Riddle me this – what do video games, early 2000’s TV reveals, and America’s loneliness epidemic have in widespread? The most recent episode of Will Trent, after all! “The Ground is Lava” deftly explores these seemingly disparate components, leading to an expertise that was referential, meta, and a complete distraction from the on a regular basis mundane—precisely because it was meant to be. And I, for one, totally loved it!
“The Ground is Lava” – WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, Ramon Rodriquez as Will Trent, Iantha Richardson as Religion Mitchell. Picture: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
This week’s crime was sort of a multitude: A contract researcher for the Division of Protection, Lloyd Witham (Matthew Swift), accountable for growing a stealth drone, is shot by a canine groomer, Helen Anderson (Eden Malyn). Witham would not die, however the try on his life is a nationwide safety concern. What’s humorous is when Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Particular Brokers Will Trent (Ramon Rodriquez) and Religion Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) confront Helen, she is nonplussed. She even tells them, “You are going to really feel so silly while you discover out who I’m,” as she’s being led away in handcuffs. The lady thinks she’s CIA and has immunity. Not.
Quick ahead a couple of scenes and Will and Religion discover Witham’s analysis assistant lifeless and his killer, Kent (Demis Harp), sobbing within the bathtub. He is by no means stabbed anybody earlier than, and there is a lot blood, however it’s okay as a result of he works for the CIA. It seems that Helen and Kent have been recruited by their “handler,” Cutter, through an internet fandom of the TV present “Alias.” Cutter recruited a small military of pretend spies to steal the code for the drone so he may promote it to a overseas adversary. However the mixed abilities of the Atlanta Police Division and the GBI took Cutter, who was Witham’s different analysis assistant, Glenn Evans (Ahmad Ghafouri), down—because of a knockout punch from Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn).
The present made vital strides with its romantic leads and the ensemble solid, a crucial evolution for the longevity of any TV present. The meta narratives, distractions, and the loneliness uncovered by the crime mirrored the journey the solid undertook within the episode—a stroke of genius. For instance, Det. Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin) was “hungry,” crushing laborious on the CIA particular person (Ellen Tamaki) who got here to Atlanta to retrieve state secrets and techniques. He finally ends up confiding to Religion that he is lonely and his divorce is bleeding him dry. Religion empathizes and asks him out for dinner. She additionally extends a serving to hand to Will by giving him the chance to say how he is feeling because it’s his first case working with Det. Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen) since he arrested her.
“The Ground is Lava” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner and Kyrie McAlpin as Sunny. Picture: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
Religion is not the one one serving to. Amanda, now the caretaker of the gang chief’s daughter, Sunny, helps the woman discover ways to cope with the trauma of being kidnapped. Sunny witnessed Amanda kick Glenn Evans’ butt and mentioned, “That was badass!” So, Amanda let her punch her harm emotions out on the velocity bag in her basement.
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“The Ground is Lava” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent, and Gina Rodriguez as Marion Alba. Picture: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
The episode’s pacing was impeccable, particularly because it handled the romantic leads whose relationship had been a subject of a lot debate amongst followers. Will and Angie had two nice scenes showcasing how a lot they have been hurting—one within the restaurant and the ending scene. My goodness, that ending scene! When Angie says, “We’re not lovers. We’re not pals. We’re co-workers who’ve been saving, pushing, and pulling one another since we have been seven,” I held my breath. She continued, “We simply should let go.” With tears in his eyes, Will says, “I am unsure I understand how.” However Det. Polaski, having met ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez) donning Will’s freshly laundered shirt in his workplace, is aware of Will has already began therapeutic. Angie tells him bluntly, “You have already got; you simply do not understand it but.” I exhaled. Then, utilizing his whole authorities title, Angie says, “Wilbur Trent. I launch you.” It is a shining instance of how well-crafted storytelling and character improvement can elevate a collection to new heights.
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“The Ground is Lava” – WILL TRENT, Pictured: Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent. Picture: Wilford Harewood/Disney © 2025 Disney. All rights reserved.
Personally, I am glad Will and Angie are not collectively. The execution of the ultimate breakup scene was nothing in need of excellent. The tears brimming in Will’s eyes contrasted deeply together with her pained expressions—a meticulous research of bodily versus emotional ache. Level taken; everybody was devastated.
In abstract, with its mix of humor and poignancy, this episode is arguably the most effective of season three. The episode was introduced in a manner that was not solely extremely entertaining but in addition struck a poignant chord. Kudos to the author’s room for his or her outstanding capacity to conjure such an enticing narrative inside the span of 42 minutes on a Tuesday night time.
What did you consider Will and Angie’s breakup? Was it environment friendly in speaking their sorrow and interpersonal complexity? Let me know within the feedback.
General Score:
10/10
Lynette Jones