Despite this, the Will Trent cast hasn’t played with the more unique ideas from the books. With few exceptions, most Will Trent episodes don’t have anything to do with the plotlines of the novels. However, even if following a different storyline, at least one Will Trent season 4 episode should draw from the first novel’s basic structure.
The First Will Trent Book’s Three-Part Structure Puts Readers In The Mind Of A Convict
A Prime Murder Suspect Is The Main Character For Several Chapters
Due to the many differences between Will Trent and the books, only a few elements of Karin Slaughter’s first Will Trent novel, Triptych, have made it into the show. The first novel’s storyline would be almost entirely too dark for ABC, but it’s the precise manner in which Slaughter tells the story that stands out the most.
Much as the title implies, Triptych is told in three distinct parts. Each section focuses on a different character until their stories combine to paint the full picture, with only the last of these sections centered on Will himself. The first part follows Michael Ormewood, while Triptych’s second section focuses on the life of suspected child murderer John Shelley.
Why Triptych’s Story Structure Would Make A Great Will Trent Episode
The Series Has Already Played Around With Structure Before
Even if the Will Trent books’ dark tone makes it difficult for the series to feature faithful adaptations, ABC’s take on Slaughter’s novels has experimented with odd twists and non-traditional storytelling structures before. For instance, season 3 largely sidelines the procedural aspects of the show to focus one episode almost entirely on Will’s accidental shooting of a child.
This storytelling device could also strengthen any of several possible endings. The suspect’s segment of the story could set up a twisted killer reveal or humanize the true killer’s actions, the latter assuming the suspect does turn out to be guilty. If aiming for a twist, however, one aspect of Triptych’s ultimate killer reveal could prove difficult to adapt
Will Trent Would Have To Drastically Change Triptych’s Killer Reveal
It Wouldn’t Sit Right With Fans After This Many Seasons
Despite making sense in the novel, Triptych’s most heartbreaking reveal for Will Trent TV fans is that Michael Ormewood turns out to be the killer. The novel sets this up from the very beginning, as one of the murderer’s underage victims also happens to be a girl with whom Ormewood cheats on his wife.
However, while not exactly likable at the series’ outset, Will Trent has redeemed Ormewood to the point that fans may not appreciate finding out he had an even darker side the entire time. It would especially come as a blow after the Will Trent season 3 finale left viewers concerned for Michael’s survival as his tumor appears to be worsening.
