Will Trent’s Ramón Rodríguez Reflects on Heartbreaking Tragedy and Its Impact on Will’s Future
Will Trent’s Ramón Rodríguez unpacks the emotional weight of the latest devastating twist on the ABC crime drama, revealing how Will’s tragic mistake will affect his psyche, his relationships, and his future as a GBI Special Agent. In Tuesday’s gut-wrenching episode, Will unintentionally caused the death of 14-year-old bystander Marco during a foot chase. A ricocheted bullet struck the boy, fatally wounding him as Will desperately tried to save him on the way to the hospital. Though an internal investigation cleared Will of any wrongdoing, the psychological toll from the incident has left deep scars.
Rodríguez delves into how this horrific event ranks among the worst moments in Will’s life and what it means for his character as the season unfolds.
The Trauma That Will Never Fade
Rodríguez reveals that this tragic incident will be a defining moment for Will. “This is something that, although it was accidental, he was the cause of it,” Rodríguez says, reflecting on Will’s struggle. “It’s really high up there, ranking among the most traumatic things he’s faced. It will continue to haunt him, and he will have to deal with it throughout the rest of Season 3.”
Despite being cleared of any legal fault, Will’s guilt is overwhelming. The guilt of taking an innocent life, especially a child’s, will not be easy to shake. Rodríguez likens the tragedy to a worst-case scenario that could happen to any law enforcement officer: a split-second mistake that costs a life.
Will’s Struggle with Self-Loathing
This is not the first time Will has wrestled with guilt. In past seasons, Will blamed himself for the deaths of his foster mother, Anna, and his birth mother, Lucy. Now, with Marco’s death hanging over him, Will’s tendency to self-blame resurfaces. Rodríguez hints that this trauma may propel Will toward self-discovery, but the road to healing won’t be easy. “Will has never really tried to address his past. He’s always relied on coping mechanisms like staying busy with work or home projects. Now, this is the first time we’ll see him actively trying to figure out what’s going on inside.”
A Shaken Confidence: Will and His Weapon
In the aftermath of the shooting, the GBI provides Will with a new gun, but Rodríguez suggests that Will’s confidence in using it again may never be the same. “For the first time, doubt enters Will’s mind,” Rodríguez says. “He’s always had to be confident in his actions, but this event challenges that. It’s a big question — can Will pull the trigger again? And it will be something that he will continue to struggle with.”
The internal conflict over whether Will can remain confident in his role as a law enforcement officer will be a recurring theme as the season progresses.
Marion and Will: A Complicated Relationship
Marion, who has supported Will throughout this crisis, faces an emotional challenge of her own. As an ADA, she approaches the situation from a legal standpoint, which sometimes clashes with Will’s emotional needs. Rodríguez acknowledges the tension between them, especially as Will struggles to accept guidance. “Will can’t really receive anything from Marion at this point. He’s too caught up in his own head. Marion is trying to help, but Will is unable to process it,” he shares.
The strain on their relationship will be tested, and how Will navigates this will shape their future together.
Angie’s Return: A New Dynamic
While Will has found a new partner in Marion, his deep history with Angie cannot be ignored. Although they have moved on and found other relationships, Angie’s appearance at Will’s door during this crisis reminds viewers of the bond they share. Rodríguez notes, “Angie and Will will always have a deep friendship, and in this moment, she’s showing up for him as a friend. There’s love, but it’s not romantic anymore.”
Despite the tension with Marion, Will’s connection with Angie remains strong, especially in moments of crisis.
Faith’s Frustration: A New Partner in Sight?
Faith’s trust in Will is shaken after she discovers he kept her in the dark about Jeremy. Despite her frustration, she still defends Will during the internal investigation. Rodríguez reveals that Faith’s request for a new partner will have significant consequences, but Will’s actions in a difficult situation may lead to some unexpected developments. “The Jeremy story is going to be heartbreaking and tough, but Will did his best in that moment. It will come to a head between Will and Faith, but also Faith and Jeremy,” Rodríguez teases.
The Mystery of Will’s Past: Rafael Wexler’s Secrets
As Will faces the emotional fallout from Marco’s death, his troubled past with Rafael Wexler remains a looming threat. Rodríguez hints that the mystery of what Rafael knows about Will’s childhood will come to light. “We will definitely touch on what happened in Will’s past with Rafael. It’s been a cat-and-mouse game, and as Will gets closer to uncovering the truth, Rafael only seems to dig himself deeper.”
Will’s past and his ongoing struggle to come to terms with it will play a major role in the coming episodes, adding more layers to the already complex character.
As Will grapples with the emotional and psychological fallout from Marco’s death, it’s clear that this tragedy will shape not only his future but also the future of his relationships and his sense of self. Fans of Will Trent can expect a season filled with raw emotion, intense character development, and the relentless pursuit of redemption.
