Iantha Richardson Shares How New Season of ‘Will Trent’ Brings Characters to Life
As the highly anticipated second season of Will Trent unfolds, one thing stands clear—it’s not just the thrilling crime cases that have viewers hooked, but also the deep, evolving characters that keep us invested. One of the standout stars of the show, Iantha Richardson, who portrays Detective Faith Mitchell, opens up about how the new season continues to bring characters to life in fresh and compelling ways.
In this article, we dive into Richardson’s insights on the growth of her character, the development of the show’s ensemble, and what fans can expect in Season 2. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or new to the Will Trent universe, Richardson’s perspective offers a fascinating look at the intricate art of character-building in a crime drama.
Faith Mitchell’s Evolution: A Glimpse Into the Heart of the Character
Faith Mitchell, portrayed by Iantha Richardson, was introduced in Season 1 as a tough, no-nonsense detective with a sense of justice that matches her determination. But as the series progresses, the character is given more depth, allowing Richardson to explore Faith’s emotional layers. Season 2 promises to dive even deeper into the personal and professional sides of Faith, and according to Richardson, this season will reveal new aspects of her character that viewers have yet to see.
Expanding Faith’s Backstory
In the new season, fans can expect to learn more about Faith’s past. Richardson explains that understanding a character’s history is crucial to bringing them to life authentically. “Faith is someone who has had to fight for everything she’s achieved, and I think Season 2 does a great job of shedding light on why she is the way she is. Her past informs her actions in ways that are subtle but powerful,” Richardson says.
This deepening of Faith’s backstory allows viewers to see not just her tough exterior but also her vulnerabilities and motivations. As the season unfolds, fans will get a clearer picture of why Faith is so fiercely loyal to her team and why she feels such a strong responsibility to get justice.
Character Dynamics: Faith and Will Trent’s Relationship
One of the most compelling dynamics in Will Trent is the relationship between Faith Mitchell and the title character, Will Trent (played by Ramón Rodríguez). In Season 1, we saw the duo as colleagues with mutual respect but differing approaches to solving crimes. However, Season 2 will show how their relationship deepens, with both characters growing emotionally and professionally.
The Balance Between Trust and Tension
Iantha Richardson touches on the evolving trust between Faith and Will. “There’s always been a sense of tension between them, which makes for great storytelling,” she explains. “But in Season 2, you’ll see them working more closely together. Faith begins to understand Will’s complexities more, and I think she’ll surprise him with how much she’s willing to support him.”
Richardson teases that their partnership will become more symbiotic as the season progresses, allowing both characters to develop in ways that highlight their personal growth. This shifting dynamic will keep audiences invested in their relationship, both as partners in solving cases and as individuals navigating their own emotional challenges.
Bringing Realness to Fiction: The Art of Character Development
For Iantha Richardson, portraying Faith Mitchell is more than just acting—it’s about making the character as real and relatable as possible. In interviews, Richardson has spoken about the importance of bringing authenticity to her portrayal, whether it’s showing Faith’s emotional vulnerability or capturing her resilience in tough situations.
Humanizing a Strong Female Lead
“One of the things I really love about Faith is that she is strong, but she’s also human,” Richardson says. “It’s easy to make a character tough and make that their whole personality. But I think it’s really important to show how that strength is built from real, lived experiences. Faith’s strength doesn’t come from being invulnerable—it comes from overcoming her struggles.”
Richardson’s approach emphasizes the importance of creating multidimensional characters who resonate with audiences. Her ability to balance Faith’s toughness with her inner struggles makes the character feel authentic and accessible.
The Impact of Strong Writing: How the Show’s Creators Shape the Characters
Of course, character development is not just the work of the actors—it’s a collaborative effort. Richardson is quick to credit the show’s writers and creators for allowing her to bring Faith to life in such a profound way. According to her, the writers are committed to giving characters room to evolve naturally, without rushing their arcs or making them predictable.
Faith’s Journey: How the Writers Craft Her Growth
“Faith is a character who has been on a journey since the beginning,” says Richardson. “And it’s incredible to see the writers take her deeper in Season 2. They’re not just focusing on one aspect of her personality—they’re expanding on what makes her tick and exploring her emotional landscape.”
This thoughtful approach ensures that Faith’s growth feels earned, rather than forced. The more the writers delve into her backstory and present-day struggles, the more Richardson is able to bring complexity and depth to the role.
What’s Next for Faith Mitchell in Season 2?
While Richardson isn’t giving away too many spoilers, she does tease some exciting developments for Faith Mitchell in the upcoming season. As Faith faces new challenges, both professionally and personally, fans will see her confront situations that test her values, her loyalty, and her sense of justice.
New Challenges and Emotional Struggles
Season 2 will push Faith into new emotional territory, forcing her to grapple with tough decisions and, perhaps, even her own sense of vulnerability. “There’s a lot that comes to the surface in this season—Faith has to wrestle with the balance between being a strong detective and staying true to herself emotionally. It’s not always easy for her, but it’s what makes her so interesting to play,” says Richardson.
As Faith continues to navigate the complexities of her work and her personal life, her character promises to become even more compelling, offering viewers a deeper connection to the show.
The Ensemble Cast: Chemistry and Character Building
While much of the focus is on Faith and Will Trent’s partnership, Richardson is also quick to emphasize the importance of the ensemble cast. “The chemistry between the actors really brings the characters to life,” she says. “Everyone has their own unique take on their character, and I think that adds so much richness to the show.”
This chemistry between the cast not only makes the performances feel more authentic but also makes the show feel like a cohesive unit where each character plays a vital role in the narrative. Whether it’s the more experienced detectives or the supporting characters, everyone’s contribution is crucial to the show’s success.
What Fans Can Expect From Season 2 of ‘Will Trent’
Season 2 of Will Trent promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with new cases, personal struggles, and, of course, deeper character development. As Iantha Richardson shares, this season will reveal new sides to Faith Mitchell and bring the dynamics between the characters to new heights. With the combination of stellar writing, powerful performances, and rich character development, Will Trent is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion: The Heart of ‘Will Trent’ Lies in Its Characters
At the core of Will Trent is its compelling characters, each with their own complexities and emotional depth. Iantha Richardson’s portrayal of Faith Mitchell is a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling. As the show continues to evolve, fans can look forward to watching these characters grow, face new challenges, and continue to captivate viewers with their authenticity and raw emotional power.
FAQs About Faith Mitchell and the New Season of Will Trent
1. What makes Faith Mitchell a standout character in Will Trent?
Faith Mitchell is a complex, strong female detective whose backstory and emotional struggles add depth to her character. She’s relatable and human, balancing toughness with vulnerability.
2. How does Season 2 of Will Trent expand on Faith Mitchell’s character?
Season 2 delves deeper into Faith’s backstory, showing more of her emotional struggles and personal growth, making her a more multidimensional character.
3. What can we expect from Faith’s relationship with Will Trent in the new season?
Faith and Will’s relationship will evolve, with their partnership growing stronger. There’s a shift in their dynamic as they learn to trust each other more deeply.
4. How does Iantha Richardson approach playing Faith Mitchell?
Iantha Richardson focuses on making Faith feel authentic and multidimensional, balancing her strength with emotional vulnerability to make her a relatable character.
5. What role does the ensemble cast play in bringing the characters to life?
The ensemble cast’s chemistry adds richness and authenticity to the show, making the characters feel real and contributing to the overall depth of the narrative.
