Ramón Rodríguez interview: ‘Will Trent’
For Ramón Rodríguez, the star and co-executive producer of ABC’s “Will Trent,” there are is a degree of comfort in knowing that the hit crime drama will return for a third season. “There’s definitely a sense of excitement and security– which is a rare thing as an artist or as anyone in this industry– to know you have work coming,” he says in an exclusive chat with Gold Derby (watch the video interview above). However, the actor says that that sense of security is tempered by the pressure to maintain and even improve the quality of the show. “I’m always constantly trying to search for how can we continue to elevate what we’ve done so far,” explains Rodríguez. “How do we keep audiences engaged and interested? How can we push the envelope and what else can we do with Will?”
In taking a leadership role on the show, Rodríguez says that he didn’t have any interest in being an executive producer in name only. “It’s not a vanity title for me where I get to say, ‘Oh, I’m a producer. Treat me like whatever that is,'” he argues. “I just love storytelling in general. So to be able to be involved in almost every conversation and a lot of the various aspects of the show, from the look to the sound, to the writing, to the directors we hire, it takes up bandwidth, obviously, which is is one of the things that was probably my greatest learning curve.”
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The second season of “Will Trent,” finds the title character exploring his past and his heritage. A victim of abuse in the foster care system, Will’s past haunts him throughout the season. His true love fellow officer Angie (Erika Christensen), is constantly by his side, which makes the season finale even more devastating as Will is forced to arrest Angie for covering up a murder. That final moment is prefaced by a montage of Will imagining what his life with Angie would be like if he just ignored her actions. “Then we jump back to the reality and what is in this really difficult decision that Will has to make,” explains Rodríguez. “It does culminate to this moment of what Will has to do, and what that represents for Will as someone who has so far shown himself to be someone that’s very ethical and moral. It’s why he got into the line of duty that he got into.”
Rodríguez recalls how he initially didn’t see himself as Will. In the ensuing years, the actor has developed true affection for his character. “I just love his heart and how big it is despite the way he may put people off,” he says. “I have fallen deeply in love with Will and I care for the guy a lot. So I’ve come around a long ways from where I started.”
The 2nd season moved way too much towards shoving WOKE down our throats , makes me and mine skeptical about watching any further seasons , very dissapointing after a great 1st season…..
I agree with Ramon’s comments regarding the diversity in the show. I don’t feel the characters are rammed down our throats at all but are presented with their many layers that anyone outside a bubble can find relatable.
As a woman I agree with Ramon we need more diversity / people are not going
backwards. What is woke anyway I think that’s political name calling .Michael get educated.
Do you really know the meaning or are you just parroting conservative lingo.
You’re welcome to change the channel…or change your attitude. You pick.
I am a HUGE fan of “all things” Will Trent!!! I read each book in the series before it aired on TV & have continued reading them as they are published. I will say the books are vastly different then the TV series (for obvious reasons) so I had to adjust but I love them both. Ramon & other lead characters are perfect for their roles. In the opinion of this “old white lady” the diversity is 1 of the biggest ➕️s of the TV series & what the books lacked!
Thank you! I’m an old Black lady, and when I started watching “Will Trent,” I didn’t notice the diversity of the cast, probably because I’ve lived in several big cities, and the cast looks like real life. The cast looks like the workplace of anyone who has lived and worked in a city.
The anti-WOKE gentleman should travel around the country more. Even if he didn’t grow to like us, he might at least see us.
I am a conservative “anti-woke” person, and yet I, in no way, find this show to be “shoving” anything down anyone’s throats. I agree with you, Jill, this is simply real life, unless of course if you live in a bubble! I think the casting is excellent. Will Trent and The Rookie are my two favorite shows on TV. I waited anxiously for the season to start and anxiously each week for the next episode to start. And by the way, I’m a 67 yr old Italian/white woman. So yes, Mr Michael Cambier, take Toni Jones’ advice and change the channel.
I agree with you, Jill! I live in Atlanta and I think this series shows our diversity & a lot of our culture.
Toni Jones’s response to your review was way too kind & diplomatic!!! I will only say that if you read the other reviews you will find you are alone in your “woke” thinking.
I’m absolutely in love with this show !!! You rock
I am fascinated with the character I’ve been reading Karin slaughter books. He’s so human and he’s triumphed over his past. But it still affects him.
Best show yet. Love Ramon Rodriguez he’s cool but not conceited and that’s why I look forward to any actor and producer on TV nowadays keep up the great work.
I expected a kind of mediocre police procedural series. Pleasantly surprised. Characters are gripping, more human and humane than in most network TV. Acting is stellar, stories unusual but realistic. Obviously I became a big fan. And Betty’s truly cool too.
I LOVE BETTY!
Like classic TV,, Will Trent is a rare gem. I saw its potential from the start and started watching in the second season, when the show matured in a great way. Absorbing stories with thrills, pathos, meaningful themes and humor, and fine soulful performances. I love the moving interaction which makes me cry, laugh and ponder life, and the series focus on the characters, their relating and evolving. Would suggest opening theme music and more expressive mood music, the same melodies used regularly to enhance scenes and emotion, making a more memorable experience.
Raiany Silva is terrific as Lucy Morales. Would like to see more of her.
I absolutely love “Will Trent”, the show is good, I crave it, and I’m on my seat to see each episode and want more everytime. Good work to all the actors on the show, I feel like they are my family.
I’m not fond of Will’s accent, but, I absolutely love the show, and, of course Betty! ❤
I absolutely LOVE Will Trent, both the show and the character himself. I can’t wait until the new season starts. This show is perfectly casted, so hats off to everyone involved in the production of this show. Thank you to all and thank you, Karin Slaughter.
Love the show more than the books. Noticed the diversity and enjoyed that it is more reflective of real life. Good characters. Great ramping up on whats happening to them. Nice mix of telling their stories and giving us a good murder every show. I hope it lasts several more seasons.