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Christine is a freelance writer for Collider with two decades of experience covering all types of TV shows and movies spanning every genre. With a particular affinity for dramas, true crime, sitcoms, and thrillers, if it's a top TV show, Christine has likely watched it and is eager to share her thoughts. When she's not furiously writing away, you can find her enjoying the next binge obsession with a glass of wine in front of the TV.
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Will Trent is back with a vengeance for its fourth season, kicking things off with a bang as Will (Ramón Rodríguez) is kidnapped by the man who killed his mother and narrowly escapes death. The show's stakes continue to be raised, and interest hasn't waned. That's thanks to not only the story but the tremendous performances.
Rodríguez is joined by a stellar cast of veteran actors, including those who play main characters along with supporting ones, and a few new characters added to the mix as his personal and professional journey continues. One of the newest, most memorable characters is Margaret Cho as Will's therapist Dr. Roach. But we need to see more of her before naming her among the best. Really, there isn't a weak character in the bunch. But a few stand out, head and shoulders above the rest.
10 Sheriff Caleb Roussard
Played by Yul Vazquez
Image via ABCThe big reveal in Season 3 was the identity of Will's biological father, who he discovers through happenstance while working on a case. Sheriff Caleb Roussard seems very much like Will, determined and fiercely good at his job. It was wonderful to see the tenderness as he discovered Will's identity and accepted him fully as his son.
It's no surprise that Yul Vazquez is able to portray these emotions through the screen given his tremendous acting track record. Known for movies like Bad Boys II, American Gangster, and Captain Phillips, he also made waves on the small screen in Russian Doll and most recently Severance. Caleb's presence in itself is welcome on the show, adding an interesting dynamic as Will grapples with finally meeting him in person and having a connection to his past.
9 Nico
Played by Cora Lu Tran
Image via ABCThere's something so endearing about Nico, played by Cora Lu Tran. They are kind and sweet despite the troubled childhood that pushed them to stray in the wrong direction. This is precisely why Will has taken so much to them, recognizing that they're someone who needs help just like he did. Nico has grown leaps and bounds from the time they stole money from Will's wallet to becoming a true member of the family. The scene with Nico telling jokes and stories at the dinner table with Will's family is pure joy.
What's also so great about Nico in Will Trent, one of the best police procedurals of the 2020s, is the dedication to their job and caring for Betty (Bluebell). Will would not be able to handle owning Betty were it not for Nico. But Nico offers so much more than that for Will, including friendship and a sense of purpose. Seeing Nico thrive in this setting instead of going down a dark path is arguably one of the most heartwarming aspects of the show.
8 James Ulster
Played by Greg Germann
Image via ABCGreg Germann is an absolute pro, best known for his role as Richard Fish in Ally McBeal, one of the best legal drama shows of all time. He portrays a very different character on this show, one who is deeply unhinged, violent, and cruel. Germann takes on the persona of James Ulster beautifully, bringing him to a stormy crescendo in the first two episodes of Season 4, and making you hate him along the way to get there.
He's menacing yet charming, evidenced by how he was able to convince several women from prison that he loved them and wanted to marry them. But the way he gets into Will's head, manipulating him, his matter-of-fact attitude about murder, and his tortuous ways make him an interesting, albeit awful, character.
7 Betty Maria White Trent
Played by Bluebell
Image via ABCA sounding board, a confidante, a true friend, and arguably Will's true soulmate, Will wouldn't be who he is without Betty. Introduced in the pilot episode, he comes across this stray chihuahua and is initially reluctant to care for it. But it only takes a short time for him to grow close to the pup. So much so that Will officially adopts Betty and they become inseparable.
Will would move heaven and Earth for Betty, even hiring Nico as a live-in caretaker for the dog, knowing that his job often means he's away from home until late at night. For Betty's part, she's attentive, knows exactly what Will needs, and seems to get along with just about everyone. Bluebell, by the way, is no rookie actor: she's an experienced pup actor, having previously appeared in Cruella.
6 Franklin Wilks
Played by Kevin Daniels
Image via ABCFranklin (Kevin Daniels) doesn't get the attention he deserves. He's not only a colleague of Angela (Emily Christensen) and Michael (Jake McLaughlin) on the Atlanta PD Homicide team. He's also a great detective and an even better friend. Serving as Angela's sponsor and dolling out sage advice as needed, he's the definition of a friend that will always have your back. The genuine happiness in his eyes when he learns that Angela is engaged makes you love him even more.
Kevin Daniels is no stranger to TV, having appeared on shows like Law & Order, Frasier, Chuck, House, and Modern Family throughout his career. His theater training from Juilliard shines through in how well he makes Franklin feel like a real person.
5 Michael Ormewood
Played by Jake McLaughlin
Image via ABCEvery procedural like Will Trent needs a character for comic relief, and that's Michael Ormewood. The goofy detective with a love for soapy reality TV is arguably one of the most changed on the show. While he might have been considered arrogant at first, he has become one of Will's closest friends and shows how much he cares about his friends and co-workers any chance he gets. Despite troubles at home, he has managed to make things work with his kids, balancing a demanding job with single fatherhood.
McLaughlin fully embodies Ormewood. While he doesn't have as long an acting resume as others in the cast, his biggest roles in the movie In the Valley of Elah and the series Quantico, there's a level of authenticity he brings to the role. That's because McLaughlin is one of few actors who served in the military. He's a real-life veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Iraq War. Because of this experience, combined with his acting chops, McLaughlin makes Ormewood both lovable and real.
4 Faith Mitchell
Played by Iantha Richardson
Image via ABCFaith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) is the perfect partner for Will, a no-nonsense GBI special agent who isn't afraid to challenge the Deputy Director's supposed "golden boy." He reacts differently to her as well, especially when she discovers Will's challenges, and he notices that she doesn't call him out nor judge him for them, but does what she can to help. Her understanding and supportive nature make her tough to dislike. It's also why fans are lobbying for Faith to have a bigger personal storyline this season.
Fans may recognize Iantha Richardson from her recurring role as the older version of Tess in This is Us. While Faith is her biggest role to date, it's one Richardson can be proud of. Her sass, dominance, and wittiness, combined with her vulnerability create a layered and relatable character.
3 Angela Polaski
Played by Erika Christensen
Image via ABCChristensen was best known in the early 2000s and 2010s for her role in Six Degrees and Parenthood. She made a triumphant comeback (though she hadn't necessarily stopped acting) in this main role, and brings so much emotion and heart to Angela. A former resident of the same orphanage where Will grew up, they have a history and bond that can never be broken. But her constant struggle with leaning on their shared trauma and trying to move on floods through the screen with every interaction, every action of self-sabotage.
What fans especially love about Angie is how tough and confident she is in her job, even if she doesn't necessarily feel it about herself personally. She knows she's good at what she does, and seeing her in action is so impressive, every time.
2 Amanda Wagner
Played by Sonja Sohn
Image via ABCSonja Sohn knows this genre like the back of her hand. She played a detective in the iconic series The Wire, delivering one of the best performances on the show. This time, she has leveled up to Deputy Director. She's fearless, strong, and intuitive, but it's her deep care for and need to protect Will that solidifies Amanda's status as one of the best characters.
Season 2 scenes as Amanda arrives back at work or at crime scenes, cane in hand after almost being killed to reclaim her post from the white male who swept in thinking he could take over, had fans pumping their fists in the air. Ormewood's comment that he likes working for her better even though she's terrifying sums it up nicely.
1 Will Trent
Played by Ramón Rodríguez
Image via ABCIt goes without saying that the title character would be the best character on the show. Will is so damaged, so troubled, so distant from others, yet people are drawn to him. What's more, he's one of the best TV detectives of the last five years. His ability to recreate crime scenes in his mind, playing them out like a rewound videotape is incredible. More so is the way he works around his dyslexia, finding ways around it instead of letting it hinder him. Will has such a great heart, even if he takes things too far at times.
Sure, the odd-to-place accent sometimes has me rolling my eyes. But every interaction he has with someone, every reluctant smile or brooding face, just draws you into Will more and more. Will may be awkward and have difficulty in social situations at times, but he's unapologetically himself. When he gets to know someone, even if he won't fully open up, he'll at least let them in.
Will Trent
Release Date January 3, 2023
Writers Inda Craig-Galván, Henry 'Hank' Jones, Karine Rosenthal, Adam Toltzis, Antoine Perry
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Ramón Rodríguez
Will Trent
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Erika Christensen
Angie Polaski
English (US) ·