‘Will Trent’ Doesn’t Know What To Do With Angie
The ABC series Will Trent, based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling book series, has captivated audiences with its engaging crime plots and complex characters. One of the standout features of the show is its exploration of flawed, multi-dimensional individuals who bring depth to every case they encounter. However, among these intriguing characters, one has stood out for all the wrong reasons: Angie Polaski.
While Angie, played by Erika Christensen, began with promise as an intelligent and capable officer, her role in the series has since left viewers wondering where she fits in the grander scheme of the show. Will Trent, the titular character, is undeniably compelling with his troubled past and fascinating relationships, but Angie’s character arc seems increasingly uncertain, leaving fans questioning what direction the show is heading in for her.
In this article, we’ll explore why Will Trent doesn’t seem to know what to do with Angie’s character, how her development has stagnated, and what the future might hold for her on the show.
Who is Angie Polaski? A Character Overview
Angie’s Backstory and Early Development
When Angie Polaski first appeared in Will Trent, her character was presented as a hard-nosed, sharp-witted investigator who didn’t shy away from difficult situations. Angie seemed like the perfect foil to Will Trent, with her strong personality and tough exterior balancing his more reserved and methodical demeanor. Her role as an investigator was solid, and she had a bit of a wild streak, adding complexity to her character from the start.
At first, it seemed that Will and Angie had an established dynamic that worked. The two of them teamed up on cases, forming a partnership that offered both professional respect and personal tension. They shared a past, making their interactions even more interesting and layered. Angie’s backstory also hinted at a deeper, more troubled history, which added intrigue and potential for further exploration.
But as the series progressed, it became evident that Angie’s character arc wasn’t developing as strongly as some of the other main players on the show. While Will Trent’s personal journey deepened, including his struggles with his trauma and emotional growth, Angie’s role seemed to stagnate.
The Problem with Angie’s Character Arc
At the core of the issue with Angie is the fact that her character feels somewhat directionless within the narrative. Initially, she appeared to be set up for a significant character arc, but as the seasons unfolded, Angie’s presence on the show started to feel more like a filler role rather than a character with a distinct path.
Despite the show’s focus on Angie’s complicated history with Will, she hasn’t received the same depth of exploration that some of the other characters have. While Will’s troubled childhood and emotional baggage have been thoroughly explored, Angie’s backstory has only been hinted at and never fully examined. Viewers have seen brief glimpses into her personal struggles, but they often feel surface-level.
One of the challenges with Angie’s character is that she doesn’t have a clear role within the team or a specific purpose that justifies her continued presence. Her character feels like she’s in a state of limbo, neither advancing nor retreating. In contrast, Will Trent and Faith (another key character) have gone through significant developments, allowing them to evolve and grow. Angie, on the other hand, is often caught in the same emotional loop, lacking any real sense of direction.
The Struggle with Angie’s Role in the Show
The Inconsistent Writing of Angie
A big part of the issue with Angie’s character is the inconsistent writing that fails to fully flesh out her persona. For example, there are moments when Angie is portrayed as strong, confident, and competent—traits that made her a standout early on. But then, in other episodes, she seems more like an afterthought or a character who serves to support Will’s storyline rather than having her own arc.
The show frequently seems to pull Angie in different directions without a clear plan for her development. She’s occasionally positioned as a loyal ally to Will, but then her personal decisions or motivations are left unexplored. Will Trent thrives on character-driven storytelling, but Angie’s emotional landscape remains a mystery, which makes it hard for viewers to connect with her in the same way they do with other characters.
Will and Angie’s Relationship: Stuck in Limbo
Another issue with Angie’s character arc is her relationship with Will Trent. Their shared past, full of tension and unresolved emotions, could have been an excellent opportunity for Will to confront his past and for Angie to evolve as a character. However, rather than exploring the complexity of their bond, the show often seems to just linger on their unresolved issues without pushing the narrative forward.
As the seasons have progressed, their relationship dynamic seems to stay in a holding pattern. Their occasional moments of flirtation and emotional closeness are not enough to provide a satisfying resolution or to give Angie any real growth. While their past is crucial to understanding both characters, Angie’s role in Will’s emotional development is often sidelined, which further exacerbates the feeling that the show doesn’t know how to utilize her.
Why ‘Will Trent’ Struggles With Angie’s Storyline
1. The Lack of Defined Goals for Angie
One of the key reasons that Will Trent doesn’t know what to do with Angie is the lack of a defined narrative arc for her. Characters like Faith Mitchell and Will Trent have clear, personal journeys that the show can track and develop over time. But for Angie, there hasn’t been a clear “endgame” for her character. Is she supposed to evolve into a romantic interest for Will? A strong and independent investigator? Or is she merely a supporting character who exists to propel Will’s storyline forward?
Without a clear purpose, Angie’s presence in the show feels stagnant. She often doesn’t have much to do outside of her role as Will’s colleague, and this lack of focus makes it difficult for her to stand out. If the show doesn’t define her goals and motivations, it’s hard for the audience to invest in her character or care about her arc.
2. An Overemphasis on Will’s Story
It’s also worth noting that Will Trent is ultimately centered around its titular character. While supporting characters are crucial to any ensemble show, Will’s journey is the primary focus, and that sometimes leaves little room for other characters to develop. Because Angie’s storyline is tied so closely to Will, it’s hard for her to evolve independently of him. This imbalance can leave her character feeling flat in comparison to others who have their own arcs.
3. The Lack of Personal Stakes for Angie
Unlike Will or Faith, whose personal lives and pasts are intricately tied to the cases they work on, Angie doesn’t have as much at stake emotionally. There’s potential for her character to explore deeper personal stakes, especially given the hints of trauma and difficulty in her past, but the show hasn’t fully leaned into this. Without deeper stakes, Angie’s storyline lacks the emotional pull that has made the other characters so engaging.
Can Angie’s Character Be Saved?
1. Developing Angie’s Backstory
One way the show could revitalize Angie is by finally diving deeper into her backstory. There are clear signs of trauma, personal loss, and emotional struggles that have been briefly touched on but never fully explored. By giving Angie her own arc that focuses on her personal growth, Will Trent could make her character more compelling. Her own trauma, relationship with Will, and professional growth could all contribute to a richer, more satisfying narrative.
2. Making Angie a Standalone Character
Another possible solution is to give Angie more independence. The show could allow her to take on more cases independently or explore her relationships outside of Will’s orbit. By allowing Angie to have her own adventures, rather than always being tied to Will, she could become a more dynamic and well-rounded character in her own right.
3. Strengthening the Relationship with Will
Lastly, Angie’s relationship with Will needs more resolution. Rather than letting their bond stay stuck in limbo, the show should either move their relationship forward or let it evolve in a new direction. The unresolved tension between them is interesting, but there needs to be more clarity regarding what role Will and Angie will play in each other’s futures. Whether it’s romantic, platonic, or something more complicated, it’s time for Will Trent to provide answers.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Angie?
In conclusion, Angie Polaski’s character in Will Trent has struggled to find a clear and compelling direction. While she began with great promise, her development has faltered, leaving fans wondering what role she will ultimately play in the show. Whether it’s by delving deeper into her backstory, allowing her to grow independently, or resolving her relationship with Will Trent, there are plenty of ways for Angie to evolve and become a more integral part of the narrative.
For now, the question remains: Does Will Trent know what to do with Angie? The answer is unclear, but it’s not too late for the show to turn things around and give Angie the development she deserves. Only time will tell where her character goes next.
