Why Was Scott Foley Killed Off on ‘Will Trent’?
What To Know
- The latest season of Will Trent included not one but two major deaths.
- Here’s why the creatives decided to go with the route of devastation.
After the devastating death of Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) in Will Trent Season 4, we were truly shocked when yet another major character was killed off in the finale. Dr. Seth (Scott Foley) had quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his loving treatment of Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen), whose happiness over their whirlwind romance, marriage, and pregnancy was positively infectious. Even those who might have been rooting for Angie and Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) to reunite after their gut-wrenching breakup had to admit that Seth was a good guy, plain and simple, and that he was good for Angie. So, to see him taken away at such a tender moment as the ride to the hospital for Angie to give birth was a true gutwallop.
So, why was the character killed off? Cocreator Liz Heldens previously told TV Insider of the decision to kill off both Amanda and Seth this season, “Going into Season 5, it just really felt like we needed a reset and some new energy, and some new dynamics… These were really hard and emotional decisions for the writers. There was a lot of back and forth in the room, but, eventually, we did what we thought was best for the future of the show. But yeah, both of them are heartbreakers for sure.”
She also talked about the potential future impact on Angie as the show moves forward, saying, “What I hope sticks with her is the experience and the maturity that she gained from being in a relationship that was functioning. It was really two adults, give and take. I don’t think she’s going to carry the trauma with her in terms of — none of it was her fault. It wasn’t anything she brought on. I hope she looks at Seth as a gift that she got and that it will bring her closer with Will in the future, eventually. So, that’s what I hope.”
For Foley’s part, he seemed to take the decision in stride, sharing a photo that he received of his name in the credits alongside a picture of the beloved pooch Betty. However, when he previously hinted at his character having a grim fate earlier in the year, he had a different theory about why Seth wouldn’t “get the girl.” The actor told a crowd, “The show’s called Will Trent. My character’s not getting the girl.” He also reacted to those fans who pointed out his characters’ string of bad luck on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal by saying, “Oh, they’ve noticed that, have they? … It seems to work out that way.”
In other words, it was both a creative decision and possibly a bit of TV tradition for the actor involved.
Will Trent, Season 5, Premiere Date TBA, ABC
Conversation11 Comments
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S
The writers made a big mistake this season with their storylines. Disappointed. They need to go back to the good old cases and crime solving type episodes like season 1.
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G
It’s lazy writing to turn to over-used tropes for dramatic effect. The two deaths derailed the show.
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8
They are so full of it. It was about budget and contract renewals for the actors. It wasn't about "cReAtIvItY". It was about money
5
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R
Excluding this last season, Will Trent was excellent. I never missed an episode. 5his season was painfully boring and a number of episodes I did not finish watching. The writers this season killed the show.
I cannot find anyone who had enjoyed this season.
Good bye Will!
5
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T
I enjoyed the season. Was very sad to see Amanda and Seth pass on but still felt the show was can't-miss TV. Will Trent is still -- easily -- the best drama on network TV today.
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J
Have to admit, both deaths were a shock. Especially Amanda's.
4
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A
I like Will Trent, I like Angie, I miss Amanda, but I also like that other detective, the white guy..
i for one will keep watching that show.
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K
Will Trent needs to get back with Angie! The show needs to stop bringing criminals back from the dead don't like that story line at all. get back to season 1 solving crimes LOVE Betty !!
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A
I hate that they got rid of both characters especially Amanda. I loved her character, she was very funny in a quirky way. Seth was great for Angie even though I want her with Will.
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O
I believe some of the lame west coast political agendas shall slither farther into what was a well balanced crime show...where characters were connected by more than work... The childhood victims of impoverishment, drugged, and drunks for parents ...exploited these children...abandoned these children...same as today where drug using over sexed drunks Will Not Raise their children. Did a writer leave? Pink Slipping two excellent actors seems odd when maybe a new writing team , or an addition could have provided stability to these disjointed plots....
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O
Cool spoilers right in the headline. Guess I don't need to finish the season.
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