Will Trent Season 3 Episode 1 Review: I’m a Guest Here

After a long hiatus, our favorite GBI agent is back but not fully committed to returning to work. The writers kick things off by firing on all cylinders. Will Trent Season 3 Episode 1, “I’m a Guest Here,” reminds us why it is one of ABC’s best shows.

It’s effortlessly charming, clever, and cool.

Will has been missing in action for a while and has now been forced out of retirement. It leads to the series’ best season introductory episode yet. It’s such a fun episode that makes us sigh of relief about its return.

It’s been too long since we last saw Will and his crew. 

Additionally, “I’m a Guest Here” offers hope for the potential of Season 3. If the premiere episode is any indication for the rest of the season, then we’re in for a very witty and entertaining season. 

Season 3 may even elevate Will Trent further as one of the best ABC has to offer (and it has a lot of great series).

“I’m a Guest Here” has everything we love about the show: extended Will Trent’s past lore, plenty of comedy, unexpected pairing chemistry, charming characters, and a great setup for a two-part thrill ride.

The secret to Will Trent’s success is the effortless blend of comedy and drama. You laugh quite often, especially at Will’s interactions with Rafael (make him a recurring guest who becomes a series regular), and most of the other characters’ reactions to Will’s return, Nico’s reactions are especially hilarious.

Then we cannot deny the hilarity of the ongoing gag of people throwing stuff at Will for abandoning them without explanation or information.

He deserves it.

The comedy doesn’t feel forced or corny, but very natural and true to the tone of this ABC show. The same goes for the drama.

It’s just dramatic enough to remind us of the consequences of Angie and Will’s actions but not falling into melodramatic territory. We understand and sympathize with each character without pushing things too far.

In Seasons 1 and 2, Angie and Will make decisions that they feel are the only solution at the time. Will regrets his choice but Angie stands by it.

Angie’s lack of major consequences for her crime is the weakest part of “I’m a Guest Here”  

Will Trent Season 2 Episode 10, “Do You See The Vision “ sets things up for her to face potentially a trial and some backlash but the Season 3 premiere makes it seem like everything is fine. It feels a bit like a cop-out, especially considering that her punishment seems so minor compared to the actual severity of her actions.

However, in terms of police procedures, Will Trent often plays fast and loose with believability, so we should have expected this outcome for Angie.

Nevertheless, it is a bit disappointing that it seems to only serve the purpose of creating some tension between Will and Angie, and explain his hiatus. However, it at least leads to a bigger conversation about police corruption (though Angie’s actions are more noble than corrupt cops).

The first few minutes of Season 3 also need some praise. It starts with Ormewood, then we see Faith and Amanda. It appears we might have an episode without Will, or just him returning at the end.

Then we get the perfect setup for his return and another brilliant title card moment.

Originally, I was curious to see Will Trent without the title character, just to see if it still worked but the moment Will reenters, there is a brilliant shift.

It feels like home and we’re ready for all the shenanigans.

“I’m a Guest Here” kicks off the season on a high note. Now the series needs to continue to meet this standard.

Stray Thoughts

• The greatest trick Will Trent tries to pull is to convince us that Will doesn’t look incredibly hot with the beard, dressed casually, and a bit scruffy. Good try but no.
• Was that a hint of romantic tension between Faith and Ormewood?
• I also really like that this is a two-parter because it fits the pattern of the previous season premieres. 

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 8/7c. 

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