There was a time in Mexican history when Francisco Jorge Stanley Albaitero, popularly known as “Paco Stanley”, was one of the most loved and admired figures in and out of the entertainment industry; there is not a single Mexican born at that time who does not know the name of the television host, who is remembered for his extroverted personality and his acid sense of humor.
Unfortunately, Paco Stanley was murdered on June 7, 1999, shortly after the broadcast of his morning show, Una Tras Otra. According to judicial authorities, the murder of the TV host and comedian was carried out “with a high degree of criminal precision.” That day, Paco, his driver and reporter Jorge Gil were waiting outside a popular taco joint when several masked men unloaded their guns. Stanley, 56, was shot four times in the head and died instantly.
The violent murder of Paco Stanley unleashed all kinds of accusations, speculation and conspiracy theories. Initially it was thought to be an attempted kidnapping, but the discovery of cocaine in the victim’s system led to a rethinking of the investigation. Soon, rumors spread that Stanley was allied with criminal groups and that the event was related to drug debts.
Even today, 25 years after the TV presenter’s death, the crime continues to go unpunished, and continues to shake the hearts of Mexicans.
The Prime Video series
The Who Killed Him? series (originally titled ¿Quién lo mató?) follows the life, career and events surrounding the murder of Paco Stanley, played astutely by Roberto Duarte. With some creative liberties and fictional elements, talented director Humberto Hinojosa (Luis Miguel, La Serie; La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta) relives the controversial case, and thoroughly explores the various players involved in the criminal investigation.
With a stellar cast that includes Roberto Duarte, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Diego Boneta, Who Killed Him? consists of a total of six episodes. One of the most notable aspects of the crime drama is its narrative approach. Each installment is told from the perspective of one of the six people close to Stanley, who share their stories of what happened before and after his murder.
Thus, throughout the production, a motley group of characters are given voice, among them the shy and peculiar journalist Jorge Gil (Diego Boneta), the ambitious co-host and comedian Mario Bezares (Luis Gerardo Méndez), the musician and staunch friend Benito Castro (Javier Cha Ramírez), Mario’s intensely suspicious wife Brenda Bezares (Zuria Vega), the show’s young aide-de-camp Paola Durante (Belinda), and the questionable prosecutor on the case Samuel del Villar (Jorge Zarate).
Who Killed Him? is so narratively effective because it allows the viewer to get to know intimately the people closest to Stanley at the time of his murder.
From the excesses and dark side of the entertainment industry, to the possible links with drug trafficking and the notable errors of the then Mexico City District Attorney General’s Office, the production describes the irregularities of the case and the experiences of each of those involved, and how the public trial left a mark on them.
Delving into one of the darkest criminal trials ever carried out in Mexico, screenwriters Rodrigo Ruíz Patterson (Bad Hombres) and Alexandro Aldrete (La Casa de las Flores) revisit the past and the tragedy with acuity, exploring complex issues such as impunity, failures in the justice system and the media spectacle that often surrounds high-profile crimes.
In several interviews, Mexican co-creator and filmmaker Humberto Hinojosa has said that for this project he was inspired by the political thriller, Z (1963) directed by Costa-Gavras, and starring Yves Montand, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Irene Papas. And the fact is, Z also reconstructs the events surrounding a murder. In it, Costa-Gavras follows the crime of the Greek democratic politician, Grigoris Lambrakis.
A first-rate cast
In Who Killed Him? the performances are uniformly convincing and involving. From the leads to the smaller roles, none of the actors miss a step.
One of the most successful things Prime Video’s series does is lean on its brilliant cast and let them breathe. Roberto Duarte delivers a solid performance as Paco Stanley, capturing his charisma and his darker side. Luis Gerardo Méndez, Diego Boneta, Zuria Vega, Belinda and Javier Cha Ramírez stand out in their respective roles, bringing depth and nuance to complex characters.
The setting revives the end of the nineties very effectively. The style of television, fashion and music transports the viewer to a bygone era just when Paco Stanley was the central figure in Mexican entertainment.
Controversies about Who Killed Him?
Some people related to Paco Stanley have expressed their discontent and dissatisfaction with the way Prime Video’s fiction brings the case of the renowned TV host back to the table.
In response, the producers have assured viewers that the show is based on information from direct sources and from the files of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office about Stanley’s murder.
Our verdict
Despite the grim, controversial, and uncomfortable subject matter, Prime Video’s series manages to be quite entertaining.
Each episode of Who Killed Him? is handled with assured dexterity, the pace keeps the viewer hooked, and the suspense builds steadily. Overall, the information and twists are well dosed and, at times, cause a little whiplash.
To this day, we still don’t know exactly what happened or who the culprit was, but what we do know for sure is that Prime Video’s series has re-awakened the curiosity and questions that Mexicans continue to have.
If you like slow-burning crime drama with a lot of intense performances, Who Killed Him? is a must-see. Produced by El Estudio, this limited series is one of the streamer’s most watched Spanish-language content to date.