Here’s What Went Down On “Conan Without Borders: Mexico”
After weeks of teasing the “Conan Without Borders: Mexico” show on his social media accounts, O’Brien’s special episode from Mexico City finally aired earlier this week. Throughout the show, it was clear that Conan’s mission was not to bring a taste of the U.S. to Mexico, but to show his viewers there’s more to Mexico’s people and culture than what they hear in political rhetoric. In an interview with Fusion’s Jorge Ramos, O’Brien said his time in Los Angeles had already exposed him to some Mexican culture: “I live in Los Angeles, and Mexicans are a regular part of our lives. They’re incredibly hardworking, they’re funny, they’re terrific. They’ve brought so much to the culture. They are the culture of California.” Here’s what went down on “Conan Without Borders: Mexico.”
In the cold open, Conan made his way into Mexico by crossing the border…
…and a search of his suitcase revealed he was carrying lots of this product:
SPF 85. ?
As you can see, from the lighting down to the set, Conan’s show definitely looked like in was made in Mexico.
That’s because his show was filmed at Mexican TV giant Televisa.
After introducing his house band, Norteño band Calibre .50…
… Conan did the rest of his monologue en Español. Here, he reveals the nickname Mexicans use to describe him.
O’Brien, no stranger to appearing in soap operas, then made a guest appearance on the telenovela “Mi Adorable Maldición.”
He showed incredible range, quickly going from (goofily) expressing anger to (goofily) turning on the charm.
Conan’s first guest was Diego Luna, star of “Rogue One.”
After poking fun at Conan’s hair…
.. the two shared shots of mezcal.
Luna then talked about his very first sex scene as an actor, which happened before he had sex in real life. “You know, you, probably, when you go, ‘When was the first time I had sex?’ You have to remember, you go to these memories… I can just rent a film.”
He also spoke about a young woman in San Diego who wrote a viral post about her father’s love for “Rogue One.” Luna said it was very humbling to know that a Mexican immigrant was able to watch him in “Rogue One,” accent and all, and relate to Luna’s character.
O’Brien then met with luchador Cassandro to learn the ropes of lucha libre.
And he revealed his alter ego, El Gallo Loco.
Next up was former Mexican president Vicente Fox, who arrived bearing gifts. Staying completely on brand, he gave Conan a pair of black boots emblazoned with the phrase “No F***ing Wall.”
Fox then explained why President Trump’s comments about Mexicans, and Trump’s desire to build a border wall, made him so angry.
Fox said that those who migrate from Mexico to the U.S. deserve more respect: “They’re decent, honest and they contribute to the greatness of that nation.”
Conan also threw on a white tuxedo to attend the quinceañera of a young lady named Marisol. In a speech, which he read in Spanish, Conan thanked Marisol for making him a padrino.
Then they cut the cake and shared a dance together.
Marisol looked *somewhat* excited to share the spotlight with O’Brien on her big day.
O’Brien also tried playing a little fútbol, but the locals proved too skilled for him.
So he brought a friend to even things out.
His friend? Giovani Dos Santos, one of the stars of the Mexican national team and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The locals were impressed.
And, of course, the ringer made a difference, helping Conan and his team finally get a taste of victory.
Once they were done kicking the ball around, Dos Santos presented Conan with a Mexico jersey.
Dos Santos: “When Mexico plays the United States, you have to wear this. OK?”
At the close of the show, O’Brien thanked his Mexican crew for their hard work and expressed how much he enjoyed his stay in Mexico.
“I think we could do a whole month here. This has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life,” said O’Brien.
