SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains significant spoilers from “Listening to a Heartbeat,” the thrilling Season 3 finale of ABC’s “Will Trent,” streaming on Hulu starting May 14.

In crafting the Season 3 finale of their acclaimed ABC crime drama, “Will Trent,” creators and showrunners Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen aimed to design an unforgettable two-part event reminiscent of the intensity found in “ER.” Their vision was to place every critical character in a perilous situation. They have undoubtedly achieved this, leaving the fates of two cherished characters hanging in the balance and ensuring that viewers are on the edge of their seats.

The dramatic season finale unfolded against the backdrop of a bioweapons attack on the vibrant city of Atlanta, orchestrated by a domestic terrorist organization known as the Founder’s Front. As the protagonist Will Trent (played by Ramón Rodríguez) alongside his dedicated team from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department raced against time to mitigate the threat and save hundreds of thousands of lives, Will was forced to navigate the complex relationships within his biological family, particularly with Caleb Broussard (Yul Vazquez), who was unveiled in the penultimate episode as Will’s biological father.

“It was an exciting challenge for us to create such a monumental episode filled with high stakes, where Will had to set aside his instincts and step away from his chosen family who were in danger,” Heldens shared with Variety. This creative journey not only tests the characters but also deepens their connections and personal growth throughout the narrative.

As the plot thickened, Will’s dog sitter, Nico (Cora Lu Tran), fell seriously ill while at a hospital. In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth, Will and Caleb investigated the site of a deceased homeless man. They discovered that plastic takeout containers in the area had been intentionally contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a highly toxic bacterium that attacks the central nervous system. Meanwhile, Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin), Faith (Iantha Richardson), and Franklin (Kevin Daniels) were assigned the critical task of transporting the first batch of CDC-approved antitoxin from a warehouse to the hospital. However, a corrupt officer affiliated with the Founder’s Front led them straight into a trap in a location devoid of GPS or radio signals.

Compounding the chaos, the terrorists took Deputy Director Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) hostage in her office at the GBI, demanding the release of another police custody member in exchange for her safety. Despite the imminent threat to Amanda’s life, Will had to leave with Caleb in search of the lab where the bacteria was being aerosolized. Fortunately, Angie (Erika Christensen), a detective who had been hiding in the restroom during the onslaught, devised a plan that successfully eliminated the terrorists within the office. However, she was unable to prevent one of the assailants from shooting Amanda in the chest.

In a surprising turn of events, Ormewood, Faith, and Franklin successfully fended off a group of Founder’s Front members with unexpected help from a van full of junior national archery champions present at the crime scene. They managed to shoot flaming arrows into enemy territory, showcasing a blend of humor and suspense. Just when it appeared that one last gunman was poised to shoot Ormewood at point-blank range, Will, having coerced a worker in the makeshift lab to reveal the ambush location, intervened dramatically by hitting the terrorist with his car, effectively saving the day. The antitoxin was ultimately transported to the hospitals successfully. However, later that evening, Ormewood, who had recently received a brain tumor diagnosis, unexpectedly collapsed in his kitchen, leaving viewers in shock.

“The primary challenge for us was to ensure we didn’t lose the emotional connections that our audience has come to love from this show,” Thomsen explains. “It was crucial to intertwine all of these character arcs that could either flourish or falter simultaneously, allowing for a bioweapon assault while still keeping the audience emotionally tied to each character’s journey.”

As they gear up to reopen the writers’ room for Season 4, set to premiere in early 2026, Heldens and Thomsen delve into the two emotional cliffhangers, discussing the implications of Angie’s pregnancy with Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley) for her future with Will, and the decision to introduce a brand-new character as Will’s father instead of a pivotal figure from executive producer Karin Slaughter’s novels.

Exploring the Emotional Cliffhangers: Amanda’s Coma and Ormewood’s Seizure

Liz Heldens: For Will, the narrative arc involving the introduction of his father and the threat to his surrogate mother’s life felt essential. I was present on set during the filming of that hospital scene, and I found it profoundly moving. It was 2:00 AM, and these moments felt incredibly raw. Will has never disclosed these feelings to her. Both characters are awkward when it comes to expressing emotions, and much remains unsaid between them, which I find intriguing as a writer. This marked the first instance where Will openly conveyed her significance in his life, recognizing her as a stabilizing force during a tumultuous time. The weight of change in his life made it imperative that he didn’t lose her, creating a deeply emotional cliffhanger, leaving hope that he could voice these sentiments once she recovers.

Daniel Thomsen: Regarding Ormewood, following the major revelation of his tumor in Episode 14, we aimed to balance the narrative. While he is taking steps forward, he remains in denial and isn’t quite ready to confront the surgery, fearing the potential complications. He has yet to face the reality of receiving potentially devastating news about his tumor’s nature.

We wanted to create a poignant moment as he prepares to inform his children about the tumor—a powerful scene for me. There’s a pre-scene that was Liz’s brilliant idea, where as he gears up to talk to his children, he overhears them in the next room playing and joking together. In that moment, he reflects, “These are my children. I love them dearly. They are a part of me, and now I must go change their world.” This underscores the emotional complexity of his situation. It’s dramatically fascinating that this entire team has just saved the world, and now he deserves a moment of respite, only to suddenly face his reality with a harsh twist.

Unpacking the Evolution of Will’s Paternal Relationships

Thomsen: We initially introduced Greg Germann as James Ulster, the convicted serial killer who claimed to be Will’s biological father, at the end of Season 1. However, in Season 3, we revealed Sheriff Caleb Broussard as Will’s true biological father. We always had a sense that this shift would create a different type of father-son dynamic than what we initially presented to our viewers. Our creative instincts guided us toward this change, as the original narrative felt somewhat predictable, and we wanted to avoid that path. Moreover, Ulster’s character lacks any potential for redemption, making his interactions with Will thrilling but ultimately devoid of emotional depth.

We aimed to introduce Caleb as a distinct type of law enforcement officer, one with different philosophies regarding justice and duty. Yet, despite their differences, there are undeniable similarities that make them feel like two peas in a pod. One aspect that surprised me was how Yul, in embodying the character, made me want to see more of their interactions. Initially, I anticipated there would be more friction between them, but their chemistry has proven too compelling. Thus, our challenge for the next season will be to maintain some tension without allowing their relationship to become overly harmonious.

Heldens: I believe James Ulster will likely have perspectives on Will discovering his true biological father, which will provide us with rich narrative material to explore.

The Impact of Angie’s Pregnancy on Her Relationship with Will

Heldens: The relationship between Angie and Will is the emotional core of our series. They have known each other since childhood and share a unique bond that allows them to understand each other deeply. In the final scene, when they gaze at the ultrasound, there’s a whirlwind of emotions between them. They finish each other’s sentences, demonstrating a profound connection that transcends spoken language. They instinctively know what the other is feeling at that moment, showcasing their deep-rooted understanding.

We have yet to discover what could truly drive a wedge between them. Even during tumultuous moments, such as when he arrested her, they eventually found their way back to each other while working a case together. We enjoy writing scenes that showcase their dynamic and how they navigate their relationship. We don’t know exactly where their journey will lead. However, Angie’s pregnancy presents an intriguing narrative for her character, and Will’s willingness to support her through this journey—despite the awkwardness of their situation—adds depth to their story, highlighting the complexities of real-life relationships that we strive to capture in our writing.

The Audience’s Divided Opinion on Angie’s Romantic Future

Heldens: That’s an intriguing question. For us, these characters are continually evolving. Life is about change; they’re not static. While everyone enjoys seeing them together, they also appreciate their individual journeys. Our audience wants to witness growth and transformation, coupled with ongoing friction between characters. We haven’t conducted a formal poll, have we, Dan?

Thomsen: I don’t believe we have. However, I will mention a scene from this season. During the planning phase to send Will undercover into a cult, there was a poignant moment where Angie expresses her concern, saying, “This is a bad idea. I’m the only one saying this. Amanda, you’re his mother. Step in here.” Despite the turmoil they’ve faced, there’s still a lingering love. This raises questions about whether this could evolve into a romantic endgame. I would be surprised if we found a narrative that successfully separates them as they navigate life together, but I’m uncertain about the exact shape of their future relationship.

Anticipating Future Developments in Season 4

Heldens: You’ve caught us during a time of reflection as we seek inspiration, but we have set several exciting plotlines in motion. Will is about to experience what it means to navigate the complexities of his chosen family while also confronting the family dynamics that fate has presented him. Meanwhile, Angie will embark on her journey through pregnancy, and I’m eager to see her embrace this new chapter while remaining a strong presence.

Thomsen: Liz and I have a deep appreciation for broadcast television. We understand the necessity for a stable ecosystem, but we also enjoy pushing the boundaries of transformation within that framework. We’ve discussed a pivotal scene between Will and Amanda, where he speaks to her while she is under anesthesia. If this moment had occurred in Season 1, he wouldn’t have been able to express those feelings. His character has undergone significant growth, and this moment felt right because we’ve all experienced substantial changes. In Season 4, we aim to explore new avenues for further transformation for all characters in the show.

Possibility of Gina Rodriguez’s Return as District Attorney Marion Alba

Heldens: We absolutely adore her. She’s a phenomenal actor and an amazing person. While I cannot confirm anything, the door is definitely open for her return. There’s no narrative reason why she couldn’t come back to the story.

Thomsen: I believe Will has unresolved matters he wishes to discuss with her, and we are hopeful for the opportunity to make that happen. However, she’s quite in demand—she’s a star!

The Future of Sara Linton in the “Will Trent” Series Adaptation

Heldens: A significant aspect of our journey was casting Erika Christensen as Angie. Once we witnessed the depth and range she brought to the character, it became challenging to not focus on her. I’m uncertain about Sara’s potential inclusion in the story at this moment.

Thomsen: I feel our portrayal of Angie has evolved into a blend of both Angie and Sara, particularly regarding her emotional relationship with Will. The Angie in the books is a harsher character who doesn’t complement Will as effectively, and we decided early on that our version of Angie needed to possess greater independence and strength. We wanted the audience to invest in her character on her own merits, not merely as Will’s love interest. Currently, the intricate dynamics of Angie’s relationship with Will, coupled with Gina’s availability for ten episodes, led us to conclude that introducing Sara this season was not necessary.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.