Rarely does an episode of TV come along that juggles multiple 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. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The episode continues with detective Angie Polaski’s (Erika Christensen) quest to prove John Shelley (Dan Gill) innocent of multiple murders. This week’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly transitioning from a laugh-out-loud comedy to a drama. Officers from the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) mildly insult each other as they prepare for a birthday party. For example, GBI Chief Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) and Special Agent Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) joke about using a GBI knife to cut the cake because APD (their knife) is not as sharp.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Dan Gill as John Shelley, Erika Christensen as Detective Angie Polaski. Photo: 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) combine physical comedy and a series of mariachi jokes while carrying an ancient generator upstairs. Juxtapose this silliness with the heart-wrenching drama of Dr. Pete Chin (Kurt Yue) and Amanda fighting to save Caroline’s (Christina Wren) life.
The adrenaline-pumping action scenes where Special Agent Will Trent (Ramon Rodriguez) and Angie Polaski work effortlessly together to finger ADA Freddy (Frederico Rodriguez) as the real killer. The Assistant District Attorney, who was initially rejected by girls in high school, was portrayed as a stereotypical weird kid who developed a God complex and psychopathic tendencies. The episode also included tender romantic moments between Will and ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez). While I’ve never been a fan of Angie and Will’s romance, I did feel sorry for her once Freddy was contained, and Will immediately ran to comfort Marion. Angie was shot at. Will literally saved her life, then shut her out of his warm embrace. Ouch. That hurt.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Kevin Daniels as Franklin, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The episode had a few spine-chilling horror sequences, like the blood dripping onto Angie from the ceiling of the elevator. She also experiences a jump scare when hunting for the killer in the dark, and her flashlight lands on the creepy police mannequin. To me, Freddy, navigating the blackout using night goggles was a nod to Buffalo Bill in “Silence of the Lambs.”
Thankfully, the only genre not featured was sci-fi. However, the title, “Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein,” references Mary Shelley’s classic, considered by many to be one of the first science fiction novels. Shelley’s Frankenstein focuses on themes like ambition, creation, and the consequences of playing God. ADA Freddy Markovic boasted to Marion that killing made him feel like a god. I guess he F’ed around and found out the consequences. The writer's ability to weave these elements together without losing the plot was nothing short of genius. Each genre is given its moment to shine, and the transitions felt natural rather than jarring.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The cast delivers stellar performances, executing each respective genre perfectly. I found two dramatic scenes particularly intense and moving. First, Dr. Pete shares his backstory, explaining why he works with the dead. Tearfully he tells Amanda that he was a surgeon, but he nicked the patient’s bowel. It was a death that was 100% preventable. Pete explains that doctors have a saying that cautions them against carrying emotionally challenging, life-and-death burdens on their “own— “Never carry a coffin alone.” When fighting to save Caroline’s life, Pete wasn’t alone. He was supported by Amanda, Faith, Captain Heller and even the Mariachi guy, 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”—effectively putting Rafael on notice about future actions and consequences he will face if the gang gets out of line.
“Mariachi Shelley’s Frankenstein” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Antwayn Hopper as Rafael Wexford. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The director's vision and skill are evident in every frame. The episode's precise pacing kept the audience engaged throughout its transition between genres. The cinematography, which shot much of the episode in limited light, was one criticism I had. I hated feeling like I needed night goggles to pay attention to the story’s visual details. A second criticism concerns the identity of the killer. Guessing who it was too obvious. Also, why did Freddy attempt to kill Caroline but let Amanda live? Is it because they worked together? Where did he think he could hide in a building full of police? Fortunately, the other aspects of the plot and dynamic execution of the story kept it fun and entertaining. The episode’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in a short time makes it a must-watch event.
So, what did you think of this jumble of genres? What do you think is in Angie and Will’s future since they kind of joked about her ‘releasing’ him to date Marion? Let me know in the comments.
Overall Rating:
10:10
Lynette Jones
