Will Trent Season 1 Episode 5 Review: The Look Out

Will Trent finds its voice but offers a lackluster case of the week. Will Trent Season 1 Episode 5, “The Look Out,” shows that every episode can’t be a winner.

Both cases on “The Look Out” feel incomplete and like showcases of untapped potential. The cases don’t allow us to invest in their outcome.

The crimes and investigations aren’t engaging. 

The previous episodes of Will Trent have more captivating crimes and interesting investigations. Therefore, we want to know what happens next.

The fake robbery case presents too many twists and turns that just fall flat. They also confirm a pattern in the show: expect to meet the culprit within the first ten minutes of an episode — at least with the main cases of the week.

The culprit pattern also includes the individual seeming like a small piece to the puzzle or an unimportant figure.

This pattern happens on every episode (thus far), except for Will Trent Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.” This consistent detail makes it easy to identify the culprit within the first ten minutes.

However, the motive comes later. This may not be the case for future episodes, but all the misdirection and twists feel chaotic on “The Look Out” when you know who is behind it all from the start.

The subplot suffers from the opposite problem. The murderer is basically just some random guy. Additionally, Mike solves it quickly.

Therefore, it’s hard to declare one approach better than the other. Is it better to know the criminal before the episode even really begins? Or is it better when it’s a character barely shown or not shown until the reveal?

Knowing the criminal pattern works better because the main storyline often feels more intriguing. You can predict the criminal but not the outcome and motivations behind it.

Nevertheless, the subplot case plays a vital role in future Will Trent episodes. It could start the show towards its first season-long case. It could set up a deeper look into Angie’s past and the devastating world of human trafficking.

This ABC series works best when focusing on the personal relationships between the characters. In “The Look Out,” Faith and Will start to develop a stronger friendship.

It’s a great friendship when it involves a debate about the best breakup songs (spoiler alert: they’re both wrong.)

They playfully tease each other, easily open up, and express annoyance with their too-close proximity. They are real friends now.

For the past four episodes, we have seen them become closer. These moments between Faith and Will on “The Look Out” feel genuine because we are witnesses to their growth together and apart.

Angie and Will’s relationship pattern is also becoming clearer. They make big declarations and then break up. It’s an endless cycle.

It fits them.

“The Look Out” tricks us into believing that Angie and Will’s breakup may last more than an episode. However, this is not true.

They are seemingly back together before the credits roll.

However, if Ava becomes a new recurring character, then this may add an interesting complication to their cycle — a welcomed complication.

Stray Thoughts

• Deux Peches is DeuxMoi for photography lovers?
• Mike wants to be as skillful as Will so badly. It’s funny.
• Lil B aka Betty and Will are seriously the best dynamic on the show.
• I enjoy the continuous pattern of adding some personal connection to most of the cases. There is just a matter of time before a lost family member shows up.

What did you think of this episode of Will Trent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Will Trent airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.

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