In the crime-filled, deceitful, and trauma-filled world of ABC’s hit crime drama “Will Trent,” there are two characters who, while not central to the cases, serve as the heart and soul of the series. They are Betty, the little dog Will rescues and adopts, and Angie Polaski, the woman with whom Will has a tumultuous past (played by Erika Christensen).
These two characters—one animal, one human—represent the love and hurt in Will Trent’s life. They are two opposing pieces of the puzzle but play an important role: helping Will trust his emotions, connect with people, and ultimately, heal himself.
1. Betty – A Small But Powerful Emotional Thread
Betty is not just a dog – but a part of Will’s heart
Appearing from the first episodes, Betty is a small dog that Will Trent adopted after investigating an animal cruelty case. Initially, Will was isolated, closed off and unable to connect emotionally with the world. But Betty’s presence broke that ice.
“Betty doesn’t judge, doesn’t ask questions. She just loves and needs love. Will didn’t know he needed it until Betty.” – Ramón Rodríguez shared in an interview.
Betty’s role in the character development journey
Softening Will’s image: In the eyes of others, Will is an intelligent, sharp but cold agent. But every time he comes home and cuddles Betty, the audience sees the vulnerable and kind side inside him.
Help Will learn to care and connect: Betty requires patience, care, and stability – something Will never had during his abandoned childhood.
A symbol of trust and security: For Will, Betty is the only place he can rely on unconditionally.
Betty is more than just a pet. This little dog is a reflection of what Will lacks and what he is learning to build – a normal life, with true love.
2. Angie Polaski – A Love Bonded by Trauma
From childhood friends to unfulfilled lovers
Angie and Will met when they were both children in the Georgia foster care system. They grew up together in terrible conditions – abandoned, abused, unloved. This created a deep bond between the two, something no one could replace.
However, their love is distorted by unhealed psychological wounds.
“I think Angie loves Will, but she doesn’t know how to love properly. She hurts him because she hurts herself.” – Erika Christensen once shared.
3. A complicated relationship, both healing and destroying
Love each other but can’t be together: Despite their deep feelings, both constantly hurt each other out of fear, lack of trust, and denial of the past.
Will always forgives, but that’s not enough: Will, with a heart full of compassion, always tries to accept Angie. But Angie often withdraws, hides secrets, or hurts Will in moments of weakness.
Angie is the biggest challenge to Will’s healing journey: No one understands Will better than Angie, but no one can destroy him faster than her.
4. What is the future for Will between Betty and Angie?
Season 3 of “Will Trent” revealed many important developments. Betty continues to accompany Will, becoming the only person he can trust unconditionally. As for Angie, a tense reunion awaits – maybe the last time, or the turning point for both of them to truly grow up.
Fans are divided into two camps:
The “Betty is number 1” camp: Want Will to focus on peace, raising Betty, healing himself.
The “Team Will & Angie” camp: Believe that true love always needs to overcome challenges, and Angie deserves a chance to change.
Conclusion: Two relationships, one Will – A conflicting healing journey
In the midst of the world full of violence and lies in “Will Trent,” the relationships with Betty and Angie are the two poles of Will’s inner life:
Betty represents the present and hope.
Angie is the past and the lesson is not over.
Whichever path he chooses, Will is on a journey of growth – from a wounded child to a man who knows how to love and forgive. And on that journey, Betty and Angie are the two anchors that keep him from drifting away.
