The long wait is almost over: the hit crime drama series Will Trent will return for its much-anticipated Season 3 premiere on January 7, 2024, at 8 PM ET on ABC, and it promises to unravel the cliffhangers left behind after the shocking finale of Season 2.
Leading star and co-executive producer Ramón Rodríguez has shared tantalizing insights about the upcoming season, indicating it will begin with the unresolved drama from Season 2, particularly Will's disappearance. "Season 3 starts off with where we went at the end of Season 2. We just know he disappeared. We don’t know where he went. We don’t know what he did. And we learn he went to… rural Tennessee with him and Betty, and he kind of tried to start over," Rodríguez revealed. This shift marks a significant change for Will, who returns altered not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, taking time for self-reflection.
Indeed, when audiences see him again, he won’t be the polished special agent we've come to know. The new trailer showcases Will sporting more casual attire and sporting stubble, shedding the formal suits and clean-cut image he previously embodied. Rodríguez emphasized, "Will has taken some time away, to reflect, to be alone… to walk away from anything he has known." This introspection is rooted deeply within him, as he navigates his relationships and his identity amid the chaos he left behind.
When Will returns to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, he encounters the fallout from previous decisions. His estranged relationship with Angie Polaski (played by Erika Christensen) is particularly strained due to the decision he made to hand her over to the authorities for police misconduct. This emotional baggage leads Rodríguez to caution fans: "It’s really, really rough in the first several episodes, and once Will and Angie finally do get to be face to face, it’s not easy. They both have their reasons for being upset at each other, and Will has his reasons for why he did what he did, and so it’s really complicated." This complexity promises to enthrall viewers as they witness the repercussions of Will’s actions on his relationships.
The relational dynamics will not be the only thing to excite fans; this season introduces new characters who promise to add layers to the already intense narrative. Notably, Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez joins the cast as Marian Alba, the new assistant district attorney, who will bring her own brand of intensity and complexity to the story. Weathering through uncharted territory, fans can expect sparks to fly with the introduction of new love interests and tensions.
Further, the storyline expands with the inclusion of Raphael, another character from Will's past, adding another dimension to his already complicated relationship with his origins. Rodríguez pointed out, "We also introduced Raphael, who’s someone from Will’s past...he’s involved in criminal activity, and he’s the leader of a gang Will is investigating. So it gets really complicated and personal." This connection back to Will's childhood adds depth and intensifies the storyline as he confronts his past decisions and relationships.
While Will's return to the GBI is galvanized by Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) who re-enters his life with the insistence, "Time to come home," it indicates the rekindling of old challenges. Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson), Will's former partner, now has to navigate the burden of Will's absence and his sudden return. "He abandoned Nico and Angie, and Faith and Amanda, and they’re all kind of pissed off at him," noted co-showrunner Liz Heldens.
Viewers should also prepare for some compelling, action-packed cases as Will steps back onto the team, asserting, "Let’s be clear: it’s Special Agent Will Trent." The upcoming season promises to explore the heart of the character, showcasing both his vulnerabilities and strengths. The combination of returning favorites alongside new faces is set to create explosive storylines and unforeseen connections.
With fans eager to see how Will’s tumultuous decision to walk away from Angie will ripple through their lives, the series has certainly set the stage for emotional and gripping storytelling. Audiences can look forward to unraveling the complex web of personal conflict, burgeoning love interests, and riveting cases as Season 3 takes viewers on another rollercoaster of emotions.
Will Trent Season 3 premieres on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, at 8/7c on ABC. Don't miss the chance to see what happens next for Will, Angie, and the rest of the crew!