Will Trent Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Don’t Let It Happen Again
Will Trent gets its character from not being a serious police drama. Will Trent Season 1 Episode 3, “Don’t Let It Happen Again,” showcases how the series effortlessly blends comedy and drama.
It almost feels like a parody of a cop show.
Will Trent isn’t revolutionary with taking more of a comedic tone, but it’s even more entertaining because of it. Basically, “Don’t Let It Happen Again” is an instructional guide on things not to do at work.
This list includes not having a very personal conversation about an affair in front of a witness. It’s hearing Angie and Mike whisper loudly about a secret affair that gives the show a parody quality.
The entire subplot involving Angie and Mike just goes for one comedic moment after another. The triplet twist is an excellent touch.
This makes the end of their story take you by surprise. It also demonstrates how shows can take a lighthearted approach but still twist the knife when necessary.
Will Trent doesn’t take itself too seriously. Therefore, we shouldn’t either.
Many of us have never read the GBI Special Agent handbook, but it’s apparent that these officers violate so many rules on this episode. It’s a mystery Will and crew still have jobs by the end of the “Don’t Let It Happen Again.”
Because Will Trent follows a pattern that feels familiar to procedural fans, it’s easy to predict the outcome of Josie’s case. The big twist falls a little flat. It feels evident and predictable from the start.
Will Trent seems more clever than many similar shows because it’s aware of some of the extremes and unrealistic nature of some procedural dramas. Therefore, our expectations are high.
This makes the predictable reveal a bit disappointing. Surprise us, Will.
The TV series also manages to not-go all silly and over the top by having some compelling drama. Subtly, it discusses racism, the consequences of addiction, and trauma without being overly sentimental and melodramatic.
The discussions on racism aren’t heavy-handed but still get across the message of how this town’s history has left scars and ghosts, especially for its victims.
We see this in little mentions of the town’s past racism, Faith’s fear of the white men with guns, and the case of the week. We don’t see these big speeches but small gestures. For example, Faith and Josie bonding over being treated unfairly as Black women in law enforcement.
Will Trent also tackles addiction very well on this episode. Angie bonds with Mike’s family, only for her past affair to come back to haunt her.
She then reverts back to her safe space by running to Will. She opens up to him, which shows a progression in her relationship with him.
Many may see this as a romantic moment, but Angie makes the mature decision in “I’m a Pretty Observant Guy” by ending things. Their reunion at the end of this episode is a step backward.
Angie knows that Will and her dependency don’t allow either of them real growth. Neither can grow as individuals unless they stop the cycle.
A happy ending may be possible for them, but they may need to develop apart before starting over yet again.
Will may also represent an addiction for Angie. She cannot let him go.
He helps her at times but also acts as a temporary distraction and numbing of her problems.
Will Trent continues to give us a clearer vision of its identity, voice, style, and fun quirks. We believe we now know what to expect from this ABC dramedy.
Hopefully, Will Trent continues to remain an entertaining — sort of predictable — procedural that adds a personal element to each case.
Stray Thought
- I love how the show naturally and casually tells you that Amanda is a queer character.
- Betty and Will are the best duo.
- Mike being an actually likable character is unexpected.
What did you think of this episode of Will Trent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Will Trent airs on Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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Jerrica Tisdale
Jerrica Tisdale is your favorite neighborhood pop culture junkie. She will annoy you with random TV and film facts, while complaining about whatever is the hottest new book. She has been a TV fan all her life but writing about it for over a decade. You may find her work all over the internet especially reality TV rants. She is a senior writer at Tell-Tale TV.