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### **Review: *Will Trent (2023)*** **Score: 8/10** *Will Trent* is a refreshing and smart addition to the crowded police procedural landscape, succeeding by placing a uniquely compelling and deeply human character at its centre. Based on Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, the series follows Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a man with a brilliant, analytical mind for solving crimes—a skill honed by a childhood spent navigating the foster care system and coping with severe dyslexia. **What Works Brilliantly:** * **A Truly Unique Protagonist:** **Ramón Rodríguez** is perfectly cast as Will Trent. He brings a captivating blend of sharp intelligence, guarded vulnerability, and a socially awkward, endearing honesty. Watching him decode a crime scene while secretly struggling to read a report makes him one of the most original and empathetic leads on television. * **Superb Supporting Cast:** The chemistry is electric. **Erika Christensen** is a revelation as the tough, recovering addict detective Angie Polaski, Will’s lifelong, complicated friend. **Iantha Richardson** shines as the sharp, ethical detective Faith Mitchell, who becomes Will's reluctantly admiring partner. Together, they form a dynamic trio that elevates every scene. * **Character-Driven Cases:** While the weekly mysteries are well-constructed, they primarily serve as a vehicle to explore the characters' past traumas and complex relationships. The show masterfully balances case-of-the-week momentum with a simmering serialised backstory. * **Atlanta as a Character:** The show makes excellent use of its Southern setting, embracing the locale's distinct texture, from its institutions to its accents, without falling into caricature. **Why It’s Not a 9 or 10:** * **Familiar Framework:** Beneath its unique hero, the show sometimes relies on fairly standard procedural beats and network-TV crime-solving rhythms. * **Occasional Melodrama:** The heavy backstories and traumatic pasts can, on rare occasions, tip into moments of heightened melodrama that feel at odds with the show's generally grounded tone. **Verdict:** *Will Trent* is a standout success because it understands that in a genre built on puzzles, the most fascinating mystery is the human heart. It’s a procedural with soul, driven by exceptional performances and a lead character you can’t help but root for. It’s consistently engaging, clever, and packed with more emotional depth than your average crime show. **Watch if:** You love character-driven dramas, unique protagonists, and crime shows with a strong sense of place and heart. **Skip if:** You prefer pure, gritty police realism or fast-paced, twist-heavy serial killer sagas.
