Will Trent Season 2 Episode 5 Review: Capt. Duke Wagner’s Daughter

Will Trent Season 2 Episode 5 “Capt. Duke Wagner’s Daughter” takes the series to a new high. Will Trent Season 1 Episode 12, “Nothing Changed Except Everything” and Will Trent Season 1 Episode 13, “A Bad Temper And A Hard Heart” highlight the importance of Amanda and Will’s relationship.

Their bond adds so many emotional layers to the show. It’s such an important dynamic for Will Trent‘s success.

Amanda and Will have a highly unprofessional family bond and it’s always gripping to watch. Last season, Amanda offers Will needed support as the truth about his life comes to the surface. A traumatic case allows him to return the support.

He becomes her truest friend in these moments.

“Capt. Duke Wagner’s Daughter” also reminds us of a different world. One where Amanda becomes Will’s mother.   It makes me hope for a what-if type episode to see how that universe plays out.

The chemistry between the cast is one of Will Trent’s secret weapons. Since Season 2 started, the writers have leaned into it. There have been so many fascinating and entertaining scenes between any combination of characters. However, Amanda and Will’s dynamic remains the most captivating relationship.

Ramon Rodriguez and Sonja Sohn have some of the show’s most emotionally riveting scenes together. Amanda’s confession scene weighs on you. It’s a complex moment because her actions are understandable, but still morally wrong.

Therefore, Will has an appropriate reaction. Yet, most likely, you’re going to want him not to scold her for her human reaction to trauma. This makes the following scene so much more important.

Despite not agreeing with her actions, Will immediately recognizes his error. He apologizes and offers a helping hand.

Will Trent often throws the rule book out of the window. Throughout the series, there are a ton of scenes that don’t follow true law enforcement reality. Therefore, you kind of expect Amanda to escape her crime without any real consequences.

That makes Will and Faith’s reprimanding of her refreshing. Morally, Amanda makes the right decision. She saves a monster from continuing to hurt people, but legally, she commits a crime.

Her saving a lot of people doesn’t change the reality that she commits a crime. A justified one, but it is still a crime. It also sets a bad precedent if cops can just plant false evidence and get away with it.

It’s a complete abuse of their job, resource, and privilege.

In Will Trent Season 1, Mike doesn’t receive as much development as the other characters. We barely know him. The second season seems to want to rectify that decision.

It leans heavily into introducing us to Michael Ormewood.

The writers make the right decision by using the second season to dig deep into his character because he’s become a lot more likable because of it. We care about him now.

Additionally, the cases are fun, but some of the best scenes and moments from Will Trent revolve around life outside of work. Seeing Amanda in Will’s apartment transforms their relationship into a more intimate and tender dynamic.

“Capt. Wagner’s Daughter” reminds us of the enchanting nature of Will and Amanda’s relationship. It highlights the strength of Rodriguez and Sohn’s acting abilities while telling a complex story about doing something wrong for the right reasons.

Stray Thoughts

• I need to know how Amanda affords that condo.
• Prison really changes Chuck. This is an error in casting because they don’t seem like the same guy, mannerisms and look-wise. 
• Young Amanda episodes somehow are always the best.
• It’s impressive how Sydney Park does subtle things to make sure the Amanda’s match—for example, slight changes to her voice to match Sohn.

What did you think of this episode of Will Trent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Will Trent airs Tuesdays at 8/7 C on ABC. 

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