Will Trent Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Manhunt

Faith becomes a fugitive in what might be the show’s best episode yet. Will Trent Season 1 Episode 9, “ Manhunt,” forces a change in structure that pays off enormously. The focus on Faith really highlights the character’s charm and tenacity.

Her disappearance also causes a change in partners with Will and Michael having to work together — without buffers — for the first time. Consequently, it demonstrates why Michael isn’t that perceptive of a cop and why he needs more observant officers like Will and Angie as his partners.

He lets his emotions overpower his detective skills. However, unlike some similar characters, he’s willing to listen, adapt, and change.

It’s enjoyable to see Will and Michael work together, especially with their very different demeanors and approaches to crime-solving. This leads to some funny moments but also showcases why both men, despite their differences, are very likable.

Overall, “Manhunt” leans more into the comedic aspects of Will Trent. For example, it sets Faith up for an almost rom-com-type situation with Sam.

They have great chemistry and the banter and flirtation really work to make this an enjoyable experience.

Will Trent has always been good at making Faith not just Will’s sidekick. She has her own life, her own problems, and her own principles and priorities that don’t tie to Will.

Therefore, it never feels like she’s living in Will’s shadow. Nevertheless, it’s still exciting and exhilarating to see her have an episode that focuses on her and lets her really shine.

Will still gets to stay relevant to the story, but “Manhunt” very much raises up Faith and cheers for her.

The episode succeeds because of her. In the future, if Will Trent survives beyond this season, hopefully, we get more similar episodes where other characters become more focal.

Not only does the show change things by giving Faith more focus here but it also alters the episodes’ format slightly. It tells you the real culprit early on “Manhunt,” and we just wait for Mike and Will to bring him down.

It keeps the tradition of us seeing the culprit within the first fifteen minutes of the episode, but it confirms it early. Will Trent doesn’t need to change what makes it such a fun procedural show, but we welcome slight tweaks and changes every once in a while.

Personally, I prefer when Will Trent carries storylines over to other episodes. We see this with “Manhunt” because we meet the man who — trigger warning — sexually assaulted and impregnated Angie as a teen.

Will Trent Season 1 Episode 7, “Unable to Locate” introduces this painful part of Angie’s past. It’s good to see that the show intends to further explore the trauma of it. Hopefully, it’s used to offer Angie some healing, instead of a relapse — which I fear is where the show may be heading.

French Stewart is mainly known for his comedic roles. Therefore, it’s going to be an adjustment for many — including myself — to see him as this despicable character. However, he’s already giving the role the right amount of creepiness and terror.

His character also appears in Will Trent Season 1 Episode 10, “Pterodactyls Can Fly,” so this is just the start of Angie dealing with one of her own personal monsters.

This ABC series continues to prove that it can effortlessly blend comedy and dark drama. Faith’s storyline has so many funny moments, but then Angie’s storyline is so traumatizing and dark. Yet they both work in “Manhunt.”

Rumor has it that Will Trent only has a few more episodes remaining in the season. If so, we can only hope that things just get more fascinating and entertaining all the way through the next few episodes.

Stray Thoughts

• I searched “Bad Bitch Betty” on Instagram to see if the ABC and Will Trent marketing team would smartly create that Instagram account. They have not.
• I am glad Faith didn’t give Sam hope of them dating in the future, but I hope they do.
• Will and Faith may be my favorite dynamic on the show.
• I love how he mentions Betty’s Instagram when he sees her again, instead of saying something sentimental, like “I am glad you’re okay.”

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 on ABC at 9/8c. 

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