Why Did Javier's Shocking Departure from Queen of the South Leave Fans in Disarray?
Delving into the untold story behind Javier's departure from Queen of the South, this article explores the reasons why Alfonso Herrera chose to play the beloved character for only one season and how his unexpected demise impacted the show's dynamic
Javier Jiménez (Alfonso Herrera), a mercenary of the Jiménez cartel, made his debut in season 3 of Queen of the South. However, his unexpected departure in season 4 left fans puzzled. Queen of the South, a USA Network series that aired from 2016 to 2021, is an adaptation of the Spanish-language telenovela La Reina del Sur. The show revolves around Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), a woman who escapes to the United States and builds a drug empire in Mexico. As Teresa's influence and wealth grow, so does the list of individuals who wish to bring her down.
The loss of Javier from Queen of the South was a significant blow to those who had become attached to the loyal mercenary, despite his lack of intelligence. After leaving the show in season 4, the talented Herrera went on to star in various projects. He appeared in the Mexican film Dance of the 41 and the TV series Sitiados: México. Additionally, he has ventured into English-language productions such as Ozark and Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon, set to be released on December 22, 2023. Nevertheless, while Herrera has continued to work on exciting projects, many still consider his role as Javier in Queen of the South to be his most beloved, leaving them feeling that his departure was premature.
Alfonso Herrera Only Wanted To Play Javier For One Season
The high-stakes crime drama, Queen of the South, often requires characters to die for the sake of the plot. However, the unexpected death of Javier, a beloved character, stunned fans. While some may be inclined to blame the writers for utilizing Javier's death to create a dramatic season 4 finale, it was actually Herrera's decision to not continue with the show. Due to this, the writers had to find a way to give Javier an engaging storyline and a satisfying departure.
Express interviewed Dailyn Rodriguez, co-showrunner of Queen of the South, who revealed that Herrera only committed to playing Javier for one season. Rodriguez stated, "So, we knew that he wasn’t going to come back – not that he didn’t want to. He wanted to do one season." The producer also acknowledged that Herrera's flourishing career, especially in Mexico, presented various other roles for him to consider, necessitating the freedom to explore different projects. Javier's popularity serves as a testament to Herrera's talent and the skill of the Queen of the South writers in bringing the character to life.
How Javier's Death Affected Queen Of The South
In Queen of the South, Javier, a hired mercenary, becomes Teresa's bodyguard in season 3. In season 4, he falls in love with Emilia (Sofía Lama) and they start dating, but she is tragically killed by Detective Randall Greene (Cory Hart). Towards the end of season 4, Teresa hands Javier over to Judge Cecil Lafayette (David Andrews), who then delivers him to the corrupt Randall. Randall plans to kill Javier by drenching him in gasoline and setting him ablaze. However, in a gripping moment, Javier manages to turn the tables and sets Randall on fire instead, seeking revenge for Emilia in his final act.
Javier's gruesome death not only leaves a lasting impact, but it also signifies a significant shift in the storyline. As the show progresses, Teresa becomes a target herself, causing her to grow more ruthless and cynical as a leader. Initially, at the beginning of the series, Teresa would never betray one of her own allies. However, sacrificing Javier sets Teresa on a different path and lays the foundation for her character's transformation in the final season of Queen of the South.
