The highly anticipated Season 4 of “Will Trent” picks up a few months after the dramatic conclusion of Season 3, where the Atlanta-based Georgia Bureau of Investigation faced a near bioterrorism disaster and Deputy Director Amanda Wagner endured a harrowing hostage situation, leaving her critically injured. As viewers return to Will Trent’s world, they find him navigating a tumultuous personal landscape marked by new relationships and complex emotional challenges.
Opening with a poignant scene set “FIVE MONTHS LATER,” the season reveals special agent Will Trent, portrayed by Ramón Rodríguez, grappling with his past. This includes mentally revisiting the group home of his youth—a backdrop to his struggles. In a therapeutic moment on a pickleball court with Dr. Roach, played by Margaret Cho, Will’s anguish about his life changes becomes evident, especially in light of his close friend Angie Polaski’s pregnancy and relationship with Dr. Seth McDale.
The intrigue heightens when Will learns about the escape of lawyer and serial killer James Ulster, reminiscent of his own childhood traumas, as Ulster’s actions have deeply intertwined with Will’s life history—shaping his upbringing in foster care and his trust issues, particularly with Angie and Amanda. This powerful connection to Ulster, played by Greg Germann, ensures that the stakes for Will are personal and professional.
Meanwhile, other characters also face their own transformations. Detective Michael Ormewood, depicted by Jake McLaughlin, tackles the challenges of chemotherapy, illustrating the emotional toll it takes not just on him, but on those around him, particularly Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) who supports him. As Amanda makes her return from medical leave, there’s a palpable tension as her recent trauma directly impacts her leadership role and the team’s dynamics.
The writing shines as it balances character development with gripping narratives, showcasing how the investigation into Ulster entwines with the lives of Will and his colleagues. Notably, Erika Christensen’s portrayal of Angie is highlighted as her character processes her complex feelings regarding Will and her new relationship.
With a renewed focus on character exploration, “Will Trent” elevates itself beyond a standard crime procedural, delving deeper into the psyches of its characters and the impact of their tumultuous pasts. As the series moves into a case-of-the-week format, viewers can look forward to varying quality in plots while remaining deeply engaged with the characters they have come to know.
The season opens with suspense, leaving fans eager as the GBI and APD investigate a car fire that may involve Will and Ulster. This thrilling blend of personal stakes and criminal intrigue solidifies “Will Trent” as a must-watch this season, transforming it into one of the most compelling character-driven dramas on television.