Not often does an episode of TV come alongside that juggles a number of genres with such finesse and creativity as Will Trent’s, “Mariachi Shelly’s Frankenstein, did. The writers flexed some serious plotting chops by stacking drama, comedy, action, romance, and horror into 42 minutes in a way that not only worked but also set a high bar the show may have difficulty reaching and exceeding. Let’s review.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Rolando Fernandez as Mariachi and Todd Allen Durkin as Captain Heller. Photograph: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The episode continues with detective Angie Polaski’s (Erika Christensen) quest to show John Shelley (Dan Gill) harmless of a number of murders. This week’s story is a rollercoaster of feelings, seamlessly transitioning from a laugh-out-loud comedy to a drama. Officers from the Atlanta Police Division (APD) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) mildly insult one another as they put together for a celebration. For instance, GBI Chief Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) and Particular Agent Religion Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) joke about utilizing a GBI knife to chop the cake as a result of APD (their knife) isn’t as sharp.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Dan Gill as John Shelley, Erika Christensen as Detective Angie Polaski. Photograph: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
When the storm plunges the precinct into darkness, Captain Heller (Todd Allen Durkin), Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin), and Franklin (Kevin Daniels) mix bodily comedy and a sequence of mariachi jokes whereas carrying an historic generator upstairs. Juxtapose this silliness with the heart-wrenching drama of Dr. Pete Chin (Kurt Yue) and Amanda preventing to save lots of Caroline’s (Christina Wren) life.
The adrenaline-pumping motion scenes the place Particular Agent Will Trent (Ramon Rodriguez) and Angie Polaski work effortlessly collectively to finger ADA Freddy (Frederico Rodriguez) as the actual killer. The Assistant District Legal professional, who was initially rejected by women in highschool, was portrayed as a stereotypical bizarre child who developed a God complicated and psychopathic tendencies. The episode additionally included tender romantic moments between Will and ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez). Whereas I’ve by no means been a fan of Angie and Will’s romance, I did really feel sorry for her as soon as Freddy was contained, and Will instantly ran to consolation Marion. Angie was shot at. Will actually saved her life, then shut her out of his heat embrace. Ouch. That harm.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Kevin Daniels as Franklin, Iantha Richardson as Religion Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood. Photograph: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The episode had just a few spine-chilling horror sequences, just like the blood dripping onto Angie from the ceiling of the elevator. She additionally experiences a soar scare when trying to find the killer at midnight, and her flashlight lands on the creepy police model. To me, Freddy, navigating the blackout utilizing night time goggles was a nod to Buffalo Invoice in “Silence of the Lambs.”
Fortunately, the one style not featured was sci-fi. Nonetheless, the title, “Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein,” references Mary Shelley’s basic, thought-about by many to be one of many first science fiction novels. Shelley’s Frankenstein focuses on themes like ambition, creation, and the implications of enjoying God. ADA Freddy Markovic boasted to Marion that killing made him really feel like a god. I assume he F’ed round and discovered the implications. The author’s means to weave these components collectively with out shedding the plot was nothing wanting genius. Every style is given its second to shine, and the transitions felt pure quite than jarring.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent. Photograph: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The solid delivers stellar performances, executing every respective style completely. I discovered two dramatic scenes notably intense and transferring. First, Dr. Pete shares his backstory, explaining why he works with the useless. Tearfully he tells Amanda that he was a surgeon, however he nicked the affected person’s bowel. It was a demise that was 100% preventable. Pete explains that medical doctors have a saying that cautions them towards carrying emotionally difficult, life-and-death burdens on their “own— “Never carry a coffin alone.” When preventing to save lots of Caroline’s life, Pete wasn’t alone. He was supported by Amanda, Religion, Captain Heller and even the Mariachi man, who joked that “Nick Bowel’ sounded like a wrestler’s name. The timing of this comedic moment perfectly complemented the seriousness of the moment.
The interaction between Will and Rafael Wexford (Antwayn Hopper) is the second dramatic scene I took note of. Will gets Rafael to join him as he investigates the murder of witness Mia Elkan (Teisha Speight). I loved that Rafael becomes a bit vulnerable, admitting to Will that he’s not a fan of heights, small spaces, or the dark. In that moment of discomfort, he admits that he is taking over the Grove Park gang. Will then reveals to Rafael that he’s watching him investigate the crime as a deterrent. Will is intent on showing and warning Rafael that there is “little he doesn’t know or won’t figure” out”—successfully placing Rafael on discover about future actions and penalties he’ll face if the gang will get out of line.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Antwayn Hopper as Rafael Wexford. Photograph: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The director’s imaginative and prescient and talent are evident in each body. The episode’s exact pacing stored the viewers engaged all through its transition between genres. The cinematography, which shot a lot of the episode in restricted mild, was one criticism I had. I hated feeling like I wanted night time goggles to concentrate to the story’s visible particulars. A second criticism considerations the id of the killer. Guessing who it was too apparent. Additionally, why did Freddy try and kill Caroline however let Amanda stay? Is it as a result of they labored collectively? The place did he assume he might conceal in a constructing stuffed with police? Fortuitously, the opposite points of the plot and dynamic execution of the story stored it enjoyable and entertaining. The episode’s means to evoke a variety of feelings in a short while makes it a must-watch occasion.
So, what did you consider this jumble of genres? What do you assume is in Angie and Will’s future since they type of joked about her ‘releasing’ him up to now Marion? Let me know within the feedback.
Total Score:
10:10
Lynette Jones
