Will Trent Season 3, Episode 7: Why Will & Angie’s Romance Shouldn’t Happen (But Another One Should)
The relationship between Will Trent and Angie Polaski has been a central focus of ABC’s Will Trent since the beginning. Their chemistry is undeniable, but in Season 3, Episode 7, their potential as a romantic pair is seriously questioned. This episode sheds light on why a romance between Will and Angie may not be the best direction for the show — and highlights another relationship that could provide a more compelling and satisfying dynamic.
Setting the Stage: Will Trent and Angie’s Complicated Relationship
Before diving into the heart of the matter, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey of Will and Angie. From their early interactions, it was clear that their connection was filled with tension and complexity. Will, the reserved, methodical special agent, and Angie, the brash and often unpredictable detective, seem like they could never be more than partners in crime-solving.
But as the series progressed, viewers began to wonder: Could there be something more between the two? The dynamic between Will and Angie has always been charged with unresolved feelings, unspoken attraction, and lingering history. However, Episode 7 of Season 3 pushes these questions to the forefront, examining their relationship through a lens that ultimately challenges the idea of them as a romantic couple.
Why Episode 7 Shows Will & Angie’s Romance Isn’t Meant to Be
In Episode 7, we see both Will and Angie confronting their vulnerabilities. The episode dives deep into their past, shedding light on how their personal histories influence their current behavior. While this exploration adds depth to their characters, it also exposes why their relationship shouldn’t progress romantically.
1. The Trauma That Holds Them Back
One of the strongest themes in Will Trent is trauma and how it shapes the characters. Will and Angie have both suffered in different ways — Will from a difficult childhood and Angie from painful adult experiences. This shared trauma initially brings them closer, but in Episode 7, it becomes evident that this bond is more of a hurdle than a foundation for a healthy romantic relationship.
Will’s emotional walls and Angie’s issues with trust create an imbalanced dynamic. Instead of nurturing one another, they often bring out the worst in each other. Episode 7 highlights this, showing that while they may care deeply for one another, their unresolved baggage makes it nearly impossible to have a functional romantic relationship.
2. The Power of Their Professional Partnership
At the core of Will Trent is the dynamic between Will and Angie as partners in solving crimes. Their professional bond is strong, and it’s clear that they function well as a team. Their chemistry in these moments is palpable, and this professional relationship is where they truly shine. Episode 7 underscores how their effectiveness as a team is essential to the success of the show — and how introducing romance could destabilize that dynamic.
While the tension between Will and Angie makes for compelling viewing, their most powerful moments occur when they work together to solve cases, not when they grapple with their romantic feelings. By keeping them strictly professional, the show maintains the intensity and complexity of their interactions, allowing their partnership to remain the driving force of the series.
3. Angie’s Resistance to Emotional Intimacy
Throughout Season 3, Angie’s resistance to opening up emotionally is a recurring theme. She has a difficult time letting anyone close, including Will. While she is drawn to him in certain ways, her inability to trust and her fear of vulnerability prevent her from fully embracing a romantic relationship.
In Episode 7, Angie’s emotional walls are clearly on display, making it difficult for her to engage in a genuine romantic relationship with Will. Her self-sufficiency and reluctance to lean on others for support only highlight the reasons why a romance between the two would be fraught with complications. If Angie can’t trust Will as a partner in a non-romantic sense, how could they possibly navigate the complexities of a romantic relationship?
4. Will’s Emotional Guard and Fear of Rejection
On the flip side, Will’s own emotional baggage plays a significant role in his interactions with Angie. His history of neglect and trauma has made him wary of getting close to others. While he cares deeply for Angie, he is afraid of putting himself in a position to be hurt again. In Episode 7, this fear of rejection is laid bare, revealing that Will’s emotional guard is just as much of a barrier to romance as Angie’s.
This emotional distance further complicates the potential for romance between them. Their inability to fully trust each other with their hearts means that they can’t move forward in a meaningful way. Instead of allowing their relationship to develop into something more romantic, they are trapped in a cycle of push and pull, where neither of them is ready to take the leap into intimacy.
Another Romance That Should Happen: A Surprising Pairing
While Episode 7 makes it clear that Will and Angie’s romance isn’t meant to be, it also hints at a possible alternative — one that could add a new layer of complexity to the show. Without giving away too much of the episode’s plot, it’s worth noting that there are other characters whose dynamic could evolve into something more romantic, offering fresh energy to the series.
1. The Unexpected Chemistry Between Will and Sarah
Sarah, Will’s colleague, has always been a bit of an enigma. Though she initially appeared as a background character, Episode 7 places her in the spotlight in a way that showcases her potential to be a strong romantic interest for Will. Unlike Angie, Sarah is more open, emotionally intelligent, and better able to meet Will on an emotional level.
Throughout the episode, we see moments of connection between Will and Sarah that suggest they could form a more balanced and healthier romantic dynamic. Unlike Angie, Sarah doesn’t carry the same emotional baggage, and she seems to be more willing to support Will in ways that could help him overcome his past. Their chemistry is subtle but undeniable, and it offers a refreshing contrast to the tensions between Will and Angie.
2. Sarah’s Own Struggles and Growth
Another reason why Will and Sarah might make a more compelling couple is Sarah’s own journey in Episode 7. She faces personal challenges and growth, making her more relatable and empathetic as a character. Sarah’s emotional resilience contrasts with Angie’s guarded nature, and this balance could be what Will needs to heal and open up.
As the episode progresses, Sarah’s understanding of Will’s past allows her to connect with him on a deeper level. This emotional intimacy could pave the way for a more meaningful and lasting romance between them — one that doesn’t rely on trauma or emotional dysfunction, but rather on mutual respect and support.
What Will Trent Needs Moving Forward: A Romance Built on Trust
In the end, Will Trent is a show about relationships — not just romantic ones, but also the bonds between colleagues, friends, and allies. While the idea of a romance between Will and Angie may have been an intriguing possibility, Episode 7 clearly demonstrates why it shouldn’t happen. Their relationship works best when they’re partners in crime-solving, not in love.
Instead, the show could explore the blossoming connection between Will and Sarah, or perhaps even other potential romantic interests. What’s most important is that any future romantic pairing should be built on trust, emotional growth, and mutual understanding — something that Will and Angie have yet to achieve.
By choosing to focus on a romance that evolves from trust and genuine connection, Will Trent can continue to evolve as a show that balances thrilling crime-solving with the emotional depth of its characters. Whether it’s Will and Sarah or another pairing, the key to a successful romance lies in a foundation of healing and emotional authenticity, not the baggage of past trauma.
Conclusion: Will & Angie Are Better as Partners
Ultimately, Will Trent Season 3, Episode 7 proves that Will and Angie are better suited as partners rather than lovers. Their complicated past and emotional struggles make it difficult for them to form a healthy romantic relationship. Instead, the show should explore other romantic possibilities — perhaps with Sarah — that offer a more balanced and emotionally fulfilling dynamic.
As Will Trent moves forward, it’s clear that the most compelling stories are those that delve into the emotional complexities of its characters while respecting the importance of trust and mutual growth. Whether Will finds romance with Sarah or someone else, the key to his happiness lies in a relationship where both individuals can thrive, not just survive.
