Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Creature Commandos Episode 5, “The Iron Pot.” Watching Creature Commandos is an intriguing experience. The series creator and executive producer, James Gunn, who also serves as the co-head of DC Studios, usually excels in bringing to life characters that are unconventional and complex. The Creature Commandos team serves as the DC Universe’s version of the Island of Misfit Toys, showcasing a blend of quirky characters. However, the familiar Gunn style struggles to resonate with certain character arcs, particularly in Creature Commandos Episode 5, “The Iron Pot.” This episode dives deep into the backstory of Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), ultimately leaving a bitter impression by revealing a crucial event that shapes his character. While Eric Frankenstein is intended to have a compelling arc, Episode 5 unfortunately portrays him as utterly unlikable.

Eric Frankenstein’s Unforgivable Act in “The Iron Pot” Exposes His Dark Side

James Gunn is renowned for his ability to highlight characters often perceived as villains or morally ambiguous figures. He has a knack for peeling back the layers of such characters, revealing their deep-rooted traumas and complex motivations. In previous works like Peacemaker, we see Christopher Smith, better known as Peacemaker (John Cena), confront his abusive father, enabling a transformative moment. Similarly, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the dynamic between Nebula (Karen Gillan) and Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) evolves from vengeance to forgiveness. However, the portrayal of Eric Frankenstein’s backstory in “The Iron Pot” fails to elicit sympathy; instead, it renders him increasingly detestable as he commits heinous acts.

In this episode, we witness a kind-hearted, elderly, and blind Romani woman named Bogdana (Irina Maleeva) nurturing an injured Eric back to health following his encounter with The Bride (Indira Varma). As Eric forges a bond with Bogdana, his obsession with The Bride begins to overshadow their relationship. Despite her kindness, Eric’s desperation leads him to lock Bogdana’s beloved dog outside, ignoring her pleas as he prepares to leave. Tragically, Eric then commits an act of violence, brutally bludgeoning Bogdana with an iron pot under the guise of mercy, claiming, “I would never let you be alone, Bogdana.” This moment is shocking and deeply emotional, yet rather than evoking pity, it generates profound disgust and animosity toward Eric, who deliberately murders a woman who cared for him. Even after this horrendous act, Eric’s relentless pursuit of The Bride continues, despite her constant rejections.

Mixed Messages in the Representation of Eric Frankenstein in ‘Creature Commandos’

In the realm of fiction, Frankenstein’s Monster is often depicted as a tragic antihero—an entity created and then shunned by its creator and humanity. While there are echoes of Mary Shelley’s original creation in the Creature Commandos adaptation, Eric’s actions make it challenging to feel sympathy for him. He exhibits clear intelligence and wisdom before descending into brutality by murdering an elderly, blind woman. Although he shows a moment of kindness towards Bogdana’s dog, Ivan, this interaction only serves to deepen our disdain for him. Eric locks Ivan outside to shield him from witnessing the murder, leaving Ivan confused and helpless as he scratches at the door, enhancing the disturbing nature of the scene.

Throughout the episode, Eric partners with Rick Flag, Sr. (Frank Grillo) in a comedic buddy cop dynamic while investigating Doctor Aisla MacPherson (Stephanie Beatriz). Their mission reveals that Clayface (Alan Tudyk) has impersonated Dr. MacPherson to manipulate Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) into ordering a lethal mission against Pokolistan’s leader, Princess Ilana Rostovic (Maria Bakalova). However, this light-hearted partnership starkly contrasts with Eric’s dark backstory, creating an unsettling dissonance. Creature Commandos seems to hint at Eric’s potential redemption as a team ally, but the episode’s conclusion casts doubt on this notion, as his many past atrocities cannot be overlooked.

The Possibility of Redemption for Eric Frankenstein