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Jennie Richardson is a TV Features and Lists Writer for Collider, and a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Fiction Writing. In other words, she really loves stories.
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Will Trent has always been great, both as an adaptation of the Karin Slaughter book series on which it's based, and as a TV show that can stand on its own. Season 3 was really something spectacular, though, heightening both the tension and the silliness for an unforgettable installment. I am delighted to report that Will Trent Season 4 is a bold, entertaining follow-up to what was its best season yet. It would have been easy for Will Trent to coast on the momentum from the explosive Season 3 finale for its Season 4 premiere, but instead, the show takes a risk with a five-month time jump right off-the-bat.
Season 4 wastes no time in resolving its two big cliffhangers and then moving the season forward, but it doesn't forget about the consequences of the events of last season. Procedurals typically have so many action-packed seasons, and then abruptly move on to the next storyline, but Will Trent is thankfully maintaining its continuity from last season. Every big Season 3 change has been implemented, and Season 4 already feels like a thoughtful culmination of everything that has come before it.
Season 4 Reveals a Pivotal New Villain for Will Trent to Face Off Against
Season 4 of Will Trent sees Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) trying to put in the work to heal and better himself after his immense low last season. He's seeing a therapist (Margaret Cho), maintaining a strong relationship with his biological father, Caleb Broussard (Yul Vazquez) and his family, and watching Angie (Erika Christensen) move forward in her relationship with Seth (Scott Foley) without letting on how much this hurts him. The ever-composed Will is struggling to keep his growing anger leashed, though, and this becomes much more difficult when James Ulster (Greg Germann) – the serial killer responsible for Will's mother's (Raiany Silva) death, who left baby Will in a trash can after he was born – breaks out of prison.
Because of his personal connection, Will is kept off of Ulster's case, although he and Faith (Iantha Richardson) still do their best to investigate, with a little help. Will finds himself feeling as angry and powerless as ever, now that UIster is out of prison and killing once again. The two-part season premiere focuses on Ulster's return, Will's determination to get him back to prison, and how this all affects Will when he's already feeling unsteady.
Ramón Rodríguez Is Outstanding as a Lost and Doubting Will Trent in Season 4
Will Trent's Season 4 premiere has a strong main storyline, but the show really focuses on its characters in the opening two episodes, especially Will. Will's main trait is that he is rigid in his principles and compulsive in his need to follow the law, so much so that it cost him his relationship with Angie. Now, though, Will is starting to have doubts and a loss of faith in the justice system, and it makes for a really compelling character study. Will still cares about doing the right thing, but he's not sure about the methods he previously thought were the right ones. Season 4 kicks off an arc for Will where, in spite of his time in therapy, he's struggling more. More than ever, he's getting caught up with the voices in his head (the ones that he imagines help him solve cases), and he doesn't know what to do with all his pain and anger.
For most of Season 3, a significant part of Will thought that he and Angie would eventually work things out, so now that she's building a family of her own, he has lost that foundation. This arc is an excellent extension of Will's story last season, and it also gives the show the chance to spotlight Ramón Rodríguez's immense talent as an actor. Rodríguez nails Will's sarcasm, but he also balances Will's bursts of explosive rage with his softer moments of vulnerability and doubt. It's an exciting development for Will's character because he now has stability in areas that he never did and instability in areas that he used to be able to rely on.
Will behaves unpredictably this season, so much so that he makes one choice this season that I never could have imagined him making before. It feels perfectly earned and in-character, though, because Will is lost this season, and it's clear that the show has an exciting and gut-wrenching arc planned for him.
'Will Trent's Season 4 Premiere Sets the Stage for a Bold, Thought-Provoking Season
Image via ABCWill Trent's titular character is rightfully the standout of Season 4, but every character gets a moment to shine in the first two episodes, and each actor is fantastic. Kevin Daniels has been upped to a series regular position this season, giving Franklin more time on screen. Daniels makes use of every bit of his increased screen time with scenes that had me doubled over laughing. The Season 4 premiere is hilarious, with scenes that see everybody playfully ribbing each other, and Will getting into it with the version of Ulster that he imagines in his head.
Will Trent balances the laughs and the pain, emphasizing both without exaggerating either. This makes the police procedural stand out as something truly special and unpredictable – it also sneakily makes Will Trent one of the funniest shows on TV. The season also pays attention to detail in a way that makes each character's storyline feel authentic. Every character is at their best so far this season, and the show continues to spotlight the best character dynamics. It makes it easy to trust where Will Trent is going this season, and I cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
New episodes of Will Trent air Tuesdays on ABC at 8:00 P.M. EST.
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
Pros & Cons
- Season 4 brings in new and promising storylines, while still maintaining continuity and attention to detail from Season 3.
- Ramón Rodríguez is excellent in a deeper exploration of Will's emotional and mental struggles.
- 'Will Trent' Season 4 matches the show's overall tone perfectly: funny, emotional, and suspenseful.
English (US) ·