The irascible Will Trent (yes, I’m preparing for my SATs) is on a daddy-son date— and he’s mad about it. Did you know he’s been having dinner with Broussard? I didn’t know he was having dinner with Broussard. I mean, we knew they’ve had big family dinners, but not that he’s been driving out to sit down with his dad regularly and, you know, talk. And by talk, I mean argue like a pair of college roommates during finals week. This week, you will experience delight.
Amanda hasn’t dealt with the trauma of getting shot and nearly dying. All the fear and emotion she’s been suppressing come to the surface when she’s faced with another life-or-death situation involving gunplay. Our fearless leader isn’t sure whether she can trust the world or herself. But you know the Wil Trent found family is real, and Ormewood, Angie, and Faith are there to support her as she struggles to regain her confidence and to stop seeing specters from past violence.
Ormie is especially lovely this week. Then again, that’s every week, but this time he’s so tender and gentle with Amanda that you just want to hug him or have him hug you, or maybe do one of those group hug thingies with lots of sighing. In helping Amanda with her post-trauma triggers, Ormewood reveals more about himself and his service in Afghanistan. It’s a heart-wrenching pair of scenes that’s sensitively and lovingly portrayed.
Did I tell you about the vampire? Yes, there’s a vampire. Also, an exsanguinated body (I’m gonna hit the high score on my standardized tests). Also, some confusing occult symbols.
Sir, no one wants your whipped cream or your sprinkles
Once we get into it, “We’re Looking for a Vampire” is about fathers and sons. Or actually, dads and how their actions shape their sons. The resentment is peak—in multiple ways and more than one plot line. When I tell you Will and his dad get into a squabble, I’m not telling you enough. That would be spoilers, and you don’t want to be spoiled about this melee of manly emotional fallout. There’s too much repressed anger, too much coaching, too much testosterone—leading to too many giggles. I won’t say more; this episode must be enjoyed in the moment. Especially since Will and Broussard both come out bruised—but in a good way. Yes, I know that sounds weird. You’ll get it when you get there.
The verbal sparring is a highlight. Will basically calls Broussard, a perpetual line stepper, when he says, “You overstepped, you’re an over-stepper.” Oh, and there’s a Pete (Kurt Yue) sighting (but no Franklin). Oh-oh, look out for more SAT words like in, “Say derelict again, I dare you.”
I don’t know what they’re putting in these Will Trent season 4 episodes, but they’ll get you high. Just remember to check the shadows around you, but “explore the darkness” inside yourself—it doesn’t have to be scary.
See, I was right when I said Will would be dealing with the monster within all season.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
8PM ET – “We’re Looking for a Vampire” (408)
on ABC and Streaming Next Day on Hulu
A woman found drained of her blood pulls Will and Caleb into a chilling case, leading to a suspect who mirrors Will’s pain. Meanwhile, Amanda is forced to confront her lingering trauma.
Central Cast: Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent, Erika Christensen as Angie, Iantha Richardson as Faith, Jake McLaughlin as Ormewood, Sonja Sohn as Amanda, Scott Foley as Dr. Seth, Kevin Daniels as Franklin, Yul Vazquez as Broussard, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Paul Campano
