Will Trent Season 4 Episode 7 Review: CALL PAUL

Will Trent does horror very well. Will Trent Season 4 Episode 7, “CALL PAUL,” supports this theory by being another dabble into the genre.

It’s the serial killer’s story that falls a bit flat. The reveals and motives are somewhat lackluster.  However, “CALL PAUL” works because of everything surrounding this case.

We witness the welcome return of Paul Campano.

Will’s childhood enemy, who turns into a decent friend. This episode’s best scene involves Angie, Will, and Paul communicating at the table. It reminds us of their journey.

Each of them comes from a tough childhood, but crawled out of that darkness and found some happiness and success. This scene also acts as a reminder of the show’s journey as well. Will Trent’s opening episode introduces Paul.

He’s arrogant, selfish, mean, and potentially a murderer. Paul evolves into a lighthearted character who adores Will, but shows it in a way that highlights that he will always kind of be a jerk. However, audience members come to adore him.

You never sigh when you see Paul, but you almost feel joy. Will’s friend Paul is here. Angie also points out the metamorphosis of their relationship.

Once sworn enemies, now able to literally break bread together.

Will Trent has created a growing list of recurring characters that fans applaud when seen. Paul is one of them. James Ulster is another.

Most fans of the ABC hit series knew that Ulster would likely make an appearance in “CALL PAUL.”

He’s our resident serial killer. Therefore, he must come to haunt Will. Greg Germann plays Ulster so well that we gladly welcome him – even from beyond the grave.

Nevertheless, Ulster doesn’t provide much this time.

The series has been pushing the storyline of Will’s buried rage. We know it will eventually have a big impact on Season 4, but we aren’t buying that Will will suddenly become a serial killer.

“CALL PAUL” tries to make us see the dark side of Will, but it just doesn’t quite land. We know at his core, he doesn’t have that capability. He just needs to find ways to manage his anger.

Therefore, Ulster taunting him about his rage doesn’t work.

We don’t think he will give in to his dark urges and harm people. If anything, he may likely channel them into becoming an even better GBI detective. Therefore, the overall Season 4 arc of Will losing grip on reality, his dark side, and what he may become doesn’t completely feel believable.

However, as a fascinating dive into the mind of a serial killer and exploring the horror genre, “CALL PAUL” works well because of the horror elements.

It almost feels like an episode of Hannibal or another dark network series. Ulster, as Will’s dark mentor, mainly doesn’t work because that was never their dynamic. Will and he never had a relationship of that nature before the big Ulster killed his mother reveal.

Ulster is always a burden to Will. He’s never his trusted adviser or friend. He’s a man who has destroyed his life, from the start, so we never fall into the trap that he will seduce Will into darkness.

A darkness exists within him, but Ulster won’t become the person to drag it out. He will likely just confirm that the world needs people like Will to stop the Ulsters of the world.

Overall, “CALL PAUL” works because of the dynamic and chemistry between Will and Paul. It’s a fun, but dark, case that reminds us how Will Trent plays well within the horror genre. However, we’re never deluded into believing Will will fully embrace his dark impulses.

What did you think of this episode of Will Trent? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

Will Trent airs Tuesdays at 8/7 C on ABC.

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!