WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Queen of the South season 5 that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
Big changes are afoot in Queen of the South season 5. Following the end of the fourth season last August, it looks like Alice Braga's character, Teresa Mendoza, is heading down a dark path that will change the trajectory of the upcoming installment forever.
Speaking with TV Insider, Braga said that, with a lot of the things happening to Teresa, one thing is pretty clear: she's going to be her own boss. While opportunities have opened up for her to grow her businesses, there could be some great risks as well.
"I think she realized there's no way out of being in this business," Braga said. "[She also realized] having to make hard decisions related to choices between the people you care for and the people who are threatening you."
Once just a lowly worker for a drug empire, Teresa is slowly becoming an untouchable drug boss herself. But, there's a looming threat that might come in the form of her newfound potential associates -- the Russian mob. While Queen of the South season 5 has not officially started filming, a teaser released by USA Network suggested that the Russians will have a significant presence in the next season.
Whether the Russians could become Teresa's ally or foe, however, is something fans should watch out for in the next installment. And as she's expanding her empire and getting into deep with her operations, she's also leading to a path that's becoming more dangerous.
But, showrunner Ben Lobato told Entertainment Weekly that, while Teresa is the show's anti-hero, she's still a likable character whom the audience love to cheer on, even if she's becoming a ruthless queen.
"She maintains this strong moral code. She's not a sociopath," Lobato said. "She only draws blood when she has to for survival. Teresa Mendoza exists because people in power like Judge Lafayette."
Meanwhile, Queen of the South season 5 will also zero in on the return of James Valdez (played by Peter Gadiot). Viewers who have been wanting to see his character back had a pleasant surprise when he appeared in last season's cliffhanger finale.
Gadiot would have been a part of last season, but he had other work that needed his focus. But,
Alice Braga plays Teresa Mendoza in USA Network's "Queen of the South"
USA Network has not yet confirmed the release date for Queen of the South season 5. The show, however, will likely follow a summer run like its previous seasons.
