexpected twists.

Stranded in the Jungle

Act Two opens with Sam, Charlie, and Marcus grappling with the dire consequences of accidentally killing Pablo Escobar's prized rhino ([01:07]). The trio is now fugitives in the unforgiving Colombian jungle, desperately seeking a way out. The friends are immediately thrust into panic when they realize their guide, Ernie, has vanished. "Okay, we should get out of here. Ernie. Ernie. Ernie. Louise. Louise. Ernie, Ernie. Louise." ([01:47] Charlie)

The situation deteriorates rapidly as their truck is stolen, leaving them without transportation. Marcus tries to remain optimistic: "Look, no one saw what happened but us, right? Ernie's not gonna tell anyone they were his guns. I say we're in the clear." ([02:18] Marcus) However, Charlie is less forgiving, urging an immediate departure from the country: "Now we get the fuck out of this country. And I mean now." ([02:31] Charlie)

Desperate Escapes and Unforeseen Threats

Their attempt to flee leads them to a clearing where Martinez and Knowles—a pair of formidable antagonists—arrive to investigate the rhino's death. The tension escalates as three menacing figures emerge, inspecting the crime scene: "These fuckers may be the ones to flesh him out." ([02:52] Knowles)

Undeterred and exhausted, the trio manages to hire a ranchero to transport them to the resort town of Paraiso. Their struggle continues as they encounter a guard with fatal bullet holes, revealing the deadly seriousness of their predicament: "Some people take no pride in their work." ([03:48] Sam)

Upon reaching their villas, the friends find their accommodations ransacked. Marcus dismisses the damage with racial stereotypes, sparking tension and highlighting their increasing desperation: "They're foreign. Which makes it so much worse." ([04:19] Marcus)

Capturing and Incarceration

As night falls, the friends attempt to board a school bus to escape, only to be greeted by a bizarre mix of indigenous laborers and oppressive security. Sam's inappropriate behavior onboard causes friction: "You have a lovely cock. May I stroke it?" ([06:08] Sam) Leading to Charlie fiercely reprimanding him: "The hell's the matter with you?" ([06:18] Charlie)

Their uneasy journey takes a dark turn when they are pulled over by authorities. Miscommunication and escalating paranoia result in Charlie's arrest: "You'll be late for school." ([10:55] Marcus). Separated from his friends, Charlie finds himself in a brutal jail cell, where Marcus explains the gravity of their situation: "The cop thinks you shot Escobar's Rhino to send a message. They're calling you El Contador." ([11:29] Marcus)

DEA Pursuit and Collusion

Meanwhile, Sam leverages his charm to negotiate with a prison guard, leading to their eventual release under Lucia's guidance. However, their freedom is short-lived as DEA Agent Knowles and his partner Martinez are hot on their trail, intent on capturing them. Knowles strategizes their next move with determination: "There's a private strip running Cessnas not too far from here. If they're getting help, that's likely where they're heading." ([21:12] Knowles)

Climactic Confrontation with Escobar

The climax culminates at a secluded airstrip where Lucia and her partner, Victor, escort the friends towards a Cessna. Just as hope seems within reach, Pablo Escobar himself emerges, revealing that he is very much alive and intent on exacting vengeance for the rhino's death. "Pablo Escobar: Marcus, amigo. I find you at last." ([23:16] Escobar)

Captured and brought before Escobar, the friends face an ultimatum: replace the slain rhino or face gruesome consequences. Charlie attempts a desperate negotiation: "I'll replace your rhino. You have my word." ([29:11] Charlie), but Escobar remains unyielding: "You have two days to replace my rhino. If you succeed, I will consider letting you live." ([30:40] Lucia)

Dramatic Resolution and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, tension reaches its peak with Escobar's men threatening their lives: "You don't find El Diablo, Charlie. El Diablo finds you." ([31:04] Lucia). The friends are thrust into a perilous mission, setting the stage for the next installment of this high-octane narrative.

Notable Quotes

• Charlie: "Now we get the fuck out of this country. And I mean now." ([02:31])
• Marcus: "The cop thinks you shot Escobar's Rhino to send a message. They're calling you El Contador." ([11:29])
• Escobar: "Pablo Escobar: Marcus, amigo. I find you at last." ([23:16])
• Lucia: "You have two days to replace my rhino. If you succeed, I will consider letting you live." ([30:40])

Conclusion

"Act Two" of "Pablo’s Rhino" masterfully escalates the tension and stakes for Sam, Charlie, and Marcus, intertwining dark humor with high-stakes drama. The episode adeptly builds suspense through relentless pursuit and looming threats, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the resolution of the friends' harrowing predicament. With its dynamic cast of characters and immersive sound design, "Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two" stands out as a compelling installment in the "Table Read" podcast series, promising an electrifying continuation in future episodes.