The ABC crime drama Will Trent returns for its fourth season in strong form, with star Ramón Rodríguez making his directorial debut in the tense premiere episode. The episode picks up five months after season 3, exploring Will's emotional struggles amid personal changes and the return of a dangerous foe. Airing on January 6, the show continues to blend character depth with procedural elements.
Will Trent, the ABC adaptation of Karin Slaughter's novels developed by Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen, has built a loyal audience by emphasizing character development over standard case-of-the-week plots. TVLine previously ranked it among the 25 best shows of 2025 for elevating the broadcast procedural genre.
The season 4 premiere, directed by lead actor and executive producer Ramón Rodríguez, resumes five months after the events of season 3. Special Agent Will Trent, played by Rodríguez, grapples with therapy and his evolving personal life. At the end of season 2, Will prioritized legal duty over his relationship with Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen), leading to her arrest and their breakup. In season 3, Will briefly dated ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez), while Angie found stability with Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley) and became pregnant with his child. Will also meets his biological father, Sheriff Caleb Roussard (Yul Vazquez), late in that season, adding to his sense of overwhelm.
Dr. Elizabeth Roach (Margaret Cho) captures Will's mixed feelings during a therapy session: "You've been surviving on crumbs, but now you have the whole cake." Will responds wryly, "Yes, but it is a carrot cake. With raisins."
The episode introduces the return of serial killer James Ulster (Greg Germann), who murdered Will's mother and shaped his traumatic past. Ulster escapes prison, heightening the tension as Will confronts his restraint against rising anger. Rodríguez delivers a nuanced performance, revealing deeper layers of his character, while Germann portrays the villain with chilling commitment.
Angie faces her own life shifts post-pregnancy, with Christensen conveying subtle internal conflict. Despite the drama, the show retains its humor, highlighted by scenes involving Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin) and Det. Frankie Franklin (Kevin Daniels). Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) and Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) share a poignant moment about Will's well-being and Amanda's GBI future, both bearing scars from prior dangers.
Will Trent season 4 episode 1 airs Tuesday, January 6, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.