8 Reasons Will Trent Season 3 Shows Will & Angie Should NOT Rekindle Their Relationship

The intricate relationship between Will and Angie has been a focal point of Will Trent since its inception. Now, as the third season unfolds following their breakup, it becomes increasingly clear that there are numerous compelling reasons for them to remain apart. Developed by Liz Heldens, Daniel T. Thomsen, and Karin Slaughter, the ABC police procedural showcases Will, a seasoned GBI agent burdened by a painful history marked by abandonment and foster care. Despite these challenges, Angie has consistently supported Will throughout his tumultuous life.

New episodes of Will Trent season 3 air on Tuesdays at 8 PM ET on ABC, preceding High Potential season 1 and The Rookie season 7.

Having grown up together in the foster care system, Will and Angie initially supported each other through their struggles before their bond evolved into a romantic one. Now in their thirties and navigating careers in law enforcement (Angie is temporarily out of a job but will return in season 3), their deep understanding of each other remains a significant aspect of their relationship. However, the events of season 2 suggest that a platonic relationship may be more beneficial for both characters.

8 Shared Trauma Binds Will and Angie

Their Foster Care Background Forms a Complex Bond

The undeniable bond between Will and Angie originates from their shared experiences in the foster care system, which has profoundly influenced their relationship dynamics. Unfortunately, the very challenges they faced together—marked by their traumatic past—have intertwined with their emotional connection, complicating their ability to move forward as a couple.

The turbulence of their history has shaped their current interactions. Will often sees Angie through the lens of the pain they both endured, while Angie perceives Will as a protective figure from those dark days. This inability to separate past memories from present realities is a crucial factor in arguing against their reconciliation.

7 Deep Understanding or Hurtful Knowledge?

They Know Each Other’s Strengths and Weaknesses Too Well

While it’s typically beneficial to have someone who understands you intimately, this can be a double-edged sword, especially for Will and Angie. Their profound understanding of one another extends beyond the positive traits; they are equally aware of each other’s vulnerabilities. This knowledge equips them to inflict emotional pain with ease.

Throughout the series, they have often wielded this intimate knowledge against each other. Angie can provoke Will when she wants distance, and conversely, Will can drive Angie to emotional extremes. Instead of fostering a nurturing environment, this dynamic often breeds conflict.

6 Underlying Toxicity in Their Relationship

Their Turbulent On-and-Off Relationship is Hazardous

Watch Outline of Their Relationship

Throughout the tumultuous journey of Will and Angie’s relationship, the consistent theme has been toxicity. Despite their deep mutual love and affection, their attempts at reconciliation have invariably led to emotional sabotage. The ongoing cycle of breakups and reconciliations is detrimental, suggesting that staying apart may be in their best interest.

Actor	Role
Ramon Rodriguez	Will Trent
Erika Christensen	Angie Polaski
Iantha Richardson	Faith Mitchell
Jake McLaughlin	Michael Ormewood
Sonja Sohn	Amanda Wagner
Gina Rodriguez	Marion Alba
Scott Foley	Dr. Seth McDale

Their cycle has seen a recent lull in fighting, but this seems ephemeral, as tensions inevitably resurface. In viewing Will and Angie as a toxic couple in a fictional narrative, it becomes clear that their on-screen romance ought to come to an end.

5 Letting Go of Past Obligations

They Shouldn’t Feel Obligated by Their History

Given the extensive history between them, it’s understandable that Will and Angie might feel an obligation to pursue their past relationship. However, they should not feel tethered to a relationship that shows signs of being doomed.

The bond they share persists regardless of the nature of their relationship. Even after Angie’s legal troubles, they are bound to reconnect in season 3. Nevertheless, nurturing a friendship could lead to a healthier dynamic, allowing them to prioritize their own wellbeing over their perceived obligations to each other.

4 Focusing on Their Separate Healing Journeys

They Must Address Their Issues Independently

In light of their troubling past, it’s evident that Will and Angie each require individual healing—starting with therapy. Given the recent harrowing revelations in season 2 that left both characters shaken, it’s clear that attempting to heal together is counterproductive. Prioritizing their separate journeys is crucial for personal growth and recovery from their traumatic experiences.

3 Breaking Free from Their Relationship Cycle

Repeated Breakups Signal the Need for Change

Watch History of their Breakups

The repeated emotional toggling between love and friendship has proven to be exhausting—not just for Will and Angie but also for their viewers. If a relationship exhibits as much instability as theirs, it’s perhaps time to admit it’s time to move on.

The audience deserves fresh and engaging storylines rather than predictable on-and-off dynamics, which have begun to feel clichéd. The writers could take the opportunity to redefine Will and Angie’s connection, moving away from a romantic inclination toward a lasting friendship.

2 Exploring New Romantic Avenues

They’ll Encounter New Love Interests

So far, Will and Angie have never had the chance to explore romantic relationships outside their own, but season 3 is set to change this pattern. Will’s encounters with Gina Rodriguez’s character, Marion Alba—a new assistant district attorney—hint at potential chemistry that could redefine his narrative.

Similarly, Angie will be introduced to Scott Foley’s character, Seth McDale, promising further development in her emotional landscape. For both characters, the opportunity to forge new connections is essential if they are to find their own paths forward.

1 Will’s Arrest of Angie: A Game Changer

The Arrest Has Irreversibly Altered Their Dynamic

Will’s arrest of Angie in the dramatic conclusion of season 2 casts a long shadow over any potential for reconciliation. This pivotal moment has irrevocably altered their relationship dynamic, leaving both challenging in terms of emotional recovery. A friendship may be a more realistic goal than attempting to rekindle their romance.

As articulated by showrunner Daniel T. Thomsen in an interview with TVLine:

“The story of whether ex-lovers can still be friends has been done before, but there’s something new we’re trying to explore: they’re not just ex-lovers; they’re each other’s lifelong soulmates… However, it gets complicated when they have space to think about [their relationship], as it always leads to tension.”

Thomsen suggests that the challenges of transitioning to friendship will be significant in season 3. Thus, the possibility of romantic reconciliation may remain remote, ultimately serving their growth and relationship dynamics better.

Anyone following the series will hope that the developments in season 3 illustrate how Will and Angie thrive as friends, further solidifying the case for keeping their past romantic relationship in the past.

Source: Screen Rant